Sarah holds herself and others to an exceptionally high standard ensuring excellence in all that is achieved and role modelling this along the way.
Sarah recently developed the AHP inclusive recruitment guide, which will have a significant impact on the ability of AHPs to work efficiently and support efforts of increasing the diversity and inclusion within the workforce.
The aim is for the workforce to reflect the diversity of the populations served, to improve cultural awareness, communication, trust, and ultimately health outcomes. The information has been developed from feedback from candidates, the last few years of recruitment experience, and working to actively promote inclusion and diversity through the AHP strategy.
Sarah collaborated with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team, recruitment, and several other subject matter experts to ensure it was appropriate and covered all that was required.
The guide is detailed, thoughtful, and comprehensive – it walks you through the practical steps whilst ensuring all due diligence and leading you through considerations and solutions to ensure inclusivity is the focus at every stage. There are practicalities considered, links to guidance and legislation, a question bank, top tips and more.
Trust Chair David Walker said:
“Sarah’s nominations speak for themselves – a team member who is kind, supportive and respectful to others, a joy to be around. Sarah worked extremely hard on the AHP inclusive recruitment guide, which will contribute to increasing the diversity and inclusion within the workforce, whilst providing guidance to current staff. Having someone in a team like Sarah is invaluable, I am delighted to acknowledge her efforts”.
Sarah commented:
“I am shocked to receive an exceptional people award, I think I just do my job, which I love. I have a fantastic team that are always so supportive and make coming to work enjoyable. I’m hugely touched and grateful, thank you to those who nominated me”.
The nomination
Sarah received nominations from Associate Director of AHPs Sam Rigg, Professional Lead Physiotherapist in Mental Health Penny Sansom, and People Promise Manager Emily Buckle – demonstrating the impact she has on others.
Sam commented:
“Sarah is fabulous, and I consider us very lucky to have her. Certainly my role is made far easier and I often refer to Sarah as the glue for the team who not only organises us and keeps me on track but also challenges when necessary and holds us to account. Sarah’s name is known to all AHPs and is a safe point of contact for them if support is needed, they are assured that if Sarah does not know the answer, they will get support in finding the answer.”
Penny added:
“The support that Sarah gives to her colleagues and the AHP leads allows us to ensure that we are offering a safe and excellent service. Sarah shows concern and compassion (along with appropriate humour) towards all her colleagues, a conversation with Sarah makes my day brighter.”
Emily said:
“I do not work directly with Sarah but have interacted with her in the various roles I have held within the Trust. Nothing ever appears to be too much trouble.
“Despite the many individuals that she interacts with, she makes an effort to remember who you are and who you work with, which is such an important quality to makes those around you feel recognised.
“Her broad and excellent skills were seen in the brilliant AHP celebration day that she co-ordinated. The themes of the day were quality and safety, and she ensured that these were intertwined by those who presented to ensure shared learning for the clinical teams. This is an example of the impact that she has on ensuring caring, safe and excellent outcomes for our staff and in turn our patients.”
Published: 21 January 2025