Adam is thoughtful, responsive, and diligent. He continuously demonstrates Trust values, showing care to Oxford Health staff and their families, whilst ensuring correct processes are always followed. He has a positive attitude towards his work, with nothing ever seeming too challenging.

Adam is passionate about his role; he is an essential part to the team and great colleague. He is there to discuss ideas, patiently helps less experienced members of the team, and provides guidance so they leave with the knowledge and confidence to fulfil the task. He does this all whilst bringing joy and laughter.

From time to time in Adam’s role he very sadly deals with a death of a staff member. Unfortunately, this has recently been the case for Adam and one of our teams. The compassion and kindness shown to the staff, managers and family of the staff member has gone well beyond what anyone might have expected. He has been reassuring, given the team time to process the news, and supported them with administrative tasks – making sure whenever possible things are made easier for those involved.

Adam is one of a kind with his dedication and commitment to the wellbeing of staff and their families. This nomination recognises his invaluable contribution, a well-respected role model to all. We would like to thank Adam for his recent support.

The nomination

Adam was nominated by three colleagues for this award – Head of HR Zoe Moorhouse, Head of Service for CAMHS (Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire) James Fortune, and Deputy Head of Organisation Development (Occupational Health) Fiona Warren. The three individuals all expressed the value Adam brings, handling sensitive circumstances professionally with compassion. Adam is there for Oxford Health staff when they need it most, we are so thankful for his support.

James commented:

“Adam is always responsive to team managers and service managers in relation to HR related concerns.

“He has stepped in to provide support to Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire colleagues to enable them to grieve a loss of a well-liked, valued and respected colleague.

“Adam has been proactive in offering support to the staff members family so that they too can have the time they need to grieve and process what has happened.

“Adam has shown great care and compassion. Hearing some of the news surrounding the staff members death must not have been easy for Adam, yet he has been extremely contained, supportive and professional always.”

Zoe added:

“Adam truly has been an ambassador for my team, but also for the trust and I am absolutely sure the very tragic circumstance of the staff members death has been made just that little less painful for the family by the way he has been dealing with matters.”

Lead Governor Anna Gardner said: “Adam’s nomination is exceptional – his empathetic approach to a sensitive situation was thoughtful and considerate. Adam is a true example of the Trust values, he has taken care of others with such kindness and understanding, whilst handling the matter professionally”.

Adam commented: “It’s a bittersweet moment to be recognised – it’s a fantastic honour but I would trade it in without a second thought to change the circumstances that led to the award.

“My main feeling is that I don’t feel like I really did anything that felt outside of what felt like a normal path of action to take. Being compassionate and kind to people in their darker times is what keeps the world spinning I suppose.”