Practice Education Awards celebrate excellence across healthcare professions

The School of Healthcare Sciences celebrated the outstanding contribution of practice educators and practice supervisors at the 2026 Practice Education Awards.

The awards recognised excellence in practice education across Adult, Child and Mental Health Nursing, Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging, and Radiotherapy and Oncology.

Held on 8 July, the School welcomed students, staff and practice partners from healthcare organisations across Wales to recognise the dedication, expertise and innovation of colleagues who support learning in practice settings and help shape the future healthcare workforce. Students nominated practice educators and supervisors who had made a significant difference to their learning, placing student experiences at the heart of the awards. The Chief Midwifery and Health Science Officers also congratulated the award winners.

The awards recognise excellence in practice education, celebrate the invaluable contribution of practice educators and supervisors, and strengthen partnerships between Cardiff University and practice learning environments. They also highlight the positive impact that high-quality practice learning has on student experience, professional development and patient care.

Nerys Kirtley, Midwifery Lecturer and Learning in Practice Lead, said:

"The Practice Education Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the exceptional commitment of our practice educators and supervisors. Their dedication, expertise and support play a vital role in developing the next generation of healthcare professionals. We are incredibly grateful to all our practice partners for the invaluable contribution they make to our students' learning and future careers and proud of the students for nominating them."

One student involved in the event said:

"It was a privilege to be part of the awards and to recognise the practice educators and practice supervisors who have made such a positive difference to our learning. Their encouragement, knowledge and support have helped build our confidence and prepared us for our future careers in healthcare."

By celebrating excellence and sharing good practice, the School continues to strengthen partnerships with healthcare providers across Wales, promote a culture of recognition and support continued excellence in practice education for the benefit of students, educators, employers, patients and communities.