NBE Excellence Awards
We're delighted to once again be celebrating the fantastic work of Moving & Handling practitioners and suppliers at the NBE Excellence Awards!
From rising stars to innovative practices we will be celebrating all areas of Moving & Handling and applauding those who go above and beyond to ensure safe practices and optimal care for patients. We have a number of categories to choose from. Select from the below and submit your nomination online.
Nominations are now open and the deadline for entries is: 30th June 2026
Categories 2026
Do you know a person who has worked in the field of Moving & Handling for less than 3 years but has already made a significant difference to their organisation, team and service users? Does the individual have the talent to be a future leader and innovator with the potential to shape the future of Moving & Handling?
The rising star award celebrates an individual who is setting the standard for success in an organisation and NBE wants to celebrate and recognise new talent and commitment to the field of Moving & Handling.
Judges will be looking for evidence on:
- The individual's contribution to their team/organisation
- How their work has positively impacted the service user or patient
- Innovative ways of working – examples of new ideas, ways to improve in the role
- Evidence of undertaking increased responsibility and leadership skills
Do you know a practitioner who consistently demonstrates outstanding skill, dedication and professionalism in the field of Moving & Handling? Has this individual made a meaningful and measurable impact on the quality of care provided to service users or patients? Do they champion safe practice, act as a role model for colleagues, and contribute to a positive culture of safety, dignity and excellence? Have they shown initiative, creativity and commitment in improving day‑to‑day Moving & Handling practice within their team or organisation?
The Moving & Handling Practitioner of the Year award recognises an individual who exemplifies best practice in the profession. This award celebrates those who deliver exceptional hands‑on care, uphold high standards, and make a significant contribution to improving safety and outcomes for both staff and service users. NBE aims to honour practitioners who demonstrate passion, consistency and excellence in their role.
Judges will be looking for evidence on:
- Demonstrated excellence in day‑to‑day Moving & Handling practice, showing advanced skill, accuracy and safe technique
- How their practice has directly improved outcomes or experiences for service users or patients – include measurable or observed results
- Examples of proactive problem‑solving, creativity, or innovative approaches that enhance safety or efficiency in the workplace
- Commitment to personal development and ongoing learning, contributing to high‑quality, evidence‑based practice
- Positive influence on colleagues through role modelling, informal teaching, supporting others or contributing to a culture of safety and teamwork
Do you know an individual who has worked in the field of Moving & Handling for more than 5 years in a senior leadership role? Has this individual made a significant impact on your organisation or within organisations they have been employed in the field of Moving & Handling? Have they influenced, directed and managed positive changes and culture within a team or organisation. Do they support and develop others in the field and influence positive relationships and collaborative work with stakeholders? Have they demonstrated leadership in the development of projects and research to support evidence-based practice?
The senior leadership award celebrates an individual who shows exemplary talent for leadership that has had a significant and positive impact on their organisation, teams and individuals in the field of Moving & Handling. NBE wants to celebrate its senior leaders and recognise their commitment within the profession.
Judges will be looking for evidence on:
- Evidence of continued learning and an advance understanding of the theory and practice.
- How their work has positively impacted the service user or patient – provide results
- Innovative ways of working – examples include introduction of new technology, influencing long term change, across department partnerships etc
- Leadership skills, providing a positive working environment
Do you know a team, individual or industry partner who have shown real innovation in the field of Moving & Handling? Innovation could be in the practical implementation of ideas or practices, the delivery of new or improved services or the design and manufacture of products or equipment that directly and positively impacts on the safety and comfort of people using that product.
The Innovation Award celebrates the forward thinking, person-centred new idea, method or concept by an individual, company or team. NBE wants to celebrate the talent that recognises a need and meets that need with the individual right at the centre of that innovation.
Judges will be looking for evidence of:
- How the changes were identified, moved forward and delivered
- The impact of new initiatives on the organisation and or the patients / service users
- Results of investment – these could be cost savings, resource, improvement in patient care.
- Long term plans and future initiatives
Do you know a team working in the field of Moving & Handling who have had the biggest positive impact on improving care for their customers/patients? Does the team work to support their organisations aims and objectives with a focus on person centered care and positive outcomes. Have they contributed to national research in best practice, used innovative approaches to delivering care, training or used existing resources creatively when resources are limited?
