The awards, now in their third year, were once again held at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham, on Thursday 24 October. The day is a chance to share and celebrate the talent, dedication and compassion of our Cygnet teams.
It was an opportunity to hear wonderful examples of how our staff go above and beyond and step-up to work outside of their role, sacrificing their time and dedication for the benefit of the individuals in their care.
Most of our categories are nominated by staff, for staff, with the exception of our Service User’s Choice award, which is open to patients, residents and their families, and our CEO Choice Award. With more than 1,000 nominations, it is clear to see how willing and eager staff are to celebrate one another’s achievements.
We celebrated 16 categories, shortlisted to 64 finalists, all judged by different, independent panels recognising the range of skills we have across our workforce.
This year, the awards, attended by 350 people, were hosted by actress and comedian Sally Phillips, together with her son Olly, who are patrons of the Downs Syndrome Association and shared their personal stories of how their lives have been affected by disability and the impact social care staff have had on their journeys.
Attendees were also fortunate to hear a keynote speech from Nic Hamilton. Nic was told as a child that he would never walk due to his cerebral palsy and would spend his life reliant on a wheelchair. Not one to be told he cannot do things, with determination and gruelling training he not only walked unaided, but he started to realise his dream: to be a racing driver. Now a regular in the British Touring Car Championship, his story and ‘anything is possible’ attitude inspired everyone that heard it.
Dr Tony Romero, our Group CEO, said: “It is always a genuine pleasure for me to hear how you Cygnet staff are making an incredible difference to some of society’s most vulnerable people. The work they are doing, and the care they are providing, is having a positive impact on so many lives.
“The awards are about recognising and honouring the dedication, compassion and sheer hard work shown by staff who, no matter their role, play a vital part in the provision of patient and resident care.
“This day allows us to take a moment to celebrate the enormous amount of outstanding work that goes on at all levels of the organisation.”
Dr Romero added that there has been so much for Cygnet to be proud of as an organisation this year and the winners and shortlisted candidates who were in attendance are by no means the only ones who have made a difference.
“I’ve seen our staff work above and beyond to open new services to help meet the increased demand for care,” he explained. “I’ve taken pride in seeing teams innovate and share their expertise and knowledge with others, and I’ve witnessed our colleagues deliver a wonderful range of inspirational events for our service users and residents, enabling everyone in our care to live the most fulfilled life possible.
“Every person in the room has demonstrated outstanding qualities and exemplified our core values of care, trust, integrity, respect and empower. This day was about recognising staff, celebrating the difference they make and inspiring one another to keep delivering the very best for our service users.”
Congratulations to our winners, who are all listed below.
CEO Special Recognition Award
Selected by our Group CEO, Dr Tony Romero, this is a special recognition award for those who have gone above and beyond in their service. They exemplify the Cygnet values and have enabled a great many individuals to thrive and flourish under their care and leadership.
Winner: Pauline Rees, Hospital Manager, Cygnet Aspen Clinic
Care; Joy in Work Award
Presented by Cygnet’s Director of Nursing, David Wilmott, the Care; Joy in Work Award recognises an outstanding commitment to make Cygnet a great place to work by improving staff health and wellbeing, building team spirit and bringing some fun into the work place.
Winner: Divine Opeku, Registered Mental Health Nurse, Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke
Divine demonstrates excellent clinical skills and is committed to teaching and empowering younger staff, and shows empathy to patients. He is dedicated to supporting and building team spirit, always supporting his colleagues.
Respect; Inclusion & Diversity Award
Presented by keynote speaker Nic Hamilton, the Respect; Inclusion & Diversity Award is for a team or individual who promotes equality, diversity and inclusion to help make Cygnet a better place for others.
Winner: Deliwe Kanoyangwa, Support Worker, Cygnet Fountains
Deliwe is the Multicultural Ambassador. She promotes inclusion and diversity and creates an environment where everyone can speak up and work freely to share their views and innovative ideas.
She has developed a more diverse and inclusive working environment advocating a safe working space for different cultures.”
