IHP Awards FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Q. How much does it cost to enter the awards?

A: The current entry rate is £149,  available to the first 20 organisations to select a category and initiate their entry. Once the limit is reached, the price will increase to £199.

The charity rate is £79.

Q: How long is the entry form?

A: There are 5 main criteria sections, each carrying a word count of a maximum of 400 words. Plus there is an upload opportunity to submit supporting evidence. Evidence must be clearly referenced from your entry form and should be compiled into a single PDF containing any relevant documentation or imagery.

Q: What is the eligibility period for an entry?

A: Project based entries are required to be currently active or if completed to have been completed within the past 18 months. Equally evidence for any submitted entries should be current or relevant to the past 2 years. Entries previously submitted in the HSJ Partnership Awards should have a significant update, change of circumstance or result.

Q: What type of organisations are eligible to enter?

A: Entrants must be independent healthcare providers that offer services free at the point of care to NHS patients, in any setting. Projects can be conducted independently or in collaboration with an NHS organisation. While a partnership with the NHS is encouraged, it is not mandatory. 

Q: Who will read my entry and is it confidential?​

A: : All entries submitted to the HSJ Independent Healthcare Providers Awards will be read by our appointed judges, editorial staff and internal awards administrative teams. If you have specific requirements with regards to confidentiality please contact our team to discuss and it’s possible that arrangements can be made for you. 

Q: Do I have to attend the awards ceremony if I enter or am shortlisted?​

A: No, there is no mandatory attendance at the awards ceremony in March 2026. Non-attendance does not preclude your submission from any success. HSJ would encourage you to celebrate your success at the biggest annual celebration of partnership excellence.

Q: Can I withdraw my submission?

A: Yes at any time, just get in touch with our team.

Q: When will I hear about my submission?​

A: Our awards finalists will be announced on 15 December 2026. The awards team will not be able to update you on the progress of your entry before this date.

Q: When will I receive feedback on my entry?​

A: We will provide feedback on request from April 2026, please contact the awards team.

Q: How much does attendance cost?

A: Attendance at the awards ceremony is reserved for shortlisted organisations only. Those shortlisted will be contacted by our team in December 2025 to discuss next steps for attendance.

Q: How will HSJ use my data?

A: In order to enter an award, you need to have an account with us – we require your name, job title, business / work email address, phone number and entrant address. Your personal data provided will be stored in our systems for communication about the HSJ Awards. You may also receive communications from HSJ about relevant products and services. We also encourage you to read our Privacy and Cookies Policy and every communication has a link to manage your preferences or unsubscribe.

Q: What is Awards Force?

A: Awards Force is a third party supplier to HSJ providing web based entry and judging system to manage the programme. Communications to entrants and judges are sent using this system. To find our more information please view https://www.awardforce.com/privacy-policy