Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust is pleased to announce that Joy at Work – Health and Wellbeing in Action has been Highly Commended in the Workforce Initiative of the Year at this year’s HSJ Awards, recognising their diligence and commitment to the healthcare industry across the past 12 months.

The comprehensive assessment process involved a first round of remote judging – overseen by a panel of dedicated industry professionals - followed by a live presentation. Having successfully completed both of these highly competitive stages, Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust went on to be highly commended standing out amongst a very impressive shortlist. 

On Thursday November 18, guests attended the first in-person HSJ Awards ceremony since ‘lockdown’, held at Evolution London. The event followed on from the successful virtual 40th Anniversary event held in February, earlier this year, and the evening celebrated the very best in innovation, teamwork and empowering projects across the healthcare sector.

With over 1000 entries and 23 categories, the awards drew attention to the “high-flyers” of healthcare excellence in both the NHS and its partners who strive to improve outcomes and services for both patients and staff alike.

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust was highly commended due to their focus on excellence, conscientious hard work and the demonstrable positive impact that the/their project has within the health and social care sectors. 

The Trusts submission shared our holistic approach to Wellbeing, supporting staff across the 6 Ways to Wellbeing Framework from mental and physical health to spiritual and personal development.  Both quantitative and qualitative evidence was shared supporting the outcomes alongside the opportunities for spread.  The judges felt our initiative was particularly strong in demonstrating the following points:

  • Inspiring (one of the judges asked the candidates ‘why aren’t other trusts doing this’);
  • The data stands out – bucking national trends, showing robust oversight of the impact of this intervention within the Trust;
  • It was bold – this is evidenced through the commitment of finance;
  • The Trust had clearly invested in leadership to drive it forward;
  • There had been a significant cultural impact.
  • The panel all agreed and particularly liked that there was board level scrutiny and ambition for this agenda and a demonstrated commitment had been made for a board level role to ensure this was a strategic ambition
  • It was felt this initiative is a great role model and blueprint for approaching health and wellbeing, and therefore was highly commended.”

Louise Ashley, Chief Executive at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust comments; “We are so proud to have been recognised by the HSJ Awards and highlighted as Highly Commended I Workforce Initiative. The recognition of this calibre means a huge amount to everyone involved in this project, we are very confident that the impact of being Highly Commended at the HSJ Awards will help us to continually develop and build upon a really positive and enduring legacy when we look to the future.

“Being amongst a remarkable cohort of nominees was a brilliant experience, and we are certain that this commendation will bolster our efforts moving forward and will motivate the team further in continually developing and improving our services.”

HSJ Editor Alastair McLellan offers his congratulations to Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust “I’d like to offer my congratulations to Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust on being Highly Commended in the Workforce Initiative of the Year at this year’s HSJ Awards. It is always inspirational to see projects adapting, developing and improving their services to provide innovative, effective treatments for patients across the country.

“Each year, I’m overwhelmed by the many impressive individuals, teams and Trusts who submit details of their work and projects to the HSJ Awards - and this year was no exception. The sheer quality and standard of nominees is outstanding and all those shortlisted - and who then went on to be highly commended - should be very proud of their contribution to healthcare excellence.

He adds; “We believe Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust really holds the value of the HSJ Awards – in terms of sharing best practice, improving patient outcomes, and demonstrating innovation - at the centre of what they do.

“Congratulations again on your brilliant efforts, I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for you and your colleagues!”

The full list of winners and highly commended categories for the HSJ Awards 2021 can be found on awards - https://awards.hsj.co.uk/winners-2021