Purpose Coalition Award 2025 Winners

Earlier this week, at the distinguished Purpose Coalition Breaking Down Barriers Awards 2025 held in Parliament, we celebrated our outstanding achievements with great pride. Our Rough Sleeper Team was nominated as a finalist in the Good Health and Wellbeing category, while our EDI Team received well-deserved recognition in the Fair Career Progression category.

We are excited to announce that our EDI Team has been honoured with an award for their remarkable commitment to advancing BAME talent development. This initiative has empowered nurses to elevate their careers and made a profound and lasting impact on our workforce.

Yasmin Damree-Ralph, our Diversity and inclusion manager, expressed: "This award is a testament to our team's dedication and hard work. We are committed to collaborating with clinical leaders to identify and nurture talented staff members, empowering them to reach their fullest potential. Our persistent focus on inclusivity drives us to create a confident and dynamic workforce."

A key aspect of this initiative was the professional growth of Band 5 nurses from BME backgrounds. Each nurse received tailored career consultations that highlighted vital learning and development opportunities, motivating them to pursue their career ambitions with confidence. A total of 22 nurses took part in the ICB Inspiration and Development Programme.

The inaugural cohort included 10 nurses who have completed the course, and six of these talented individuals have secured Band 6 positions within our organization. We are dedicated to tracking the career development of every nurse, ensuring they receive ongoing support from dedicated career coaches as they strive for their professional aspirations.

Congratulating the winners, Chair of the Purpose Coalition and former Education Secretary, Rt Hon Justine Greening, said: “I am delighted to be able to honour each of our winners today with an award for their contribution to delivering opportunity. I am also grateful to our Purpose Coalition partner, Southeastern Railway, for sponsoring the event and to UK Power Networks, Lumo and Hull Trains, Travelodge and Enterprise for sponsoring individual awards. As successful purpose-led businesses, their vision and ambition are crucial in driving change.  

“Our winners all lead by example and I hope they will inspire others to step up to the plate and consider what they can do to make a difference for their colleagues, customers and the communities they serve, especially in these challenging economic and social times.  

“The breadth of sectors represented in our roll call of winners, and their geographical spread, demonstrate that a firm commitment to equality of opportunity is the key element, using accumulated knowledge, expertise and experience to shape a fairer future.”