Janet Scholes
Nominated by: Helen Forster
Department: Corporate Services and Transformation
Reason for nomination: A true visionary, Janet embodies the values of collaboration, innovation, empowerment, and accountability, demonstrating leadership that has transformed Property and driven outstanding success. Janet is not just a leader—she is a catalyst for change. Her ability to collaborate across teams and stakeholders has fostered a culture of unity and shared purpose, ensuring that every voice is heard and every contribution valued. She has empowered her team with trust, guidance, and support, allowing them to excel in their roles and drive real results. Innovation is at the heart of Janet’s leadership. Spearheading the transformation of the asset portfolio, she has guided Property to deliver beyond expectations, not only achieving but exceeding targets. Her strategic vision has moved Property to a balanced budget position, creating new assets while simultaneously generating significant capital receipts — an accomplishment that speaks to her unparalleled expertise and dedication. Janet’s unwavering accountability is evident in her commitment to the Medium Term Financial Plan. Through her foresight and relentless drive, she has laid the foundation for a sustainable financial future ensuring that Property and the Council are well-positioned for long-term success. A leader of extraordinary talent, Janet is an inspiration to all who have the privilege of working with her. Her ability to lead with conviction, uplift those around her, and deliver exceptional results makes her the most deserving recipient of the Inspiring Leader Award. It is with great admiration that I put forward this nomination—Janet is not just an outstanding leader, but a force of transformation and success.
Jane Parke
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Adult Social Care and Health
Reason for nomination: Jane Parke is an exceptional leader who has been with the council for years in various roles. In Amber Valley Jane has developed a culture of collaboration and innovation, always seeking to improve her team and the service in a positive way. Jane will always prioritise the service and endeavours to have the best team possible to carry out work needed, she ensures all staff are supported and that they feel comfortable with the actions they are taking to support clients in Amber Valley in the best way possible. Jane encourages students and learning in Amber Valley to develop her team in a positive way. Jane leads by example, she works hard, is dedicated to the service and has built and cultivated relationships with not only her team but others as well to bring together adult social care as a whole unit. Jane is inclusive of her team managers and business services to ensure that everyone is comfortable with new processes, she listens to feedback from her teams and makes changes where necessary. Jane brings so much positivity to Amber Valley, she is supportive and dedicated and deserves this award as she inspires everyone to be the best they can be and has done so throughout her career with Derbyshire County Council. This has resulted in aa well run service, happy teams and an empowered workforce.
Graham Hibbert
Nominated by: Alex Bramwell
Department: Corporate Services and Transformation
Reason for nomination: Graham lead a team on a complex refurbishment project at Lea Green gatekeepers lodge for children's services. he challenged the designs to ensure the project ran smoothly and proactively pushing change along with monitoring the progress of all the team to ensure that the children who would eventually spend time in the property had a place to call home. He has also received excellent feedback from the surveying team for how he managed the H&S risk that occurred at Parkwood centre, again managing the team with the varied daily challenges that are presented to the Business unit teams.
Rebecca Mcdermott
Nominated by: Lisa Lovegrove
Department: Corporate Services and Transformation
Reason for nomination: Rebecca is doing a great job at pulling the HR team together to work as one team. We have recently been ask to feedback, as BPs, on tasks that we are asked to do that hinder us in our strategic roles. There were many comments put forward, within 2 weeks Beck has taken the feedback and already give us solutions to the problems, these actions will free our time to support our services in the right way for the council. She has encouraged us to take part in current projects so that we are continuously developing and she is always positive about organisational change with one eye on how we can continue to improve. She encourages us to come together and share ideas so we can become a consistent team working productively. Rebecca holds us to account for our actions and words but is supportive and constructive, always conveying the right information and displaying the correct behaviours. She is a true role model and always professional and thinking of the right thing for the organisation in every decision she makes.
Anna Bland
Nominated by: Kathy Whiteley
Department: Corporate Services and Transformation
Reason for nomination: Anna was appointed into her G6 BSA role based at Alfreton Adult Education Centre, before I had the privilege of becoming her line manager in 2022. However, on 16 May she left our team to start her new role within the legal team, for which I wish her every success, but I wanted to nominate her for this award, due to her outstanding performance as a team leader. Anna’s responsibilities included line management; overseeing financial procedures; providing administration support to 4 cohorts of study programme learners (approximately 40 learners in total), along with other course administration; organising and running of exams in line with the current exam board regulations; and health & safety tasks, which she always carried out to a high standard. She would go above and beyond and frequently worked at alternative locations to provide support as the need occurred and had a very flexible approach to her working pattern to meet the needs of the service. During her time with us, Anna had line management responsibility for a member of staff, who joined us on a fixed term contract and had also successfully completed her studies through our 16–19-year-old study programme. Anna did a fantastic job in supporting and developing this staff member, to the extent that at the end of their contract they successfully gained full time permanent employment. We have since received feedback from their parent to say what a fantastic job had been done, in supporting their daughter with her career development. In addition to carrying out her duties to the high standard mentioned above, Anna has also continued with her professional development. She has successfully studied and completed the Level 2 in Understanding Autism and Level 2 Mentoring course in addition to other mandatory training.
Karen Allen
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Corporate Services and Transformation
Reason for nomination: Karen exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional leader through her rare ability to identify and cultivate the unique strengths of those within her team. By doing so, she empowers individuals to realise their full potential and facilitates a supportive, high-performing environment. Her steadfast dedication to excellence, coupled with her insightful guidance and genuine encouragement, fosters a culture where people feel deeply valued and consistently motivated. Whether she's involved in strategic asset management, property rationalisation, or move management, Karen is always at the forefront of successful property services projects, achieving positive outcomes for the council, whilst inspiring everyone around her. Karen's contributions reflect the very essence of exemplary leadership and this merits formal recognition.
