Introduction 

The Awards are the Royal College of Podiatry’s flagship celebration of excellence across the profession. 

They recognise the individuals, teams and communities whose work is improving patient care, advancing knowledge, supporting colleagues and strengthening the future of podiatry.   

The Awards are member-led, with nominations invited from across the profession. This year, 151 nominations were received and reviewed by an independent judging panel before a shortlist of finalists was announced. 

All finalists were invited to the Awards ceremony on 12 June, where the winners were revealed during an evening of celebration. 

Our warmest congratulations to all finalists and, especially, to the winners pictured below. 

Weightmans Rising Star Award

Winner: Claire Atkinson, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust. The award was accepted on her behalf by Cath Allen.

Volunteer of the Year Award 

Winner: Dr Jill Ferrari, Age UK 

Podiatry Careers Champion 

Winner: Ganesh Baliah, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. 

James Hallam Clinical/Academic Educator of the Year Award 

Winner: Dr Ruth Barn, Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU).  

Research and Innovation Award  

Winner: Dr Michael Backhouse for BigToe Inserts. 

The Alf Morris Community Award 

Winner: Emma Price, Open Door Centre in Cheltenham and the Gloucester City Mission.   

The Hive Podiatry Team of the Year Award 

Winner: The Allied Health and Nursing Collaborative Leg Engagement (ANCLE) Café.   

Student of the Year Award

Winner: Arham Khalid, University of Brighton.  

Members’ Choice Award 

Winner: Christopher Ansermoz, Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust. 

Diamond Lifetime Achievement Award 

Winner: Debbie Sharman, Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust. 

Final takeaway 

The Royal College of Podiatry Annual Awards celebrate the people, teams and communities helping to shape the future of podiatry. Congratulations once again to all finalists and winners recognised in 2026.