The Nursing Times Workforce Awards are our annual celebration of the nurses, midwives and employers making a real difference in key areas such as staff recruitment, retention, wellbeing and inclusion. The awards are now in their sixth year, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our finalists for making the shortlist in 2023.

Brilliant work is being carried out by nursing staff, despite what continue to be incredibly tough times for health and social care. Enduring workforce pressures and the legacy of the pandemic are just two of the major issues affecting the profession. These challenges, plus potential solutions and strategies for tackling them, will be discussed at both the Nursing Times Workforce Online Event on 15 November and the Nursing Times Workforce Summit on 21 November at the Hilton London Metropole.

Following the summit, in the evening, we will be highlighting nursing’s workforce achievements at the Nursing Times Workforce Awards. We will be revealing the winners of 17 categories, covering individuals, teams and organisations. Among them are standout awards for Nurse Manager of the Year, Workforce Team of the Year and Best UK Employer of the Year for Nursing Staff. And, returning for a second year, are Best Social Responsibility Programme and Manager of the Year (Non-clinical).

We will also be spotlighting those going the extra mile when trying to attract nursing staff, with categories for Best Recruitment Experience and Best International Recruitment Experience. Just as importantly, we will be celebrating efforts to retain staff, through awards for Best Staff Wellbeing Initiative and Best Employer for Staff Recognition and Engagement.

This year also marks the 75th anniversary of Windrush, marking the huge contribution made to the health and social care workforce by nurses and midwives who migrated to the UK between 1948 and 1971. Sadly, equality, diversity and inclusion still require significant improvement but there is cause for hope. We want to recognise some of the great work being done in this area through our awards for Best Diversity and Inclusion Practice and Diversity and Inclusion Champion of the Year.

In addition, the role of digital technology in workforce planning and management is continuing to grow, as demonstrated by the Nursing Times Digital Forum in October. I am very pleased nurses and midwives are increasingly being recognised for their key role in utilising digital technology. We want to highlight their innovation and leadership with our category for Best Use of Workplace Technology.

Meanwhile, our charity partner for the awards is The Vavengers, with whom Nursing Times has been working closely during 2023. The charity is committed to ending female genital mutilation and other forms of violence against women and girls, by campaigning and providing support and education. They would appreciate any donations that you can spare.

Once the main awards ceremony has finished, there will be the opportunity to dance into the night with our band. You can also pose in the photo booth, test your skills on driving and classic arcade games or top up on fuel with a pick ‘n’ mix and popcorn.

I look forward to seeing you at the 2023 Nursing Times Workforce Awards and meeting some of you on stage to accept one of our trophies. Once again, congratulations to all our finalists.

Steve Ford

Editor

Nursing Times