AWARDS
2026
Nominations Are Now Open
The iO Awards are back for 2026, celebrating the people, teams and practices making an outstanding contribution to osteopathy.
This year, we have refreshed the Awards to better reflect the many ways our profession is making a difference. Whether it’s delivering exceptional patient care, inspiring future osteopaths, driving innovation or championing the profession, now is the time to start thinking about who deserves to be recognised.
We’ve also introduced a new nomination process and guidance for 2026. Please ensure you read the guidance notes and rules carefully before submitting your entry, as it includes information to help you complete your submission. The full guidance can be found further down this page.
Explore the categories and get nominating today!
Deadline for submissions: Sunday 4 October at 11:59pm.
Nominations are for UK-based nominees and UK-related work completed or becoming evident within the published three-year eligibility period. Registration and iO membership requirements vary by category; please check the relevant category in the Nomination Guidance & Rules before submitting.
Practice of the Year
Small Practice / Team
Recognising outstanding sole practitioners, small practice teams of 1 – 5 practitioners that deliver exceptional patient care and make a positive impact in their community.
This award recognises quality, professionalism, and the way you use patient feedback, collaboration, and continuous improvement to shape your work.
Large Practice / Team
Celebrating larger practices and multidisciplinary teams of 6 practitioners or more that demonstrate excellence in patient care, leadership, professional development and wider impact.
This award recognises organisations creating thriving teams while making a lasting contribution to the profession and the communities they serve.
Associate of the Year
Recognising an associate who consistently demonstrates clinical excellence while making a valuable contribution to their practice, patients and the wider profession.
Whether through innovation, research, mentoring or professional development, celebrate an associate who goes above and beyond every day.
Educator of the Year
Great education shapes the future of the profession, and this award celebrates those who make that happen.
Whether at pre-registration, postgraduate or CPD level, this award recognises individuals who inspire the next generation of osteopaths through outstanding teaching, mentoring and educational innovation.
Ambassador of Osteopathy
Honouring individuals who actively promote and advocate for osteopathy beyond their day-to-day role.
Whether raising awareness, influencing others or championing the profession within their community, this award recognises those making a lasting impact.
Collaboration and Community Impact
Recognising the power of teams and partnerships working together to improve health, increase access to care and create meaningful impact within their communities.
Innovation and Impact
Celebrating innovative ideas, new service models or training initiatives that improve patient care, strengthen the profession or transform the way osteopathy is delivered.
Research in Practice
Recognising practitioners who apply evidence-informed approaches to improve patient care and advance professional standards in practice.
CRITERIA AND GUIDANCE
Nominators must ensure that they read and fully understand the Guidance Notes and Rules outlined in the linked document before submitting their nomination for any category.
Nominations must be submitted using the official iO Awards 2026 online entry form available on this page. The specific criteria and requirements for each award category are detailed within the entry form.
The submission deadline is Sunday, 4 October 2026 at 11.59pm. Late submissions will not be accepted, except in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the organisers.
The eight awards outlined in the guidance sheet can be self-nominated or nominated by someone else.
For third-party nominations, the nominee or relevant nominated lead must be aware of and consent to the nomination, including the submission of any information and supporting evidence.
All award categories require the submission of supporting evidence. Please ensure that your evidence clearly demonstrates how the nomination meets the criteria for the chosen category.
Nominators and nominees will receive acknowledgement of their submission by Friday, 9 October 2026.
Should you have any questions regarding the Awards, please contact events@iOsteopathy.org.