RCN Awards
Celebrating the very best in nursing, the annual RCN Awards present Fellowships and Awards of Merit to those who have given an outstanding contribution to nursing, along with honours for the Learning Representative, Safety Representative and Steward of the Year.
Awards of Merit
RCN Awards of Merit are given to those who have made an exceptional contribution to the RCN.
Tracey Budding
Tracey is an accredited representative who is passionate, committed and knowledgeable, and always prepared to challenge employers on any issues that she feels are unfair or detrimental to the people she works to hard to represent.
Geoff Earl
Geoff supported the training of new nurses in Malawi and has ensured that the population has access to high quality nursing care, saving thousands of lives.
Robert Moore
Robert has played a critical role in the high profile of the RCN in Northern Ireland, particularly among the country’s politicians, by sharing his expert knowledge on matters relating to health and safety.
RCN Fellowships
RCN Fellowships are awarded to RCN members who are registered nurses in the UK and who have made an exceptional contribution to nursing or health care.
Dame Christine Beasley
Dame Christine was appointed as Chief Nursing Officer for England in 2004. She has been a key friend of the College and has worked alongside the RCN to influence government, policy and practice.
Professor Jane Coad
Jane has a distinguished career in the field of children and young people’s nursing and she has influenced both policy and practice in this vital field, working to bring about real change through the power of good research and evidence.
Dr Hazel Heath
Hazel has dedicated her working life to the care of older people, and the powerful contribution that nursing care makes to their lives.
Professor Maggie Kirk
Maggie has worked tirelessly to promote greater awareness of genetic and genomic education amongst health professionals and to integrate her competence-based educational programme into the pre-registration curriculum.
Donna May Mead
Donna is Dean of the Faculty of Health, Sport and Science at the University of Glamorgan and a Pro-Vice Chancellor. Her research is patient focused, with the aim of improving care and doing the very best for those in need.
Colin Roberts
Colin’s research includes promoting the advanced clinical roles and responsibilities of nurses and nurse-led clinics and has activity promoted the educational standing of nurses, particularly in the development of advanced nurse practitioners.
Professor Ray Rowden
Ray has pioneered the use of music and the arts in health care and has personally raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to support the use of arts in health. He has volunteered in Europe and India to improve conditions for patients in mental health settings.
Professor Julie Taylor
Julie is recognised and acknowledged as a leading expert on child protection. She has had a real influence on national policy in this critically important area, and has worked tirelessly to improve child protection and ensure that the voice of nursing is heard loud and clear.
Honorary Fellowships
Honorary RCN Fellowships are awarded to individuals who are not nurses, but have had a significant impact on nursing or health care. They may also be bestowed upon nurses registered outside the UK who have made an exceptional contribution within their country or internationally.
Professor Martha Hill of the United States
Martha is a world renowned researcher, educator and champion for nursing. She has made a seminal impact to the development of cardiovascular interventions in hard to reach groups using innovative ways of reaching out to patients.
Lord Willis of Knaresborough
Lord Willis has constantly championed the rights of young people and patients, and campaigns for social justice, equality and diversity. In 2012, the RCN asked Lord Willis to lead an independent commission on the future of nurse education, and he delivered his seminal report in November last year.
Professor Sir Alan Craft
Sir Alan has spent his working life improving access to high quality care for children with life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses, recognising the crucial role played by nurses in caring for children with cancer.
RCN Learning Representative of the Year 2012
Awarded to: Amanda Eliff, East Midlands
Amanda has led the way in the recruitment of other Learning Reps in her Branch. She is a powerful advocate for the RCN, building connections right across her hospital and ensuring that the Chief Nurse is well aware of the latest learning and development opportunities available.
Highly Commended: Paul Richards, Wales
RCN Safety Representative of the Year 2012
Awarded to: Ray Gerrard, North West
Ray was accredited as a Safety Rep in 2009, and became the first rep in his workplace for many years. He has been highly successful in raising the profile and understanding of safety issues.
Highly Commended: Pauline Hurst, East Midlands
RCN Steward of the Year 2012
Awarded to: Charles Conibear, South West
Through organising joint-union protests, speaking to local media, and organising meetings for hundreds of members, Charles has played a key role in the eventual demise of the South West Pay Cartel.
Highly Commended: Michael Smith, London and Kenny McNeil, South East