Julie Stirland
Nominated by: Clare Jarvis
Department: Place
Reason for nomination: I would like to nominate my manager, Julie Stirland for the inspiring leader award in recognition of her unwavering dedication, compassion and outstanding support for her team. She consistently demonstrates what it means to be a true leader through her supportive attitude, strong work ethic and integrity. She is always there to listen, guide and encourage, no matter how busy she is. She goes above and beyond to create a positive and trusting environment where I certainly feel valued by her and able to grow. I believe that her commitment to her role goes above and beyond expectations. She takes her responsibilities incredibly seriously and never cuts corners. She strives to always do her best, not just for the Council and libraries, but for the people around her. I can see that she holds herself to very high standards Julie empowers others to do well. When I was working on a funding bid, she gave me the space and trust to lead the process myself, offering support but encouraging me to take ownership. When the bid was successful she showed genuine pride in this achievement and now that the project is getting off the ground she is trusting and empowering me to continue to take the lead on this whilst offering support where necessary. She has also been a huge support in my ACLIP journey, giving me access to projects and work that would help with my development enabling me to recently submit my portfolio. Julie does not seek recognition, but I believe she deserves it. She inspires confidence, nurtures growth and I feel lucky to have her as my manager.
Mary Halliwell
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Children's Services
Reason for nomination: I have worked with Mary Halliwell Private Fostering Team Manager for many years, she has always been so supportive of her team members thus ensuring she leads as a caring manager but continually works within the values of DCC. Mary upholds the image and reputation of the council and also encourages this within the team. Mary has strong beliefs of how to manage her team, to motivate and inspire. As a team member I have always felt that Mary is truly interested in the individuals of the team which sets her aside as a manager. Mary has worked for DCC for many years and is a very well respected member of Children's Services with so much experience to bear. Her knowledge in many areas is outstanding and she is always willing to pass this on to ensure others understand a situation as she does. I feel incredibly lucky to have Mary as my manager and hope she continues to serve us for as long as she wishes to. Thank you Mary for everything you do for the council, for your team and other around you, you are a much valued person, manager and colleague. I'm sure I speak for all the Private Fostering Team within this recommendation for an award. Thank you so much.
Mary Halliwell
Nominated by: Tina Allen-Facey
Department: Children's Services
Reason for nomination: Mary is a supportive, experienced, and dedicated manager who has worked for DCC for many years. She is always on hand to offer advice to workers across all fields of social work not just her own team. She is progressive and encourages her team to progress and learn and to support each other in all endeavours. She can be a hard taskmaster but for the right reasons and is dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for children and families.
Julie Andrews
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Adult Social Care and Health
Reason for nomination: I believe no one deserves this award more than Julie Andrews, as she is truly an inspiring leader, but also inspiring in many other ways. Firstly, Julie is a leader who has outstanding knowledge on every aspect of Adult Social Care and shares that knowledge with her team. Julie continually inspires others with the skills she has acquired over the years, to help them reach their full potential and achieve their aspirations. This makes every member of the team feel valued and supported, thus enabling us to work together as a team to make a difference to the lives of the people we work with in Derbyshire. Julie strives to continually find innovative ways to achieve positive outcomes within the current financial pressures, whilst upholding the council’s vision and values. Julie is very proactive in speaking to the people we work with and encourages feedback and seeks the views of others, treating people as individuals and talking to others to get a full understanding of their needs and difficulties. Julie also listens to others to get a full understanding of what outcomes they want to achieve. Julie works in partnership with colleagues and partner agencies, seeking their views and expertise to work collaboratively to attain a shared goal. Julie is able to confidently rise to any challenge and motivates others to do the same. Julie has had her own personal battle to overcome, but this has never influenced how hard she works and how committed she is to her job as Service Manager. This has highlighted Julie’s courage and determination to carry on doing the job she loves and making a difference. Julie is a shining example of an inspiring leader and makes a difference every single day to her team and to the lives of the people of Derbyshire.
Julia Balcerek
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Adult Social Care and Health
Reason for nomination: I am nominating them for the inspiring leader award. They have joined the DDF whilst I had been working there and have progressed to a team leader role. They have shown that progression is achievable if it is something other members of the team would wish to do. They have shown support to staff on a daily basis, help resolve any issues or queries with a calm approach and make time in their day if needed to support others. They collaborate by listening and being fair and deliver updates and changes to the team in a clear way which makes it easy to understand expectations. Innovative - they embraced the changes within the DDF and delivered information on what this involved, along with again being supportive when assistance needed. Empowered - makes you feel like a valued member of the team, which has not always been the case at all times, but this person delivers positively praise when something is done well, this for me, motivates me to continue to work hard.
Sue Mason
Nominated by: Robin Heath
Department: Corporate Services and Transformation
Reason for nomination: Sue joined White Hall Centre in spring 2024 as House Manager, stepping into the incredibly challenging role of succeeding a much-loved predecessor who had been in post for over 30 years. Although the previous manager had done a fantastic job and was held in high regard, Sue was faced with the daunting task of implementing essential changes, some of which while necessary, were not initially welcomed by all. Sue approached this transition with remarkable professionalism, resilience, and inspirational determination. Thanks to her leadership, the centre now operates with more modern practices, greater efficiency, and despite early resistance staff morale has reached a level not seen in many years. Her changes have led to significant cost savings without compromising the quality of delivery, and even resulted in increased income for the centre. Impressively, Sue’s leadership has enabled her office team to operate to a higher standard with fewer staff, demonstrating her ability to do more with less while still maintaining excellence. There is still work to be done to fully modernise the centre, but with Sue at the helm, we are confident that this progress will continue smoothly, swiftly, and without unnecessary cost. Her vision, courage, and commitment have already made a lasting difference, and she is a fantastic addition to the White Hall Centre team.
