MONDAY, 27 OCTOBER, 2025

For immediate release. photo attached: Staff and volunteers help launch NHS Tayside STAR Awards 2025-26

Nominations are now open for NHS Tayside STAR Awards 2025-26

NHS Tayside STAR Awards 2025-26 was launched today at Ninewells Hospital with the help of previous winners, staff and volunteers.

Now in its eighth year, the STAR Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the dedication, compassion, and innovation shown by staff and volunteers working in every area of NHS Tayside and in our local health and social care partnerships.

Nominations are now open to recognise individuals, teams and services that deliver outstanding patient care or go the extra mile in their job. The awards acknowledge that, from frontline clinical teams to behind-the-scenes support staff, every role plays a vital part in improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Tayside.

Joining some of the 2024-25 STAR Award winners and staff at the launch event were NHS Tayside Chief Executive Nicky Connor, Employee Director Jenny Alexander and non-executive Board member Sam Riddell.

NHS Tayside Chief Executive Nicky Connor said, “I am very proud to launch the NHS Tayside STAR Awards 2025-26. Last year we received an amazing 1082 nominations each one highlighting the fantastic work of individuals and teams working in Tayside.

“These awards truly are a celebration of the outstanding efforts of our health and social care staff who deliver compassionate, expert care to patients and service users across a wide range of specialties both in our hospitals and in community settings.

“I encourage everyone - staff and the public alike - to take a moment to nominate their STAR, whether it’s an individual who’s gone the extra mile or a team that’s made a real impact. Let’s recognise and thank those who make a difference every day.”

Every day, staff go above and beyond, showing unwavering dedication, professionalism, and kindness. Whether supporting someone through a difficult diagnosis, providing care at home, or working behind the scenes to keep services running smoothly, each contribution matters deeply.

Employee Director Jenny Alexander said, “Across Tayside, staff go above and beyond every day, whether they’re on the front lines or behind the scenes, their dedication keeps services running smoothly and makes a real difference to patients, families, and communities.

“The STAR Awards are a brilliant way to shine a light on the incredible work happening across Tayside. Every nomination is a powerful reminder that someone’s efforts have been seen and appreciated, especially for those whose roles may not always be visible but are absolutely vital. Getting nominated means a lot to staff members. I encourage everyone to take a moment to nominate a colleague or team who inspires you or made a lasting impact.”

No matter what their job is, any member of NHS Tayside staff can be nominated, including medical and nursing staff, therapists, community staff, support staff, social care staff and those who work in the more ‘hidden’ departments who may not deal with patients on a day-to-day basis. Any volunteer who is recruited by NHS Tayside’s volunteer service team is eligible for the Volunteer Award, such as drivers, welcome guides, gardeners, listening volunteers or ward volunteers.

It is quick and easy to nominate your star online and you can nominate as many times as you wish in each award category so if you know more than one star you don’t have to choose between them. To submit your nomination, visit www.starawardstayside.scot.nhs.uk. The closing date for nominations is Monday 24 November 2025 at 5pm.

Members of the public can nominate their NHS Tayside STARs in eight categories:

1. Clinical Staff Award

2. Support Staff Award

3. Clinical Team Award

4. Support Team Award

5. Young Achiever Award

6. Unsung Hero Award

7. Volunteer Award

8. Social Impact and Global Citizenship Award

There are also three more specialist categories which are open to nominations from NHS Tayside staff and health and social care staff. These are the Innovation and Improvement Award, the Tayside Together Award and the Inspiring Educator/Trainer Award.

Full details of the categories

The award categories open to nominations from members of the public are:

• Clinical Staff Award – a doctor, nurse, healthcare assistant, consultant, surgeon, physiotherapist, occupational therapist etc

Someone who goes the extra mile for their patients or colleagues/NHS Tayside

• Support Staff Award – a domestic assistant, porter, receptionist, service manager, estates or catering staff etc

Someone who goes the extra mile within their job role helping colleagues/NHS Tayside or patients and visitors

• Clinical Team Award – podiatrists, physiotherapists, public health, healthcare assistants, nurses, doctors, a whole ward team of all job families

A team that strives to deliver the best possible quality of health and care for people in Tayside.

• Support Team Award – a service delivery team, laboratory team, administration team, support services team e.g. domestic, porter or catering team

A team that, although not directly providing clinical services, very much supports the delivery of high-quality healthcare in NHS Tayside.

• Young Achiever Award

An individual aged 30 years or younger on 20 March 2026 who has demonstrated outstanding achievement as part of their working life.

• Unsung Hero Award

An individual who, in the course of doing their job, makes a real difference for people in Tayside, but whose work often goes unrecognised.

• Volunteer Award – an individual, group or team of volunteers who are recruited by NHS Tayside’s volunteer services team.

A person or group of people who show dedication to NHS Tayside and its communities by volunteering regularly and going above and beyond their role.

• Social Impact and Global Citizenship Award – an individual, group or team dedicated to making positive change towards a smarter, safer, healthier, and more sustainable environment for people and the planet.

Somebody who champions diversity and inclusivity, demonstrates a strong commitment to social responsibility, and is making a difference at a local, national, or global level. In addition to their health or social care day job, also volunteers or supports global health or social care work.

Nominations close at 5pm on Monday, 24 November, 2025.

The glittering awards ceremony where the winners will be announced is being held in the Apex Hotel, Dundee on 20 March 2026.

The STAR Awards are supported by the NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation, a Registered Scottish Charity supporting NHS Tayside hospitals and services. 

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138