Empower; Mover & Shaker Award
Presented by Nic Hamilton, the Empower; Mover & Shaker Award recognises a person that has helped to empower others by inspiring, motivating and making things happen.
Winner: Phil Winterbottom, Head of Safeguarding and Protection
Phil lives and breathes the core Cygnet value of empowerment, so much so he has made 2024 the Year of Empowerment for safeguarding across all services.
He is constantly empowering his team to reach their full potential.
Trust; Helping Hand Award
Presented by Cygnet’s Group Freedom to Speak up Guardian, Agnes Tutani, the Trust; Helping Hand Award. This award recognises those who work together with a clear commitment to collaboration, improving services, overcoming barriers and innovation.
Winner: Richard Jones, Quality and Compliance Manager, Cygnet Churchill
His work is a testament to his deep commitment to enhancing the quality of care, ensuring patient safety, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and trust within the health care environment.
Integrity; Hand on Heart Award
Presented by Kaajal Kotecha-Chotai, Cygnet’s Director of Corporate Governance, the Integrity; Hand on Heart Award. This award recognises those who are guided by a strong moral code, are brave to speak up and play a part in promoting open cultures.
Winner: Lloyd Francis, Team Leader, Long Eaton Day Services
Lloyd has had an incredible impact on the service over the last 15 years, showing unwavering dedication. Working alongside Lloyd is a privilege. He exemplifies how fortunate we are to support and care for our service users.
Delivering Service Excellence; The Show Stopper Award
Presented by Sian Jarvis CB, Non Executive Director and member of Cygnet’s Advisory Board; The Showstopper Award recognises a successful team or individual that has made a positive and measurable improvement to the quality of a service.
Winner: Jackie Atkinson, Support Worker, Beckly House
Jackie was pivotal in the Quality Improvement project to redecorate Beckly House, working with staff and residents to gather ideas and make changes with dramatic effect. She supported a resident with a keen interest in the garden and caring for the plants. Jackie is dedicated to helping all the residents participate in the community and enjoy fun days out.
Innovation for the Future; Game Changer Award
Presented by Lee Hammon, Chief Commercial Officer, Innovation for The Future; Game Changer Award recognises Innovation for the future. The judges were looking for partnerships or initiatives that create links to our local communities, that can enhance the health and wellbeing of others, address environmental challenges or inspire people to take action.
Winner: Javaid Razzaq, the Service User and Engagement Lead at Cygnet Hospital Bierley
Jav’s development of the Social Hub at Cygnet Hospital Bierley – which has been replicated and co-produced in hospitals up and down the country – is amazing.
It is a room you don’t see in most hospitals and it makes people feel less institutionalised.
Learner or Researcher of the Year
Presented by Faye Malkin, Cygnet’s Apprenticeship Manager, the Learner or Researcher of the Year Award is for an individual who has applied their learning or research to make positive improvements at Cygnet during the past year.
Winner: Emma Rice, Acting Team Leader, Langdale House
Just over a year ago, Emma faced major adversity in her life, which impacted her work and set her back on her career goals.
Despite these setbacks, she found the strength and determination to push on, train harder and successfully apply to be Team Leader. She deserves this recognition for her perseverance and hard work.
Support Act of the Year
Presented by Jenny Gibson, HR Director, the Support Act of the Year Award is for a team or individual who provides first-class support behind the scenes to help our frontline services run smoothly.
Winner: Eleanor Fischer, Commercial Team
Eleanor started as a Support Worker at Cygnet Hospital Derby in 2014 and has progressed to become Business Development Director. Last year she helped to facilitate 58% of the entire group’s admissions. If there is a patient or customer in need of a bed, and Eleanor can help find a safe admission, then she will. Eleanor’s values shine through in all she does.
Bright Future Award
Presented by Paul Kirkpatrick, Chief Digital and Information Officer, the Bright Future Award is for someone who joined Cygnet within the last year, hit the ground running and had a positive impact at their service.