Louise Wilson
Nominated by: Becky Stancill
Department: Place
Reason for nomination: I would like to nominate Louise Wilson for her outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to our team’s success. Louise consistently encompasses our core values and beyond. Collaborative – Louise has effectively created a culture of open communication and mutual respect. She listens to her team, colleagues and stakeholders to gain diverse perspectives and considers the impact on Derbyshire residents. Innovative – Louise is a progressive leader, always a step ahead and makes informed and impactful decisions in challenging circumstances and when the landscape around us continues to evolve remaining composed and resilient. Empowered – Louise is a strong leader and positive role model. She empowers others and believes in her team, developing a culture of autonomy. Louise’s encouragement has enabled both my personal and professional development by stretching and challenging me and raised my aspirations. Accountable – Louise leads by example, taking responsibility for outcomes and encouraging others to do the same. Louise is ‘present’ and I have complete confidence in her leadership approach. I am fortunate to have had Louise as my Line Manager for the past eight years. Louise continues to inspire me, she is embracing the responsibilities of new role whilst being committed to progressing her in her career, currently working towards the Senior Leader Level 7 apprenticeship.
Jennifer Harding
Nominated by: Robin Heath
Department: Children's Services
Reason for nomination: Jen is a Team Manager and instructor at White Hall Centre, where she is responsible for creating educational programmes, liaising with schools, and ensuring that all Derbyshire children have the opportunity to experience an unforgettable outdoor adventure. This October marks Jen’s 25th year at White Hall, during which she has played a key role in planning residentials for nearly 250,000 young people. Jen’s passion and drive remain as strong today as they were on her very first day. Her dedication to delivering the highest quality experiences for Derbyshire’s children is nothing short of inspirational. Jen is a fantastic role model for new staff entering the industry. The knowledge and experience she shares are vital to their professional development and confidence. Despite having had several opportunities to apply for more senior roles (positions for which she would have been a strong contender) Jen has consistently chosen to remain in a more hands-on, child-focused position. This decision speaks volumes about her values and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of outdoor education for young people. Jen’s commitment, integrity, and leadership make her truly deserving of this recognition.
Jordan Spolding
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Corporate Services and Transformation
Reason for nomination: I am nominating him because he has started leading two teams of apprentices in the past year. He has helped both to introduce them to the council as a whole and introduce them to the work expected with endless patience and clear instructions.
Amanda Nadin
Nominated by: Chris Smyth
Department: Adult Social Care and Health
Reason for nomination: I would like to nominate Amanda Nadin for the Inspiring Leader Award, during her time as Service Manager with the Community Connector team. Amanda’s role had two distinct functions, firstly the day-to-day delivery of the Community Connector function, secondly, given our role is one of transformation, to undertake a review of the Community Connector service, which included understanding how the team supports both departmental and organisational priorities, now and going forward. Taking responsibility for the team in November 2024, Amanda quickly identified that much of the teams original brief had been fulfilled, and the team had, in some respects, lost its sense of direction, to include its role in supporting the broader priorities and responsibilities of our department. Working closely with the team manager, Amanda’s approach to the review showed sensitivity, whilst developing the awareness and understanding of the team manager(s). Areas of development included orientation to the council’s responsibilities within the Care Act and resource allocation. It is fair to say that not all colleagues embraced the potential changes, which included steps to reduce the teams mileage expenditure, and the unnecessary duplication of officer time on certain tasks. This required Amanda to use her highly effective communication and negotiation skills to secure both the understanding and support of the management team when implementing the intended changes. The Connector team manager has expressed her appreciation of Amanda’s support and guidance during that time, which she describes as greatly assisting her own development as a manager. Additionally, Amanda has worked closely with colleagues in our commissioning team, together with those in Public Health, and Place to explore and identify how the Community Connector team might work collaboratively with other council services to enhance the customer experience, and reflect the effective and efficient use of council resources, to include opportunities to release financial efficiencies.
Liann Marsden
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Corporate Services and Transformation
Reason for nomination: Liann is a super hard working and supportive leader in many ways - pushing herself to make sure we all as a team make sure we give the best service to everyone within DCC, The support she gives to each individual is exceptional, always going out her way to ensure an answer is given to make sure the workflow can move forward more seamlessly. If Liann didn’t know the answer she would always happily find the answer to resolve any situation with ease. All her finding she will share with the team and whoever made the enquiry to make sure all protocols are adhered to. Liann is a credit to DCC.
Jon Gouldbourne
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Place
Reason for nomination: Jon works very hard in his role at Senior Transport Officer including stepping up 2 or 3 levels to manage for several months while someone was sick. He's kind, tactful and embraces all innovation and newness, playing a part in systems migration and having a major part in the team's transition to EMCCA which is very time consuming.
Rebecca McDermott
Nominated by: Angela Kirkham and Claire Russell
Department: Corporate Services and Transformation
Reason for nomination: Beck is an excellent manager and leader and truly embodies the characteristics of an Inspiring Leader. She is always positive, she always finds time for her team, she supports team members to arrive at solutions to problems, she proactively moves issues forward, she challenges where appropriate and can always be relied upon. She has made such a positive impact to our HR team and is the type of leader you would aspire to be. She is strategic as well as being pragmatic and her skills and behaviours mean that she excels even in the most challenging environments. She has supported our HR team to deliver numerous reviews and is always on hand to offer guidance and support. Her judgement and interpersonal skills are exceptional, and we couldn't ask for a better role model. A true Inspiring Leader!
Mark Lunn
Nominated by: Philip Spencer
Department: Corporate Services and Transformation
Reason for nomination: I would like to nominate Mark Lunn for his positive leadership and management of the Internal Audit team since joining the Council. Mark consistently advocates a strong commitment to Auditor personal responsibility, staff empowerment, and continual improvement within the Internal Audit function. Over the past few years, Mark has positively changed the focus and culture of Auditors and Internal Audit. One of Mark's notable qualities is his ability to empower all members of the Audit team. He understands that the success of Internal Audit relies on the collective efforts of all Auditors and has taken the time to work with the team, to identifying and support each individual's potential. Mark's approach to empowerment includes actively involving the team in decision-making processes and valuing their input. He fosters an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and respected. Mark recognises that the landscape of local government internal auditing is continually evolving. Therefore, he advocates continuous learning and professional development, ensuring that all Auditors take ownership of their personal growth. This has equipped both individual Auditors and the team as a whole, with the necessary skills and knowledge to add value to the service. This investment is now clearly evident when comparing Derbyshire against our fellow Internal Audit teams across the Midlands region; Derbyshire is often well-placed or leading in new Internal Audit development areas and initiatives. In summary, Mark's leadership and support has significantly impacted my personal development and that of other Auditors. Despite facing resistance from certain staff members whilst on the journey, Mark has always remained positive, optimistic, and consistently ‘above the line’, making his leadership a good fit for the Internal Audit team.
