Finalists have been announced for the 2026 Northern PoWEr Women Awards – landmark tenth year celebrating those driving equity, inclusion and social impact across the North
The Northern PoWEr Women Awards returns for its tenth anniversary year, marking a decade of recognising the individuals and organisations accelerating gender equality, belonging and inclusion across the North of England.
Key highlights:
- A record-breaking 1,800 nominations, with finalists selected by 90 independent judges across 12 award categories and three Game Changer lists
- Europe’s largest celebration of gender equality
- Winners to be announced on Thursday 12 March 2026 at Manchester Central Convention Complex
- Co-headline partners Barclays and Bank of America, supported by AstraZeneca, Arcadis, Asda, BT Group, Connected Places Catapult, KTSL, LNER, Weightmans and Manchester Airports Group
- Finalists spanning sectors including rail, finance, charity, sport and education, showcasing innovation, leadership and measurable progress
Danielle Ruane, Chief Coordinating Officer at Healthwatch in Greater Manchester, has been named a finalist in the Person with Purpose, Public Sector category at the 2026 Northern PoWEr Women Awards.
Danielle Ruane and Healthwatch in Greater Manchester are recognised for ensuring that an independent public voice is consistently heard within NHS Greater Manchester, strengthening patient and public representation at system level, and embedding lived experience within quality monitoring and provider oversight. This work has helped shift public insight from one-off engagement and consultation into a sustained, independent influence on decision making.
Healthwatch in Greater Manchester is a collaborative network of the ten local Healthwatch organisations across the city region. Through system wide collaboration, the network has protected and strengthened the role of independent public voice across Greater Manchester.
This has included informing the Greater Manchester Women’s Health Strategy through a menopause report, securing action and formal responses from Trusts through CAMHS insight, and ensuring patient experience shaped system understanding of pressures within Urgent and Emergency Care.
Crucially, this collective work has secured a public commitment from Andy Burnham to safeguard independent public voice across Greater Manchester in the future, in the context of proposed legislative changes that would abolish Healthwatch.
On Thursday 12 March 2026, the Northern PoWEr Women Awards, will bring together over 1,000 influential leaders, organisations, entrepreneurs, changemakers and advocates from across the North to mark its milestone tenth year. Taking place in the week of International Women’s Day, Europe’s largest celebration of gender equality will shine a spotlight on the role models driving progress and building a fairer, more inclusive future.
This year’s finalists represent the full breadth of the North’s talent across business, technology, health, education, construction, professional services, manufacturing and the third sector. From frontline emergency services and grassroots community organisations to senior leaders shaping rail, infrastructure, health, technology and professional services, the 2026 entries reflect the scale, diversity and ambition of those creating change. Now more than 120,000 strong, this community is driving down barriers, opening doors to opportunity, and converting inclusive leadership from aspiration into practice.
The Northern PoWEr Women Awards marks a decade of championing gender equality and inclusive leadership, convening a powerful cross-sector network across the North West, Yorkshire, North East and North Wales. This growing movement has helped accelerate cultural change, strengthen diverse talent pipelines and position the North as a national leader in equity, inclusion and social impact – while celebrating the achievements of the role models, allies and organisations reshaping workplaces, communities and industries.
Simone Roche MBE, Founder and CEO of We Are PoWEr, said:
“Reaching our tenth year is a powerful moment for the Northern PoWEr Women Awards. What began as a bold idea has become a movement that shines a light on those who are not only achieving success but actively using their influence to open doors for others. The 2026 finalists reflect the very best of the North – courageous leaders, committed allies and organisations driving real, measurable change.”
The Awards continue to recognise both individual excellence and organisational leadership, celebrating future talent, established leaders, advocates and partners embedding equity and inclusion into strategy, culture and everyday practice. Finalists were selected from a highly competitive field through a rigorous judging process focused on demonstrable impact, leadership, innovation and long-term commitment to advancing equality and opportunity.
A full list of finalists across all categories can be viewed at https://wearepower.net/awards/finalists
If you would like to share experiences, get information or support, or learn more about the work of Healthwatch in communities across Greater Manchester, you can find you local Healthwatch here.
If you have any questions for Healthwatch in Greater Manchester, please get in touch with us directly here.