Judges will be looking for evidence of:
- How your team has positively impacted the organisation, patients and service users.
- Initiatives undertaken for staff development, creating a positive team culture and fostering diversity and inclusivity within the work environment.
- Implementation of innovative practices and new technology to enhance service delivery
- Commitment to care and well-being of patients, creative use of resource and any limitations overcome
Do you know a team working in the field of Moving & Handling who have had the biggest positive impact on improving care for their customers/patients? Does the team work to support their organisations aims and objectives with a focus on person centered care and positive outcomes. Have they contributed to national research in best practice, used innovative approaches to delivering care, training or used existing resources creatively when resources are limited?
Judges will be looking for evidence of:
- How your team has positively impacted the organisation, patients and service users.
- Initiatives undertaken for staff development, creating a positive team culture and fostering diversity and inclusivity within the work environment.
- Implementation of innovative practices and new technology to enhance service delivery
- Commitment to care and well-being of patients, creative use of resource and any limitations overcome
Do you know an individual that works in the field of Moving & Handling who has made a significant impact on an individual or a team in your organisation or within NBE by using their outstanding mentorship skills? Has the individual demonstrated these skills by dedicating their time, knowledge and energy for the purposes of sharing their skills and knowledge to guide, nurture, and support mentees leading to a positive change within a team or organisation?
The Simon Love Mentorship award celebrates an individual who shows exemplary talent for mentorship that has had a significant and positive impact on an organisation, team or individual in the field of Moving & Handling. NBE wants to celebrate its outstanding Mentors and recognise their commitment to the growth of the profession by their positive and supportive influence on its members.
Judges will be looking for evidence on
- Mentorship activities undertaken
- The skills and knowledge the mentor uses that make them outstanding
- Creative or problem solving ways the mentor used their skills and knowledge to identify and resolve issues raise during the mentoring process
- How the implementation of mentored activities enhance service delivery
Congratulations to our 2025 winners and finalists!
CATEGORY: Rising Star of the Year
WINNER: Anupa Binoy, The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Finalists:
Charlotte Williams, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust MLCC Team
Kathryn Auckland, Cheshire West and Chester Council
Chris Kent and Daniel Cordwell, Wakefield Council
Dani Paige, Supportive Action Ltd
Anupa Binoy, The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Justin Alpha, Royal Free Hospital NHS Trust
Heidi Bright, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
CATEGORY: Simon Love Mentor Award
WINNER: Penny Townsend, Moving and Handling Consultant
Finalists:
Helen Naylor, Bradford Teaching Hospital
Penny Townsend, Moving and Handling Consultant
Sian Mills, Hywel Dda University Health Board
CATEGORY: Innovation Award
WINNER: Lee Quickmire, Jeenie Solutions Ltd
Finalists:
Rachel Jones, Harrogate & District NHS Foundation Trust
Alex Mimmack, Drive DeVilbiss
Lee Sherwood, Elevate Handling
Lindsey Murray and Sally Morrow, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust / Manchester University NHS FT
Lee Quickmire, Jeenie Solutions Ltd
CATEGORY: Maggie Williams Senior Leadership Award
WINNER: Isaac Ferneyhough, East Suffolk & North Essex NHS FT
Finalists:
Prof Mike Fray, Loughborough University
Mary Muir, Arjo
Isaac Ferneyhough, East Suffolk & North Essex NHS FT
Penny Townsend, Moving and Handling Consultant
Clare Parkinson, NHS
CATEGORY: Social Care Team of the Year
WINNER: The Cheshire East Council Occupational Therapy Team
Finalists:
Limitless Care
Caremark Kirklees
Kirklees Council Moving & Handling Ergonomics Team
The Cheshire East Council Occupational Therapy Team
CATEGORY: Healthcare Team of the Year
WINNER: Moving and Handling Team, Manchester University NHSFT
Finalists:
Moving and Handling Team, Bradford Teaching Hospitals
Guys and St Thomas Manual Handling team
Moving and Handling Team, Manchester University NHSFT
Moving and Handling Ergonomics Team, Walsall Healthcare
The Manual Handling Team, Royal Free London
CATEGORY: ESG Impact Award
WINNER: Simply Moving & Sleeping