Robin Heath
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Children's Services
Reason for nomination: Robin is an inspirational leader to all staff at the White Hall Centre, and associated services. He strives to ensure that everyone is able to achieve their best and is always seeking opportunities to help his staff grow and develop. His honest and open approach to leadership gives the team the confidence to tackle challenges and persevere, ensuring that the best possible service is delivered and that the centre can thrive. His influential leadership and support isn't felt exclusively at the White Hall Centre though. Ripples of his positivity and can-do attitude are felt throughout other DCC services that he supports and external agencies too, and this is reflected in the success of projects that he's involved in. All of this stems from his core aim of wanting to support the children of Derbyshire in the best way possible. He's created opportunities, opened doors and, crucially, held those doors open for young people, giving them the chance to succeed. He goes above and beyond and his passion for the job and for supporting everyone around him is clear to see. Robin never seeks praise for his own achievements yet is the first to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of others. Robin is an inspiring leader, and here is an opportunity for his commitment and support for everyone around him to be recognised.
Laura Patton
Nominated by: Jackie Chamberlain
Department: Adult Social Care and Health
Reason for nomination: I would like to nominate Laura Patton (Senior Practitioner) for the Inspiring Leader Award. Laura is a temporary Senior Practitioner in Amber Valley START. She is a strong and innovative leader who continuously seeks to improve ways of working to benefit the people of Derbyshire, the Local Authority and the Team itself. She is very well respected by all staff members for her extensive knowledge base, unconditional support of others and her passion for improved mental wellbeing for all. Laura is not only a very approachable leader but also a passionate and value based social worker. Laura’s management style is well respected by team members/ colleagues. She has a way of being able to present a good case for change and by doing so successfully encourages others to engage and invest toward achieving better results. Laura has a skill of being able to identify the learning and development needs of others. She has recently collaborated with an Erewash partner and involved team colleagues by arranging and facilitating a training opportunity for both areas internal and external partners/ staff. In doing so she is hoping to help staff develop their reablement skills and achieve a better understanding around Local Authority policies and procedures. Laura has a great understanding of individual needs and would not be prepared to ask for something she wouldn’t be prepared to do herself. She is an active listener who is open to constructive feedback and if this is for the greater good would strongly advocate for change. Amber Valley START have only been in existence since 2024. In this time, Laura has been pivotal in identifying barriers to progress/ achievements and has strongly advocated for change. More recently this could have presented challenge from managers, however through independent research, organisational and excellent negotiation skills Laura has been successful in achieving better results, which has earned much appreciation and gratitude from her colleagues.
Victoria Clarke
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Adult Social Care and Health
Reason for nomination: Victoria embodies what it means to be an inspiring leader—someone who leads by example, supports the development of others, and is always willing to help her team with anything and everything. Victoria is dependable, determined, and always fabulously dressed. She brings a rare blend of kindness, knowledge, fairness, and drive to her role. Seeing a woman in leadership who is kind and nurturing, while also being a source of knowledge and strength, is deeply inspiring to me. I am thriving in my role due to the experience and guidance provided by Victoria. I’m constantly undertaking new tasks, developing new skills, and enjoying contributing to the Substance Use Strategic Team (SUS-team). If there is a development opportunity, Victoria will suggest it. When I share my ideas, Victoria helps me refine them into viable suggestions, and a number have been implemented successfully. I really value being in a workplace where I’m trusted to evolve, contribute, and take initiative. The SUS-Team relies on Victoria for her experiences and guidance—her wealth of knowledge is truly a shared resource. Victoria welcomes feedback, innovative ideas and everyone’s opinion equally. She recognises the individual’s needs, strengths, and motivations, and tailors her support in a way that brings out the best in everyone she works with. She is passionate about CYP agendas, understands the financial realities of strategic work, and builds strong partnerships both internally and externally. She sets a clear example of how leadership can be values-led and genuinely people-focused. I feel my opinions are sought after and valued, and I am very grateful to have a team leader who leads by listening, reflecting and asking. Victoria leads in a way that lifts everyone around her—not just as a woman, not just as an professional, and not just as a manager, but as a truly authentic, strong and inspiring leader.
Summa Watson
Nominated by: Vicky Smyth
Department: Adult Social Care and Health
Reason for nomination: When I think of an Inspirational Leader I think of Summa. Her dedication and creativeness are truly infectious, and Summa inspires everyone that she works with to thrive and achieve their potential. Her expert leadership of the Disability Employer Engagement Derbyshire team has supported numerous businesses and organisations across Derbyshire to recognise and embrace the talent and skills of employees with disabilities or long-term health conditions. Overcoming her own personal challenges this year, Summa has continued to provide exceptional leadership including creating a workforce that is reflective of the diverse range of people living in Derbyshire.
Lois Race
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Adult Social Care and Health
Reason for nomination: Lois is an exceptional leader who continually demonstrates our new core values in her work. Never afraid to innovate, she strategically manages multiple service areas providing support to Derbyshire residents in crisis. This includes driving the work of the incredibly busy Derbyshire Discretionary Fund (DDF), Welfare Rights Service and leading other financial wellbeing initiatives. She always demonstrates a collaborative approach, her work discharging the Household Support Fund being a prime example, where she leads a multi departmental team of highly skilled professionals from across Public Health, Childrens Services and CST. She is accountable and empowers others to achieved shared goals. She is calm, efficient, sets a clear vision for her team. Lois continually works dynamically to get things done and improve outcomes for the people of Derbyshire. She also prioritises the health and wellbeing of her team and recognises the emotional toil that is placed on them when supporting people in crisis. Thank you Lois for always going above and beyond to support both your team, and the people of Derbyshire.
