We’ve received an unprecedented number of nominations this year, with over 300 nominations received. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to submit a nomination and to vote in our People’s Choice category. Our eagle eyed panel are busy shortlisting our finalists and these will be announced shortly so keep your eyes peeled!
What happens next?
- Shortlist announced – January 2020
- Awards ceremony invitations sent to shortlisted teams / individuals – January 2020
- Awards ceremony – Friday, 20 March 2020, 7pm at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield
The ten award categories are:
Clinician of the year
For a nurse, psychiatrist, psychologist or other qualified health care professional. The judges will be particularly looking for evidence of consistent positive impact on patient care, commitment to finding better way of doing things, how they’ve inspired and motivated others.
Healthcare support employee of the year
For health care assistants, therapy assistants, housekeepers and other non-qualified clinical staff working in our clinical services. The judges will be looking for evidence of consistent positive impact on patient care, compassion and concern for the wellbeing of service users and their families, commitment to finding better ways of doing things.
Non-clinical services employee of the year
For all non-clinical staff, in recognition of the excellent work they do behind the scenes to support front line services. This could be maintenance staff to secretaries and staff in corporate services like HR, finance or IT. The judges will be looking for evidence of consistent positive impact on our services and commitment to finding better ways of doing things.
Volunteer of the year
For an individual or team who has shown outstanding commitment and exceptional contribution to the service they support. It is open to everyone who volunteers their time and effort to support the Trust, including experts by experience, governors, service users and carers involved in Trust activities. The judges will be looking for evidence of exceptional contribution to the Trust and the people we support.
Clinical team of the year
Through effective team working they will have successfully implemented change and/or improved services. This could include introducing new ways of working, reconfiguring services or moving base. The judges will be looking for evidence of effective teamwork and collaboration, a flexible approach by team members, how barriers to change have been overcome and high quality services.
Non-clinical team of the year
Through effective team working they will have successfully implemented change and/or improved services. This could include introducing new ways of working, reconfiguring services or moving base. The judges will be looking for evidence of effective teamwork and collaboration, a flexible approach by team members, how barriers to change have been overcome, high quality services.
Outstanding initiative – clinical services
For a clinician or team, including individuals who work as part of an integrated team/service, who’ve developed and successfully implemented a new or improved service or delivered a successful project, which has had a positive impact on front-line services and showcases best practice and innovation. The judges will be looking for evidence of positive impact on services users and/or carers, a recovery based approach, innovation and a successful end result.
Outstanding initiative – non-clinical services
For a non-clinical member of staff or team, including individuals who work as part of an integrated team/service, who’ve developed and implemented a new or improved service or delivered a successful project. This could include using the tools of our quality improvement system or improving a ‘behind the scenes’ service enabling clinical staff to focus more of their time on patient care.
People’s choice (sponsored by Altodigital)
This award is chosen by public vote and is presented to a team or individual that has made a real difference to the personal experience of service users, carers or colleagues. Someone who has gone the extra mile to support you; staff who deserve to be recognised for their kindness and compassion or staff who have embraced a recovery-focussed way of working to support others.
Chairman’s award for everyday excellence
For people who are brilliant at doing their job this award is for an individual who is loyal, committed and flexible; someone you know you can rely on to get the job done. The Chairman will be looking for evidence of dedication and commitment to quality, a team ethos, reliability and flexibility.
Read about and take a look at photographs of last year’s finalists, highly commended and winners.
The Making a Difference Awards 2019 are sponsored by
