Members were welcomed to RCN headquarters in London recently for the RCN Awards 2026, to celebrate the outstanding contributions they’ve made during the year – from supporting colleagues, to influencing positive change and strengthening the nursing profession.

This year Yorkshire & the Humber member Rachel Hollis FRCN received the prestigious Award of Merit, the highest honour for voluntary service for the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). 

The Award of Merit recognises those who have gone above and beyond to support fellow members. Rachel was the main architect shaping Professional Nursing Committee (PNC) – as vice chair, then chair. But Rachel’s skills went beyond PNC, so she became an obvious choice for events and forums, commanding respect and bringing calm to impassioned debates.

Committed to the RCN, Rachel supported the equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) work of the college and championed the oppressed. She also forged closer bonds with others, from the Trade Union Committee to the RCN’s Student and Nursing Support Worker committees.

The Awards evening was held at the end of March. It was hosted by broadcaster and writer Susie Dent and opened by RCN President Bejoy Sebastian and RCN Chair of Council Carmel O’Boyle.

Award recipients reflected the breadth and diversity of the RCN membership, with awards presented to RCN reps, students, internationally educated nursing staff, forum members and nursing support workers.

Regional Director for Yorkshire & the Humber region Peta Clark said: 

"I am proud and delighted that Rachel’s incredible work and commitment to the RCN has been recognised at this year's RCN Awards. 

“The RCN Awards are presented to those who have made an outstanding contribution to nursing, either in their area of professional practice or in their support of their peers and colleagues.

“Rachel has made an exceptional difference to the Royal College and was the driving force behind the Professional Nursing Committee (PNC), and helped to shape and strengthen its work. Her talents  extend well beyond PNC and her influence has extended across the RCN including the Yorkshire & the Humber Regional Board. Rachel is a truly deserving recipient of this Award.”

With thanks to our RCN partners: LV, Quilter Financial, PG Mutual.