Sam Serpanchy
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Adult Social Care and Health
Reason for nomination: Sam Serpanchy is a wonderful leader. She leads by example and will always back her employees. She works hard to make the DDF the best team that it can be.
Dan Riley
Nominated by: Robin Heath
Department: Children's Services
Reason for nomination: I am delighted to nominate Dan Riley for the Inspiring Leader Award. Dan’s leadership at both the White Hall Centre and the School Visits service is truly exemplary, serving as a beacon of inspiration for his staff team and the wider Derbyshire community. Splitting his time between the two services, Dan maintains an exceptional standard of work and professionalism in both—an impressive achievement, especially when delivering at such a consistently high level. Dan’s supportive and encouraging nature fosters a positive and inclusive work environment, where everyone feels valued and motivated to excel. His dedication to the well-being and growth of others goes above and beyond expectations, making him a highly respected and admired leader. Thanks to Dan’s hard work and commitment, the White Hall Centre has secured significant additional funding through successful grant bids. This has enabled thousands more young people from Derbyshire to access life-changing outdoor education experiences—broadening their horizons and enriching their lives in profound ways. Dan’s influence extends far beyond his immediate workplace. Each year, nearly 10,000 young people visit the White Hall Centre, and countless others benefit through schools participating in the School Visits service. His unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality outdoor education experiences leaves a lasting impact on every participant, helping to shape their futures with confidence and resilience. Dan also works tirelessly to support his staff team, and he is truly loved and respected by all who work with him. His approachability, dedication, and passion for education make him an outstanding role model and leader. In conclusion, Dan Riley’s leadership embodies resilience, compassion, and a deep sense of service. He is a truly deserving candidate for the Inspiring Leader Award. His vision and dedication have made a profound and lasting difference to both the White Hall Centre and the Derbyshire community. I wholeheartedly endorse his nomination and celebrate his remarkable achievements.
Jo Hollick
Nominated by: Paul Smith
Department: Corporate Services and Transformation
Reason for nomination: On behalf of Property Asset Management I am pleased to nominate Jo Hollick, Principal Asset Management Officer, for the Council Inspiring Leader Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership, integrity, and commitment to the Council’s values. Jo consistently demonstrates what it means to be innovative, collaborative, empowered, and accountable. Her leadership and support on the delivery of Service Asset Management Plans, the Asset Plan Programme, and a number of significant service redesign projects, reflects a forward-thinking and values-driven approach that aligns directly with the Council Plan. These initiatives have not only strengthened service delivery but also ensured that strategic asset decisions are sustainable, transparent, and service focused. As a trusted departmental business partner, Jo works across teams with professionalism and emotional intelligence. She is acutely aware of the differing motivations and pressures faced by those she supports and leads with empathy and flexibility. Jo actively listens, seeks input from diverse stakeholders, and adapts her approach to ensure everyone feels heard and valued. Jo is passionate about developing others and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. She mentors colleagues, encourages professional growth, and creates a safe, supportive environment in which people feel empowered to take initiative and contribute meaningfully. Her leadership enables others to thrive while holding herself and the team accountable for delivering high-quality outcomes. She exemplifies collaborative working, regularly bringing together colleagues from across the organisation to deliver shared outcomes. Her ability to build trust and promote innovation has been instrumental in the delivery of Property and Council strategic goals. Jo leads by example—balancing strategic focus with compassion, consistently aligning her actions with the Council Plan, and upholding our core values in everything she does. For these reasons, she is an outstanding candidate for this award.
Mary Halliwell
Nominated by: Mikala Dawson
Department: Children's Services
Reason for nomination: Mary has been such a fantastic manager. I joined her team just over 12 months ago and she has been an inspirational leader taking us through so much change. She has taken on the new Private fostering service and motivated the whole team to embrace the changes this entailed. Mary is always available and will always have time to discuss issues or situations that arise - even if it means working later to resolve them. Nothing is too much trouble for her. Mary always a wealth of experience and knowledge that is unmatched an she has a clear vision for the children and families we work with, and has worked tirelessly in collaboration with us as workers and the others services to ensue we seek the best possible outcomes for them.
Hazel Coates
Nominated by: Finley Peel
Department: Corporate Services and Transformation
Reason for nomination: Hazel has been a part of the Risk and Insurance team for many years, however this past year she was recently promoted to Risk and Insurance manager and has been exceptional from the start. Hazel is collaborative as she always brings the team together to discuss everyone's various areas of individual work and encourages feedback from others so that we can all be the best we can be. Hazel is innovative as this past year also introduced to the team managing the Highways claims, which has been no easy task as this came with a lot of backlog and high demand. In response to this, Hazel has embraced this as an opportunity to further develop and improve the process. Obviously this has been a great team effort, but could not have been achieved without Hazel's inspiring leadership skills. However, this backlog has come with its challenges, meaning Hazel has had to hold herself accountable particularly at the early stages to the general public, dealing with unhappy phone calls and emails almost on the daily, to which she has also shown great resilience. On a personal note, Hazel has empowered me a great deal within my role. I suffer from poor mental health which can sometimes affect my working ability. Hazel approaches this with great kindness and compassion, making me still feel a valued member of the team even when my mental health suffers. Without this, I'm not sure I could return to work with the same attitude and teamwork mentality. Thank you, Hazel!
Hazel Coates
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Corporate Services and Transformation
Reason for nomination: I'd like to nominate my manager Hazel Coates for the Inspiring Leader Award because she is fully committed to her team and consistently goes the extra mile to make sure we're supported and set up for success, from arranging team visits to other establishments to inviting others to County Hall to deliver training so that we can deliver the best service possible. Everyone’s voice is heard and valued most importantly Hazel empowers each team member by trusting their abilities, supporting their growth and celebrating their achievements.
