Spark of Excellence Staff Award

The Spark of Excellence Staff Award celebrates the dedication and impact of individuals working within our system here in Greater Manchester, and it recognises those who go above and beyond in their commitment to supporting those with cancer. This category is open to individuals working in any role in our cancer system, but they must exemplify compassion, dedication and excellence in their particular field.

Our judges are looking for:

  • An overview of the achievements made by this individual within their role
  • Evidence of working with patients or members of the public to improve cancer services, outcomes or experiences
  • The individual must be working within cancer services within Greater Manchester. They do not need to be an NHS employee.

Nominations can be submitted for a colleague or as a self-nomination in this category.

This is the entry form for the Greater Manchester Cancer Spark of Excellence Staff Award 2026. Please use this space to tell our judges about the person / team that you are entering.

Please get straight to the point - remember our judges will have a lot to read!

Each category asks different questions, so please don't copy and paste as you may miss some of the most important questions.

Your Details

Please provide details of the team making the entry to allow us to contact you.

Summary

Please provide us with a short summary of your nominee or team in no more than 150 words. This may be added to our website after the awards, or used within press articles, enabling us to share knowledge and promote best practice cross the Greater Manchester system.(150 words max)

About the Staff Member

Please give clear evidence of why the nominated individual meets the criteria for the award. Please include evidence of their dedication, commitment and excellence in supporting those with cancer.  A mixture of qualitative and quantitative data, which may include patient or professional testimonies is also acceptable. Please indicate if any data is unsuitable to be shared externally. (500 words)

Working Collaboratively

Collaboration is something we are proud of in Greater Manchester and we regularly see a range of individuals, teams and organisations working together. Explain any collaborations the nominated individual is currently involved in and how these collaborations have benefited their work. You should also include information on involvement with people affected by cancer or members of the public and how they have been able to help to shape the nominees work.  (400 words max)

Inequalities

Health inequalities exist throughout our population and reducing these are a critical element to improve the health and cancer outcomes of our population. Discuss the considerations given to reducing inequality as part of the nominated individual’s work, along with the inequalities identified and how their work has addressed these.  (400 words max)

Other Comments

Include any other comments, information or testimonials that you feel are relevant to your submission that will help the judges to understand why the person being nominated should be considered for this award. (200 words max)

Upload Image

Please include one image with your entry, which will be used on our website if your entry is shortlisted.

Accepted file types are .pdf, .jpg, .gif and .png only. Maximum file size is 15mb.

Please do not include any confidential information within your entry form. If you have confidential information included within your entry, please contact gmcancer.comms@nhs.net for help submitting information securely.

What Happens Next?

The closing date for entries is Friday 27th February.

Judging will take place during March, and if you are shortlisted you will be notified by Thursday 26th March.

Shortlisted teams will be required to make someone available to be filmed for a 1 minute film talking about their entry. This film will be available on our website, and will be used by patient and carer representatives to vote for the Patients Choice Award. Filming will take place on Tuesday 7th or Wednesday 8th April at a convenient location.

Each shortlisted team will be invited to the Awards Ceremony on the evening of 12th May 2026, where the winners will be announced.  The ceremony will take place at the Deansgate Hotel (formerly the Hilton), Manchester.

THE JUDGES DECISION WILL BE FINAL.