Impact_Report_2025–26-Digital - Flipbook - Page 15
Our Rising Stars programme continued to support
Staff engagement is supported by regular, visible and
colleagues with leadership potential, helping staff develop
inclusive communication. Quarterly all-organisation
confidence, resilience, delegation, workload management
Teams calls, managers meetings, the monthly Team
and people-management skills. During the year, 18
Brief and CEO blog help keep colleagues connected to
colleagues completed the programme, and we continued to
organisational priorities. Colleagues also shape how
explore ways to extend leadership and career progression
we work through the Staff Forum, We Belong group,
opportunities across services and central teams.
Environmental Champions, Wellbeing Forum as well as
separate forums for assistant home managers, migrant
staff, and LGBTQ+ staff. Our annual Governance
What I valued most about
the Rising Stars Programme was
that it was open to everyone,
regardless of role or background. It
gave me practical skills and greater
confidence to support my career
development, while also helping me
become a more compassionate and
effective leader for others.”
Conference was attended by over a hundred staff
members, people we support and Board members, and
remains a key part of our annual planning process.
These routes help ensure that staff voice, wellbeing,
inclusion and practical learning remain part of everyday
organisational life.
Together, these achievements show that being an
Employer of Choice is not just about recruitment or
reputation. It is about creating the conditions for
colleagues to thrive and lead aspiring ‘working lives’ – so
that they can, in turn, enable people we support to lead
full and aspiring lives.
Rising Stars Attendee
Belonging, diversity, equity and inclusion continued to
shape our employment offer. We remain committed
to paying all staff above the Real Living Wage, and to
recognising the contribution of colleagues across all roles.
Our Star Awards and Aspiring Staff Awards celebrated
people, colleagues, teams and initiatives that live our
values, with more than 600 nominations received for
the 2026 Star Awards. These celebrations help reinforce
a culture where achievement, kindness, inclusion and
everyday excellence are noticed and valued.
Among the winners, Reg Talmey, winner of the Most
Active People Award, was celebrated for his enthusiasm,
community spirit and the joy he brings through his
involvement in a local steel band. Katie Denman, winner
of the Most Aspiring People Award, was recognised for
her determination, resilience and the confidence she has
developed while working towards greater independence.
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