Hazel Coates
Nominated by: Suzanne Ford
Department: Corporate Services and Transformation
Reason for nomination: Hazel Coates Hazel Coates always has time for her staff, no matter how busy she is, engaging with us, listening giving advice where needed and helps implement our ideas if agreed upon. The Risk & Insurance team has had a backlog of pothole claims. Hazel has managed this so well, continuously improving on the service provided and has put a lot of work in to putting new procedures in place going forward, having almost caught up on the backlog of work. Hazel is always asking how her staff is, seeing if we are okay and have anything we want to discuss with her. She holds regular meetings with us and never loses touch with her staff or her focus on the task in hand. She is very passionate about her work and as a temporary member of the team, I couldn't have wished for a better line manager. Hazel will always let us know when mistakes are made, calmly pointing us in the right direction or organising training and extra training where needed. Hazel has a very good and loyal team and I feel this is due to them being passionate about their work, but also because Hazel is such a good, friendly and approachable line manager.
Sarah Taylor
Nominated by: Karen Entwisle
Department: Children's Services
Reason for nomination: I am nominating Sarah Taylor, Early Years Improvement Coordinator for the award of Inspiring Leader. Sarah has been the lynchpin of the Early Years Service whilst we have experienced significant members of the team off with illness and inducting 3 new members of the team. Between December 2024 and May 2025, Sarah has been attentive, supportive and flexible as a leader and is always available to all members of the team. Sarah's line management responsibilities doubled over night and she maintained her usual positive and supportive approach. Sarah empowers the members of her team to be the best version of themselves, she supports them in reflecting on their work and identifying solutions to any problems. Sarah is an inspirational leader, leading by example and using her wealth of knowledge and experience to guide others. She also welcomes innovation from others and works collaboratively across the service, Sarah holds her team to account whilst also protecting them and is consistent in her approach with all staff. She is a credit to the Service and the Council and deserves to be recognised for the time and effort that she has given to the service.
Robin Heath
Nominated by: Sue Mason
Department: Children's Services
Reason for nomination: Robin is one of the centre managers at White Hall Centre, he has proved to be an enthusiastic manager who not only cares for all his staff but is passionate about the environment we all work in. He can constantly be found outside planting sapling trees, moving them from an area where they will not grow or thrive in and putting them in the new conservation field the centre is trying to improve. He will turn his hand to anything from cleaning bathrooms to cooking meals to taking children paddling and anything else asked of him. He will ask every member of staff how are you today and puts others before himself. He can make mistakes but holds his hand up and admits he is wrong, not an easy thing to do. He is keen to ensure children from all walks of life get a chance to attend White hall and encourages us all to think we can do this rather than we can’t. He certainly goes above and beyond in everything he does. He encourages us all to do our best and is patient and offers help when we need it. He makes time in his busy day to have a walk around the grounds with anyone who needs a calming influence or some TLC. True inspiration.
Sharon Urben
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Children's Services
Reason for nomination: Sharon has driven change and innovation in her team for nearly 30 years. She never 'sits still' and will always be looking for ways to improve her service and get the most out of her staff team. Her team, who have been working together for decades, are cohesive and happy, and supportive of each other; testament to the supportive and inclusive environment that Sharon has fostered over the years. More recently, through re-structure, Sharon's role has evolved to include managing new teams from other services. With this has come new opportunities and challenges, which Sharon has always taken on with positivity and understanding. Her door is always open, and she makes time to listen and support everyone around her, regardless of how busy she may be. Everyone comes away from a conversation with Sharon feeling happier and more empowered! Her work ethic is driven wholly by wanting to support children and make a positive difference to their lives. Everything that she does, comes from this core value, and she instils this value throughout the team that she supports. Sharon is naturally inspiring through her behaviour and delivery of her morals, and is a supportive and enthusiastic leader, who very much deserves recognition for this.
Summa Watson
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Adult Social Care and Health
Reason for nomination: I am nominating Summa Watson, and her work with the Disability Employer Engagement Derbyshire (DEED) team, for the Inspiring Leader Award for their exceptional leadership and commitment to our Council’s values. Summa consistently leads by example, motivating others with integrity, empathy, humour and a clear sense of purpose. They have created an inclusive and supportive environment where team members feel heard, valued, and empowered. By understanding the individual motivations of those they lead, Summa adapts her approach to bring out the best in everyone—whether guiding long-standing colleagues or mentoring new starters. Summa is passionate about development and regularly encourages others to pursue learning and growth opportunities. They celebrate achievements, no matter how small, and actively help others realise their aspirations. Their open and approachable style invites feedback, and they use this input to drive continuous improvement in their area of work. They are always looking for ways to do things better, aligning their work with the goals of the Council Plan and ensuring services evolve to meet community needs. Their ability to listen, learn, and lead with integrity makes them not only effective but truly inspiring.
Hazel Coates
Nominated by: Abbie Sorrell
Department: Corporate Services and Transformation
Reason for nomination: I am nominating my manager for the inspiring leader award because she took on a backlog of highways claims from the Place team at the start of 2024. As well as demonstrating a huge achievement for the whole team it shows the dedication and time Hazel has put in to improve the processes and supporting all her staff with any training needed to help us work as effectively and efficiently as we can. When improving the process's Hazel was always open to new ideas and help from the team, she is constantly asking for our input and makes us feel that our opinion in valued. Whilst battling the backlog Hazel has had to use a bit of trial and error meaning that we are continually to this day changing our process where needed. Throughout these changes Hazel always encourages us to embrace the change and be positive, keeping the team moral high. Hazel is not only a great manager but she is a friend and we can always count on her to provide any support needed and can trust her to always be transparent. Whilst dealing with the backlog we were always encourage to be positive however Hazel never withheld the figures and reality regarding the numbers we were dealing with. The transparency from Hazel was key to bringing the team together during a uncertain time.
