2025 winners
The winners of the Staff Excellence Awards were announced at an awards ceremony held at The Exchange, County Hall in Preston.
The winners in each category are:
This recognises someone who has been in their role for two years or less but has made a huge impact over such a short time.
Winner: Graham Cockram - Business Support Officer, Policy, Commissioning and Children's Health
Runners up:
- Amy King - Rosebud Investment Coordinator, Business Growth - nominated by Amin Vepari
- Ben Pierrie - Assistant Digital Innovation Business Analyst, Digital Services - nominated by Jamie Warriner
This award is for someone whose work has made a real difference in Lancashire communities.
It recognises an individual or team whose work has had a positive impact on local people or places. They go above and beyond to support communities, improving lives, strengthening connections, and helping make Lancashire a better place to live.
Winner: Customer Access Service Accessibility Project Team - Customer Access, Resources
Runners up:
- Sonia Lemon - Family Support Worker, Charles Saer Community Primary School
- Virtual Headset Training Team - Virtual School, Children's Services
This award is for someone whose work has made a real difference in Lancashire communities.
It recognises an individual or team whose work has had a positive impact on local people or places. They go above and beyond to support communities, improving lives, strengthening connections, and helping make Lancashire a better place to live.
Winner: Gillian Collins - County Disability Officer, Disability - nominated by Steve Whelan
Runners up:
- Janine Seed - Technical Services Team Manager, Coroner's Service
- Tracey Morris - Unit Manager, Residential Services
This award celebrates teams that consistently deliver excellent results and work brilliantly together.
It’s open to any group of colleagues, whether they work in the same service or came together for a specific project, and no matter the size of the team. What they have in common is outstanding teamwork and a clear, positive impact.
Winner: Approved Mental Health Professional Service
Runners up:
- Bowgreave Rise Management Team
- Shared Lives
This award celebrates teams that consistently deliver excellent results and work brilliantly together.
It’s open to any group of colleagues, whether they work in the same service or came together for a specific project, and no matter the size of the team. What they have in common is outstanding teamwork and a clear, positive impact.
Winner: Access to Resources Residential Brokerage Team
Runners up:
- Alex House - Residential Overnight Breaks (Children's Residential)
- Children in our Care Team, Team 14
This award celebrates teams that consistently deliver excellent results and work brilliantly together.
It’s open to any group of colleagues, whether they work in the same service or came together for a specific project, and no matter the size of the team. What they have in common is outstanding teamwork and a clear, positive impact.
Winner: Fylde and Wyre Accessible Transport Team
Runners up:
- Lancashire Drug and Alcohol Related Deaths Panels Team
- Older People Services Catering
This award celebrates teams that consistently deliver excellent results and work brilliantly together.
It’s open to any group of colleagues, whether they work in the same service or came together for a specific project, and no matter the size of the team. What they have in common is outstanding teamwork and a clear, positive impact.
Winner: Customer Access Adults Social Care
Runners up:
- Digital Innovation
- The Wellbeing Team
This award celebrates fresh thinking that helps us work smarter and serve Lancashire better.
It’s for individuals who’ve come up with new ideas or creative solutions that make a real difference, whether that’s improving a service, solving a tricky problem, or finding better value for money.
Winner: Kerry Harrison - Digital Skills Coordinator, Skills and Employment
Runners up:
- Charlotte Catterall - Business Development Manager, Customer Access Service
- Gesa Weitzel - Social Worker, Countywide Learning Disability and Autism
This award celebrates a leader who brings out the best in others.
It recognises a manager, supervisor or team leader who leads with fairness, respect and integrity. They support their team, build trust and help people grow. They set a strong example and create an environment where others can thrive.
Winner: Jeanette O’Neil - Manager, Residential Services
Runners up:
- Louise Kerr - Mail, Print and Scan Manager, Digital Services
- Natalie Williams - Senior Manager, Children in Our Care and Leaving Care
This award recognises someone who stays calm and focused when things change or get tough.
They bring steadiness and strength when it’s needed most, staying calm under pressure, adapting to change, and helping others do the same. When things are uncertain or challenging, they keep going and bring others with them.
Winner: Hayley Smith - SEND Auditor, Quality Assurance Inspection and Safeguarding
Runners up:
- Dale Simpson - Transport Contract Manager, Accessible Transport Service
- Gill Bamford - Social Worker, Children's Services
This award is for someone who makes work better for others
This award recognises someone who goes out of their way to support colleagues and create a positive place to work. They’re the kind of person who lifts others up. That might be through offering a helping hand, being a trusted mentor, or simply making people feel welcome and respected.
Winner: Lisa Gilleade-Smith - Recruitment and Academy Practice Improvement Manager, Business Development
Runners up:
- Joanne Lingard - Inclusion Teacher, Inclusion
- Martha Banks - Practice Development Manager, Adolescent Services
Get in touch
If you need further advice or have any problems completing the form please email us at staffawards@lancashire.gov.uk.
Get in touch
If you need further advice please email us at staffawards@lancashire.gov.uk.
Keep updated
Look out for news about the Staff Excellence Awards on the intranet and Schools' Portal.