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The rehab leader of the year award will recognise an individual, from whatever branch of neuro or spinal rehab they operate in, who has truly excelled in their field through leadership, contribution, commitment and compassion.
This award is chosen by a public vote from a shortlist following the nominations process which concluded on October 30.
The winner will be revealed at a virtual event on December 2.
About the category sponsor, Cygnet
Cygnet was established in 1988. Since then we have developed a wide range of health and social care services for young people and adults with mental health needs, acquired brain injuries, eating disorders, autism and learning disabilities within the UK.
As a national care provider, with a network of professional, high-quality services across the UK, we are able to offer solutions and work in partnership with the NHS, ICBs and local authorities to provide much-needed services including emergency and planned admissions, as well as community-based care.
Scroll down to see the full list of nominees and cast your vote.
Miriam Duffy was nominated for her sustained commitment to improving rehabilitation and her leadership in bringing the National Rehabilitation Centre to life.
A physiotherapist specialising in neurological rehabilitation, Miriam has spent her career championing the difference that timely, effective rehabilitation can make.
Her experience includes helping establish the East Midlands Major Trauma Centre and serving as Chief Allied Health Professional at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
As Director of the National Rehabilitation Centre, she has helped translate an ambitious vision into a clinical service, which welcomed its first patients in September 2026.
Her responsibilities have spanned the programme’s business case, funding, delivery and development of new services, demonstrating the breadth of leadership required to advance a project of national significance.
Miriam’s approach places independence and quality of life at the heart of rehabilitation, recognising that recovery means helping people return to their families, work and activities they value.
By bringing clinical care together with research, innovation and education, the NRC offers an opportunity to improve practice beyond its own walls.
Dave Marver is recognised for his leadership in advancing technologies that aim to improve function and independence for people with spinal cord injuries.
Since joining ONWARD Medical as chief executive in 2020, he has led the company through the development and commercial introduction of spinal cord stimulation technology, helping translate neuroscience research into tools for rehabilitation.
A significant achievement is the ARC-EX System, which delivers electrical stimulation through electrodes placed on the skin alongside functional task practice.
Designed to improve hand sensation and strength in people with chronic, incomplete cervical spinal cord injuries, it addresses functions that can make a meaningful difference to everyday independence.
Its US clearance for home use marked a further step towards extending access beyond the clinic.
Under Marver’s leadership, ONWARD is also progressing research into implantable spinal cord stimulation and brain-computer interfaces, exploring further possibilities for restoring movement and function.
Elizabeth Nightingale is a Neurologic Music Therapy® (NMT®) therapist whose commitment to children and adults with brain injury extends beyond the therapy room to families, fellow clinicians and her profession.
Alongside her clinical caseload and Therapies Lead role at Recolo, Elizabeth volunteers on the NMT Academy Advisory Council, supporting its mission to increase access to NMT worldwide. She also leads the Academy’s European support group, promoting best practice among international affiliates.
Committed to improving access for people without a litigation claim, Elizabeth has coordinated the establishment of 10 NHS NMT pilots and services since 2017, spanning Level 1–3a neurorehabilitation. Each has gathered outcomes to support the case for continued funding.
As co-chair of the Acquired Brain Injury London Forum, she also raises awareness of brain injury and campaigns for better services across the capital.
With only 13.5 per cent of UK music therapists holding additional specialist NMT training, Elizabeth’s work to share expertise is particularly valuable.
In the past year alone, she has trained more than 250 speech and language therapists across 10 countries.
All reported greater confidence using music in their practice, many for the first time.
Participants have described her training as “a model of the highest quality for online learning”, while her NMT mentees and supervisees call her “collaborative, supportive and nurturing”.
Through clinical leadership, service development, advocacy and education, Elizabeth is widening access to neurorehabilitation and equipping others to use music more confidently in their work.
Please direct any questions about the awards to our commercial editor Gordon Stribling on gordon@aspecthealthmedia.com
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