The Health and Justice Elevate team at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust has been shortlisted in the Quality Improvement Initiative of the Year category at the HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2026.

The prestigious nomination recognises the team’s innovative Quality Improvement (QI) project, which focused on increasing engagement with young people following their initial assessment and improving their overall experience of the service. [

The Health and Justice Elevate team supports young people who have been in contact with the Criminal Justice System. Working alongside the Trust’s Quality Improvement team, colleagues used data-driven learning and improvement methodology to identify opportunities for change, implementing meaningful and sustainable improvements designed to enhance participation and outcomes for young people.

The shortlisting highlights the passion, innovation and collaboration demonstrated throughout the project, while showcasing the impact that frontline-led improvement can have on the quality and accessibility of care. It reflects the team’s shared commitment to delivering safe, person-centred services that respond to the needs of the young people they support.

Laura Harvey, Project Lead and Liaison and Diversion Practitioner, said:

“I am incredibly proud that our work has been shortlisted for HSJ QI Project of the Year. The nomination and shortlisting reflects the passion, innovation and teamwork behind the project, and reinforces our ongoing commitment to driving high-quality, person-centred care for the young people we support.”

The HSJ Patient Safety Awards celebrate individuals and teams who are making a significant contribution to improving patient safety and quality across health and care services. Now in their 16th year, the awards recognise excellence, innovation and collaboration across the NHS.

Being named as finalists is a significant achievement and a testament to the dedication of everyone involved in the project. The nomination demonstrates how collaboration with young people, combined with a strong improvement culture and evidence-based decision making, can create meaningful and lasting change.

The awards ceremony will take place on Monday 28 September 2026 at the Telford International Centre.

Congratulations to Laura and the entire Health and Justice Elevate team on this outstanding achievement, and best of luck for the awards ceremony later this year.