Following a year-long break, the Unsung Hero Awards have returned, and we’ve four finalists preparing for the ceremony next month in Manchester. And due to the sheer quality and number of nominations put forward, CHFT has also been shortlisted for a new Special Recognition Award.

The UHAs are the only National Awards for non-clinical, NHS staff and volunteers. Our finalists are:

  • Corporate: Colleague Engagement Advisor, Carys Bentley
  • IT and Digital: Performance and Intelligence Lead, Charlotte Anderson
  • IT and Digital: Performance and Intelligence Lead, Oliver Hutchinson
  • IT and Digital: Scan 4 Safety Inventory Management Team

Carys said: "I'm honoured and overwhelmed to be nominated for an UHA this year. I do my job because I'm passionate about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. This nomination isn't just for me, but for all our networks and all the colleagues who have engaged with the activities we've done over the past few years. I couldn't do my job on my own and I'm forever grateful for them all supporting me with my (sometimes silly) ideas!"

Charlotte said: “When I found out I had been shortlisted I felt surprised and proud. There’s so much great work that goes on within non-clinical teams I didn’t expect it at all.

“I love my job and the people I work with. There’s so much innovation within THIS and support for us to deliver the best possible service to our clinical colleagues. I am inspired everyday by how everyone at CHFT just wants to do their very best for patients, and I am proud to play my small part.”

And Oliver added: “I felt very humbled I must say. Working on this project has been very rewarding and I would like to thank all my colleagues that have been involved in making the new Outpatient Validation process so successful. It really has been a team effort to take this from initial concept to the full implementation. I love what I do and to be nominated for any award is just a bonus really!”

The UHA Special Recognition Award is awarded to the Trust that has delivered the greatest number of nominations, to the highest levels in the whole judging process. The award is a recognition of the Trust-wide quality of staff and the high standards achieved by their non-medical, non-clinical individuals and teams. 

A huge congratulations to our other nominees put forward for the awards: Medical Secretary Mollie Wright, Medical Human Resources Manager Pauline North, Communications Team, Endoscopy Admin Team, Freedom of Information Team and the Medical HR Team.

The Awards ceremony will be taking place on Friday, 15th March. Good luck to all of our finalists!