A leading advocate for social inclusion in mental health, a mother who has shared her experience of severe postnatal illness to support others, and a psychiatrist whose leadership has shaped national debates on some of the most complex issues in healthcare were among those recognised at the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ annual psychiatry awards on Thursday.
The RCPsych Awards, presented at a ceremony at RCPsych’s London office on Prescot Street, celebrated outstanding contributions to psychiatry and mental healthcare across the UK and internationally.
The event brought together leading figures from across healthcare, academia and public life, including Professor Frankie Swords, National Medical Director at NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care; Dr Nick Broughton, Chief Executive of NHS Thames Valley Integrated Care Board and National Mental Health Director; Professor Nicola Ranger, General Secretary and Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing; Baroness Hilary Cass; and Dr Joan Marsh, Editor of The Lancet Psychiatry.
This year, the College received 164 nominations across the awards categories, recognising achievements in patient advocacy, clinical care, research, education, communication and service innovation.
A particular highlight of this year’s awards was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr Jed Boardman, in recognition of his longstanding contribution to psychiatry, social inclusion and mental health policy.
A consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer in social psychiatry with South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, and senior policy adviser at the Centre for Mental Health, Dr Boardman has spent decades championing the rights and opportunities of people living with mental illness.
Dr Boardman is the College’s lead on social inclusion, ensuring the experiences of people with mental illness are reflected in policy development, his work has helped influence the UK Government’s thinking on welfare reform. He has also contributed to changes that have improved access to insurance products for people with mental health conditions.
On receiving the award, Dr Boardman said:
“It is an honour and a surprise to be given the Award. Who would believe you could get a prize for doing a job that you loved!
“Much of my career has been driven by the belief that people with mental illness should have the same opportunities as everyone else to live fulfilling lives. We have made real progress, but there is still more to do to tackle exclusion and inequality.
“I am proud to have played a small part in that journey and grateful to the many colleagues, patients and carers who have inspired me along the way.”
Alongside the Lifetime Achievement Award, the College recognised exceptional achievements across the mental health community.
Danielle Sands was named Patient Contributor of the Year for her work supporting mothers experiencing perinatal mental illness.
Following her recovery from severe postnatal depression, PTSD and anxiety, she has become a powerful advocate for improved perinatal mental health services in Northern Ireland, helping to raise awareness and provide support for women facing similar challenges.
She said:
“I am honoured to receive this Award, I am completely shocked. I will forever be grateful to the team that supported me, and if this can help another mum who is going through a really scary period, then I will have made a difference. This inspires me to keep going, and to know there are better times ahead for mums’ perinatal health.”
The prestigious Psychiatrist of the Year award was presented to Dr Annabel Price, from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, in recognition of her national leadership, clinical excellence and work in old age liaison and palliative care psychiatry, especially surrounding the College’s work on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill for England and Wales.
Dr Price said:
“I am truly overwhelmed to receive this award. I have been fortunate to work alongside wonderful friends and colleagues, many of whom are just as deserving of this recognition. It is a privilege to work with patients at the end of their lives, and is a lifelong passion, which I am committed to continuing. A huge thank you the College for this award.”
The College recognised excellence through a further 13 awards, including Medical Student of the Year and Psychiatric Educator of the Year, as well as a number of team awards, delivering innovative care across children and young people's mental health, older adult services and intellectual disability.
Immediate past President Dr Lade Smith CBE also distributed a number of President’s Medals for outstanding contributions during her tenure between 2023 and 2026.
Professor Subodh Dave, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:
“Congratulations to all our winners, and to the more than 160 people and teams nominated for this year’s awards. I am particularly delighted to welcome nominees and winners from our international colleagues for the first time, showcasing excellence across the world.
“The quality and breadth of the nominations reflect the extraordinary commitment that exists across our profession and the wider mental health community, at a time of real pressure for our workforce.
“Each of the winners has done something extraordinary for patients, and shown that persistence matters, purpose delivers and passion counts.
“A special congratulations to Dr Jed Boardman on receiving this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. A tireless champion for social inclusion, his influence has made a lasting impact on policy and improved practice for countless people.”
The evening also featured the unveiling of the College's donor recognition wall, celebrating the generosity of supporters who have helped advance psychiatric research, education and advocacy. Donors recognised included Baroness Butler-Sloss and Baroness O'Grady, alongside other supporters whose philanthropy has contributed to the College's work.
Take a look at the full list of award winners to discover more.
For further information, please contact:
- Email: press@rcpsych.ac.uk
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