Here’s Matron, Louise Taylor, our joint winner of the Compassionate Leader category at our CHuFT Awards earlier this month.

Sadly she couldn’t attend as she was in France with her family, so last week she was presented with her trophy as the Organisational Development Team kicked off CHuFT on the Road*. We caught up with her to find out how she heard the news and her own thoughts on what makes a compassionate leader.

Louise told us: “I found out via a message from my very dear friend, Amanda McKie, although quite how she managed to get hold of me I still don't know, as the internet connection was very poor where I was staying! Amanda very kindly attended the awards on my behalf, and I couldn't have thought of anyone better to be there. 

At the time, I was in France in a small village with my family and friends, celebrating ahead of my son's wedding. We were on our way to a special meal in a castle, so it was already a very memorable occasion. Receiving Amanda's message made it even more special.

Being recognised as a joint winner of the Compassionate Leader Award is both humbling and incredibly touching. I feel very fortunate to work alongside such dedicated colleagues and to have had the opportunity to support and develop others throughout my career at CHFT. To be recognised by colleagues in this way means a great deal to me.

For me, the top three characteristics of a compassionate leader are:

• Empathy – taking the time to understand and support others.
• Authenticity – being genuine, approachable and leading by example.
• Kindness – treating everyone with respect, dignity and compassion, especially during difficult times.

I am incredibly grateful for the support of my colleagues over the years and proud to be part of such a caring organisation.”

Félicitations, or should we say, congratulations to Louise, who was a joint winner with Change Specialist, Andrew Hutchinson.

*Our Organisational Development Team have started to roll-out CHuFT on the Road. They will be visiting colleagues and teams to share pin badges and plaques to individuals and teams nominated this year. Everyone will also get a copy of their nomination by email.