Robin Heath
Nominated by: Dan Riley
Department: Children's Services
Reason for nomination: Since becoming Centre Manager at White Hall Centre Robin has shown himself to be an effective and capable leader, leading the centre through a period of difficult change. Robin has shown himself to be a highly committed manager, often going above and beyond to ensure that the centre delivers on its promises. This is particularly noticeable with regards to the centre’s work with children in care. Robin has taken the time to get to know each of the children we work with and has a good working relationship with the young people, their carers, and the other professionals that support them. Robin has been able to identify opportunities for the centre to improve the quality of what White Hall delivers. One example of this is through the implementation of an information management system (Cinolla). Here Robin has shown a significant amount of resilience to overcome the inherent pressures, uncertainties and setbacks and has supported staff to work through their own fears that are often associated with significant change. The overall outcome of this is information systems that are significantly more efficient, leading to fewer administration errors, more effective communications and improved customer relationships. Robin is often innovative in his approach. For example, he has developed the centre’s campsite and effectively marketed it to potential users. This has led to a significant increase in the number of groups using it has been the source of additional income for the centre. Another example is in creating a conservation area at the centre, which is now used to educate young people about the importance of protecting the natural environment. Finally, Robin has had some great successes in building relationships between the centre and key stakeholders. Externally he has built productive partnerships with local landowners and conservation organisations, such as Moors for the Future. Internally, he has done some great work within Children’s Services to build relationships with colleagues involved with looking after vulnerable young people. Overall it has been great to see the significant amount of positive change that has happened at White Hall since Robin came into post and as result the centre is significantly more resilient than when he started.
Sharon Urben
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Children’s Services
Reason for nomination: Sharon currently works in the Engagement Service, she is also the co-founder of Positive Play and has worked for Derbyshire for many years.
Over the past year there has been a lot of change with the creation of the Engagement Service, she has been a massive part to managing the great work we do with the young people of Derbyshire. Not only does she set a great example with her hard work and dedication but also because of her kind and approachable personality she inspires others to achieve.
Over Sharon's time working for Positive Play and the Engagement Service she has helped countless young people who are struggling with education, the wealth of knowledge she uses for her work has had such a positive impact on our young people in Derbyshire. Sharon is always learning and looking how to improve her work, being open minded to change or improving is one of Sharon's best qualities and this is why over my whole working career she is one of the best leaders I have ever worked with. Thank you.
Allicia Alvey
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Adult Social Care and Health
Reason for nomination: I am nominating this person as they never fail to go above and beyond. They are in a manager’s job, never fail to do several roles on the go. Works in a home and will happily help on the floor. Inspires others. Always makes sure her tasks are complete and goes above and beyond as a person and as a manager to make sure everything is running smoothly and everyone is okay!
This woman inspires others to improve and continuously do better. She is always looking at new ways to improve or change things for better. She’s always there if anybody needs her. Many people look up to her and will always praise how well she manages her jobs and how she puts all others first.
Suzanne Tunnicliffe
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Corporate Services & Transformation
Reason for nomination: Supported me through the loss of my mum and son in-law to suicide in the same week along with my MS diagnosis and continues to support and encourage
Hazel Coates
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Corporate Services & Transformation
Reason for nomination: Hazel was promoted to Risk & Insurance Manager (G14) having been working as a Grade 10 Finance Officer. In her first year at the higher grade, Hazel has shown outstanding leadership skills to her team and more widely in the Council while adapting to her new responsibilities. During this time she has also steered her team to successfully manage pothole claims and deal sensitively with claimants and councillors.
She also successfully led the seamless transition of local authority maintained schools from council insurance to the Department for Education's Risk Protection Arrangement and was commended by the Schools Forum. In addition, she worked tirelessly with her team to prepare and publish the tender for the council's new insurance contract. Hazel is a great listener and shows great empathy to her team members, helping them through change and difficult issues. An exemplary manager.
Vicki Roper
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Corporate Services & Transformation
Reason for nomination: I would like to nominate Vicki Roper for the Inspiring Leader award. Vicki has been an incredible support to me, inspiring my transition into a new role and providing unwavering assistance. Her approach to work has motivated me to become a better manager. Vicki is always willing to help anyone and takes full accountability for everything she does.
She is the go-to person in whichever department she works because of her friendly and approachable nature. Vicki is always happy to share ideas to help her wider team in HR. Her dedication and support have significantly impacted my professional growth and continue to encourage me to strive further in my career.
Bryde Beighton
Nominated by: John Smith
Department: Corporate Services & Transformation
Reason for nomination: I love her for her dedication to DCC. The panel and voters shouldn't have any problem expressing their admiration for an employee who is always in the background and yet always there for anybody to receive advice and make DCC a brilliant place for all to work!
Karen Smith
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Adult Social Care and Health
Reason for nomination: Karen is our service manager and without the support of Karen we wouldn't be performing as well as we are. Karen will support us in whatever capacity that we need and is there to offer guidance as and when required. Karen ensures the team well-being is good and does regular check ins and will arrange team building activities to support well-being.
Martha Jasko-Lawrence
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Place
Reason for nomination: This is relation to the move of the collections when Buxton Museum was closed and sold. I have really enjoyed working up there and I am really proud of what we all achieved. I just wanted in particular to say how great it was working with Martha Jasko-Lawrence at Buxton Museum.
I have been really impressed how well she handled a difficult situation, treated everyone with respect, explained exactly what needed to be done clearly and really lead from the front. Martha never asked anyone to do anything she was not prepared to do herself. Martha was on with everything which let the rest of the team get on with what we needed to do. I have a lot of respect for her and she did an amazing job.
Yolande Dixon
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Adult Social Care and Health
Reason for nomination: Since joining our team at Ada Belfield and taking on the role as Unit Manager, Yolande has proactively encouraged the development and aspirations of all the team on so many levels.
She came in and demonstrated strong leadership whilst at the same time taking the time to explain and gather feedback on any new ideas/changes. She has then also had the challenging task of helping support everyone during the uncertain times we are currently facing, always supporting us and the clients with a ‘doors always open’ policy. She is 100% an inspiring leader to us all!
