30 September 2026
In recognition of outstanding service, outgoing BIR President Dr Nick Screaton presented two Distinguished Service Medals at the President’s inauguration event in London.
The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded at the discretion of the BIR President to individuals who have made a special contribution to the British Institute of Radiology. This year, the medals were presented to Lucy Stewart, BIR Executive Assistant and Office Manager, and Richard Evans, former Chief Executive of the Society and College of Radiographers.
Nick presented Lucy with the award in recognition of her years of service to the BIR. As the organisation’s longest-serving member of staff, Lucy has been part of the BIR since 2009, witnessing and contributing to many of its key developments and achievements. Her extensive knowledge of the organisation, its history, processes and people has earned her the affectionate title of the BIR’s ‘unofficial oracle’.
Lucy Stewart commented: “I was incredibly touched to receive this very special award. The BIR has been a huge part of my life for so long and this means more to me than I can say. I’ve seen many changes at the BIR over the years, but the core of warmth, kindness, tolerance and respect has remained.
Ultimately, it’s the people - both my work colleagues and the wonderful and committed volunteers - that make the BIR so special. I feel very blessed indeed to be a part of it!”
Richard Evans received his medal in recognition of his longstanding support for the BIR and his significant contribution to the imaging and radiography community in the UK.
Richard began his NHS career as a porter before training as a diagnostic radiographer at the Middlesex Hospital, qualifying in 1982. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Society and College of Radiographers in 2004, leading the organisation for the next 22 years. Throughout his tenure, Richard was a strong supporter of the BIR and championed a collaborative approach across the professions.
In 2016, Richard was awarded an OBE for services to radiography in recognition of his significant contribution to the profession.
Richard Evans said: “I am very honoured to receive the Distinguished Service Medal from the BIR. The work of the BIR, with its multidisciplinary and inclusive ethos represents the partnership and respect which underpins the very best examples of service delivery in both imaging and radiotherapy services. This is more important today than ever before and makes it especially significant for me to be so highly recognised.”
Congratulations to Lucy and Richard on this well deserved recognition of their outstanding service and contribution to the BIR and the wider imaging and radiotherapy community.
Photos left to right: Lucy Stewart and Dr Nick Screaton, Lucy Stewart, Dr Nick Screaton and Richard Evans.
