Act on axial SpA – Change Maker Awards

The Act on Axial SpA Changemaker Awards are now open for Round 3 submissions.

As part of the wider Act on Axial SpA campaign, these awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of healthcare professionals who are working to reduce the time to diagnosis for people living with axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA).

Applications are open to all healthcare professionals involved in the care of individuals with axial SpA, across both NHS and private practice settings.

The closing date is 18 September and awards will be given out on 2 December 2026 in the Houses of Parliament.

Award criteria

This year’s criteria align with the Axial SpA Playbook, with a focus on:

  • Reducing time to diagnosis
  • Improving patient experience

There are three award levels:

  • Bronze – Engagement
  • Silver – Active Participation
  • Gold – Leadership

Each level includes a defined set of criteria to demonstrate achievement. Applicants must complete:

  • Three compulsory calls elements (in bold)
  • Three additional criteria, selected from the available options


Evidence may be retrospective and can date back to June 2021, when the campaign was launched.

Apply for your award

Applicants may apply for any award level. However, those applying for Silver or Gold must also provide evidence demonstrating that the criteria for preceding levels (e.g. Bronze) have been met.

Review the award catergories
Get familiar with the Axial Spondyloarthritis Playbook
Bronze application form
Silver application form
Gold application form
Team application form

Ready to apply? Send your application form/s and evidence to Clare Clark, Senior Professional Engagement and Partnerships Officer, on clareclare@nass.co.uk.

Judging and Awards

Applications will be reviewed by an independent judging panel on 1 October 2026.

Successful applicants will receive:

A Changemaker Award pin badge

A formal certificate