Shine a light on industry heroes

Whether its projects, strategies, new ideas, drawing on research and best practice, reforming how they do things or how the organisation works, this person thinks outside the box and is creative, takes a current approach and revolutionises it. If not creating a new idea this person has led, dragged and pushed their service, team or even their Managers to a new level and never listens to the saying, "that's just how we have always done it".

This award acknowledges and celebrates exemplary leadership that has a significant and positive impact on a business/organisation and the disability sector. At a local or senior level this professional has steered, inspired and supported their team/organisation through a challenging 12 months, new projects, change or service decisions that required expert skills and real passion, values and commitment.

This award is to recognise an individual, team or team member who has performed or delivered tasks or services in an exemplary manner and have gone “above and beyond” what is expected in their normal range of responsibilities. We all know those golden staff that keep things going, save the day and stay on track when others drop the ball or challenges arise. This is for those people that always put their hand up when it is needed most.

The way this professional works demonstrates up-to-date knowledge, best practice and an awareness of current research, with experience drawn on past history and recognition about where we have come from as a sector and where we are going in the future. They devote themselves to new ideas and are always looking for the latest research to improve practice and outcomes for participants and the organisation.