Winner: Faye Barker-Lane, Ward Manager, Cygnet Hospital Sherwood
Faye joined the team at Cygnet Hospital Sherwood in January and this is her first role as Ward Manager. Her ward was fully occupied within six weeks of opening and she has assembled an excellent team who consider themselves very lucky to have her as a colleague with a very bright future at Cygnet.
Faye even found time to complete a half marathon in between all this!
Essential People Award; Unsung Hero
Presented by Dave Turner, Cygnet’s Property Director, the Essential People; Unsung Hero Award is to honour the everyday heroes working with us at Cygnet. That unsung hero who is always there and will pitch in and do whatever is needed to help and support their colleagues and service users.
Winner: Neil Crilly, Security Lead, Cygnet Hospital Woking & Cygnet Lodge Woking
If you have visited our service, you have met this pleasant and efficient personality. Beyond his formidable security role, Neil is known for his gentle and sensitive side. His therapy dog, Marshall, is a beloved figure at the hospital, regularly visiting service users and bringing comfort to all.
Swan Award
Presented by Ian Brokenshire, one of Cygnet’s Non Executive Directors, the Swan Award recognises those who have completed 10 or more years of service and continue to innovate, motivate and make a significant contribution every day.
Winner: Sammy Narayanasamy, Ward Manager, Cygnet Lodge Woking
Sammy has dedicated over 46 years as a Mental Health Nurse, contributing his expertise across various settings since 1979. Sammy is an exceptional nurse with great leadership skills. He is hardworking, reliable and is a fantastic role model for staff.
All Star Service User’s Choice Award: Social Care & Health Care
Presented by Social Care Regional Manager for the Midlands, Cate Ball (Social Care) and Raf Hamaizia, Expert by Experience Lead (Health Care) this award gives service users, including their families and carers, the opportunity to nominate a member of staff who they feel deserves special recognition for the exceptional care they give.
Whatever their role, these individuals or teams are a shining light and deserve to be celebrated and recognised for the way they care.
Winners of Social Care: Tilly Kent and Fernanda Fernandes, Support Workers, Nightingale
A carer said: “Tilly and Fernanda are both equally amazing. They go above and beyond their job role to make my daughter’s life safer, happier, more interesting and fun.
“We are very grateful to have them on board at Nightingale. Quite simply, two shining lights!”
Winners of Health Care: Dr Jahan and Jade Myatt and the teams at Cygnet Elms and Cygnet Cedars
Jade’s nomination said: “Jade has helped me learn to trust again by always showing up for me and never letting me down. She has helped me to turn my life around and I will be forever grateful for everything she has done for me.
Dr Jahan’s nomination said: “Dr Jahan is the most kind, compassionate and caring person I have ever known. He has made me feel at home and at ease because he always listens. He always wants the best for others.”
Social Care Service of the Year
This category recognises a service delivering great care. Presented by Gareth Williams, CEO Social Care.
Winner: Supported Living in Leeds
Our supported living service in Leeds opened in December 2023 and has grown into a fun and inspiring service, full of wonderfully unique service users and passionate staff members. One strength that every staff member shares is resilience and staff have built strong therapeutic relationships with each resident.
Upon receiving the award , Adrianne Evans-Faulkner, Service Manager, said: “Being a new service, winning this award really does feel overwhelming and is dedicated to all of the hard work and determination the staff team have shown to our individuals.
“Our common goal as a staff force which is to work every day towards making our individuals, safe and happy while achieving outcomes for them in order to contribute and involve them in society.
“There is no greater accolade I could have given my staff as a thank you. I think it is important that we recognise and show appreciation and validation to everyone’s efforts and continued team spirit as this is the foundation we build from to achieve an outstanding service.”
Health Care Service of the Year
This category recognises a service delivering great care. Presented by Stephen Firn OBE, CEO Health Care.
Winner: Cygnet Wast Hills
Each person cared for at Wast Hills is empowered to make their own decisions giving them greater control and autonomy in their own life. The team has provided training to community partners on how to support people with autism and make local services more inclusive and offers outreach to promote emotional wellbeing and social inclusion.
Huge congratulations to the Wast Hills team.
