2025 finalists

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.

This year's finalists are:

• Customer Access Service Accessibility Project Team - Customer Access, Resources - nominated by Charlotte Catterall
• Sonia Lemon - Family Support Worker, Charles Saer Community Primary School - nominated by Gemma Gardiner
• Virtual Headset Training Team - Virtual School, Children's Services - nominated by Vanessa Nice

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.

This year's finalists are:

• Gillian Collins - County Disability Officer, Disability - nominated by Steve Whelan
• Janine Seed - Technical Services Team Manager, Coroner's Service - nominated by Ann Edwards
• Tracey Morris - Unit Manager, Residential Services - nominated by JP Adamson 

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.

This year's finalists for Adults are:

• Approved Mental Health Professional Service - nominated by Karen Hacking 
• Bowgreave Rise Management Team - nominated by Kelly Evans 
• Shared Lives - nominated by Gregg Marshall

This year's finalists for Children's Services are: 

• Access to Resources Residential Brokerage Team - nominated by James Beardwood
• Alex House - Residential Overnight Breaks (Children's Residential) - nominated by JP Adamson
• Children in our Care Team, Team 14 - nominated by Carla Robinson

This year's finalists for Growth, Environment, Transport and Heath are:

• Fylde and Wyre Accessible Transport Team - nominated by Dan Philipson
• Lancashire Drug and Alcohol Related Deaths Panels Team - nominated by Lee Harrington
• Older People Services Catering - nominated by Angela Dawson

This year's finalists for Resources are:

• Customer Access Adults Social Care - nominated by Sarah Dandy
• Digital Innovation - nominated by Amisha Chauhan
• The Wellbeing Team - nominated by Savannah Smith

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.

This year's finalists are:

• Charlotte Catterall - Business Development Manager, Customer Access Service - nominated by Ben Zebrowski
• Gesa Weitzel - Social Worker, Countywide Learning Disability and Autism - nominated by Anna Walkden
• Kerry Harrison - Digital Skills Coordinator, Skills and Employment  - nominated by Sara Gaskell

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.

This year's finalists are:

• Jeanette O’Neil - Manager, Residential Services - nominated by Kieron Moss
• Louise Kerr - Mail, Print and Scan Manager, Digital Services - nominated by Jeanette Garstang
• Natalie Williams - Senior Manager, Children in Our Care and Leaving Care - nominated by Jen Robertshaw

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.

This year's finalists are:

• Dale Simpson - Transport Contract Manager, Accessible Transport Service - nominated by Dan Philipson
• Gill Bamford - Social Worker, Children's Services nominated by Amy Conway
• Hayley Smith - SEND Auditor, Quality Assurance Inspection and Safeguarding nominated by Laura Gardner and Catherine Bailey

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.

This year's finalists are:

• Joanne Lingard - Inclusion Teacher, Inclusion - nominated by Rosie Bentley
• Lisa Gilleade-Smith - Recruitment and Academy Practice Improvement Manager, Business Development - nominated by Mairead Gill-Mullarkey
• Martha Banks - Practice Development Manager, Adolescent Services - nominated by Dani Harris