How to apply

Everything you need to prepare a strong application

Applications are made by completing the specific award application form and close at 23:59 on 31st January 2027. Read the page for your chosen award first, as each has its own eligibility and assessment criteria. The BOA Innovation Award uses a different format: a recorded presentation rather than a written application. See its award page for details.

What your application should include

For the Excellence in Planned Orthopaedic Care, Excellence in Trauma Care and Trainee-Led Project awards, the application form asks for:

1. A summary of your project, initiative or team, including the need it addressed (no more than 500 words).
2. Evidence of collaboration: who was involved, and how responsibilities and decisions were shared.
3. An impact statement: what changed, who benefited and how you measured success.
4. Evidence of implementation and sustainability, and the potential for others to adopt or adapt your work.
5. An endorsement from a named senior sponsor, supervisor or stakeholder, where relevant.
6. Optional supporting material, limited to items that directly back up your application.

Entry rules

• Your entry must relate to trauma and orthopaedic care, or to its workforce, services or wider supporting ecosystem.
• The lead applicant must confirm they have permission to submit the evidence provided and have secured any necessary approvals from their organisation.
• Do not include any information that could identify a patient. Any patient stories must be anonymised and have appropriate consent.
• The same piece of work can only be entered for one award each year. If we think your entry would suit a different category, we may contact you to discuss moving it.
• Applicants must declare any conflicts of interest.
• We may verify claims made in your application and ask for clarification, but we cannot accept substantial new evidence after the closing date.

Tips for a strong entry

• Use the ‘can make an entry stand out’ points on your award page as a checklist.
• Show measurable results wherever you can: before-and-after data is more persuasive than description.
• Be clear about who did what. Collaboration is assessed in every award.
• Explain how your work could be sustained and adopted elsewhere.

Need help?

Contact the awards team at [email protected].