Jenny Flint
Nominated by: Rebecca Heathcote
Department: Place
Reason for nomination: I am nominating Jenny for the Inspiring Leader Award. She has, inspired myself and others by completing an apprenticeship and qualification in business management and leadership and encouraged myself to undergo an apprenticeship in the level 4 diploma in CIPS Procurement and Supply which I have recently started.
She has supported other team members to improve their skills in further training. Jenny is very sensitive to how individual people in the team works and she can spot if someone doesn’t seem happy or confident in a task they have been set. She regularly speaks to all team members individually to try and support ways of working that get the best out of people.
Jenny has developed innovative solutions using technology and software to help her with the team’s everyday workload by improving processes and making them more efficient and simpler for the team to process. Jenny has aligned these solutions with the council plan to work more efficiently and try to save time and money where possible. Jenny is always in the office in person every day and is always accessible to colleagues if they need her help and support.
Jina Hames
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Corporate Services & Transformation
Reason for nomination: Jina Hames has worked for the council for more than 25 years now and deserves to be recognised for all the people that she has helped over that time. And that includes me.
Jina has always been a very supportive person and is an inspiring leader. Jina embodies what the council is and will always have time for you. At each supervision and PDR Jina asks if there is anything we would like to have a go at and always thanks us for all of the hard work that we have done.
Jina arranges shadowing as and when we ask her to and supports her team when they are doing apprenticeships. She encourages us to apply for secondments and jobs saying it is part of her role to encourage us to move on. I have been away for nearly two years and was welcomed back into the team and assigned my tasks before I rejoined at the beginning of April 2025.
Jina makes sure that her team are always kept up to date with all changes and new information that we may need to complete our roles. Jina will always fight your corner. We have a regular team meeting, and we can offer feedback both positive and negative and Jina will take the information on board. A recent example is after a team meeting, we have been given the information and we will meet as a team and decide on what information will be sent out to all areas of Children’s Services.
Jina is a real inspiration to everyone who she comes into contact with. Jina makes sure that we all read the Council Plan each year to ensure that we know and understand what the council wants to achieve and how we contribute to the Council Plan.
Tracy Richford
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Corporate Services & Transformation
Reason for nomination: Being a supportive and understanding Team leader, who understands differing motivations within her team, who supports but encourages her team, helping them gain confidence to make sure continual improvement is being met within their work, they are very open to feedback and listen to align with the councils plans.
Sau Li
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Corporate Services & Transformation
Reason for nomination: Always there at the end of the line to offer support and help
Samantha Whawell
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Adult Social Care and Health
Reason for nomination: Sam is always on hand to listen and give advice not only on a personal level but throughout the changes that have been happening within the service, she is always seeking ways to improve work streams and takes on feedback and ideas from her team. She pushes us to go above and beyond and not settle, she wants us to develop our skills and overcome boundaries.
Louissa Adams
Nominated by: Summa Watson
Department: Children’s Services
Reason for nomination: Louissa has listened to ideas and suggestions from our team (in Public Health) and collaborated with us and with innovative ideas to create pathways for Derbyshire Residents to get into employment.
She trusts each colleague involved to bring their work, ideas and effort to the task and has led to the creation of real solutions for several teams working with people who have complex barriers to work. She is always friendly and approachable and looks for solutions and ways forward. She is a real asset to the DACES team and has been supporting other teams leading the YES hub while their manager was on maternity leave as well as helping our team to welcome a government minister at short notice. She participates in mental health events with the choir she sings in and is a fantastic example of a colleague
Jack Breeze
Nominated by: David Jones
Department: Corporate Services & Transformation
Reason for nomination: Jack is a new team leader in the homecare scheduling team and now responsible for the Flexible Resource pool. Despite having the specific challenge this brings I have found Jack very approachable and knowledgeable with the systems and procedures relevant to the scheduling role. He has helped me several times with his in-depth systems knowledge. Jack always has time to explain things properly despite being in a challenging busy environment.
Sarah Taylor
Nominated by: Anonymous
Department: Children’s Services
Reason for nomination: This member of our team is relatively new to the service. Not only has she become a really valuable and much liked member of the team but she has stepped up to fill her own role, the role of manager for the other half of the team (covering for her colleague) and recently also covered for the head of service who has been on sick leave.
Even though she is doing the work of 3 people she is always cheerful, always has time to help and is always professional, thorough and conscientious. Sarah has gone above and beyond her role to help and support her colleagues, often in her own time and always smiling.
Hayley Prime
Nominated by: Sarah Taylor
Department: Corporate Services & Transformation
Reason for nomination: Hayley is nothing less than an inspiring leader. Through the past 3 years that I have worked in DCC, she has constantly gone above and beyond to promote our interests, create a culture of trust and wellbeing and encourage us to achieve our full potential.
She sets a shining example of exceptional customer service as she is always willing to go above and beyond for all the different individuals and teams she supports. Even through times of change and challenge, she remains positive and calm to enable smooth operation of business services and inspires us to approach challenges with curiosity, understanding and patience. I particularly admire the way she has facilitated the two office moves we have been through (in July 2022 and January 2024) and the dedication she showed to supporting not just ourselves in Adult Care but the Welfare Rights and Children's Services in their moves too.
Another example of her excellent leadership has been her invaluable support through the current staff shortages. Staff in AVAO business services is down nearly 50% and as we wait for our vacancies to be approved, Hayley has picked up several of our tasks to alleviate our workload whilst she continues to do her own work and studies for her degree. She is always available to listen and offer guidance and I have full confidence in her ability to see us through the upcoming restructure into the OCSF. She is the best manager I have ever had.
Ella Vogel
Nominated by:Anonymous
Department: Children’s Services
Reason for nomination: Ella has undertaken the considerable task of setting up and managing a new team within Derbyshire. Alongside her colleague Sharon Urben, she has faced the challenge of merging two long-established teams into one cohesive unit, all while maintaining uninterrupted, high-quality service for the most vulnerable children in the county.
Ella’s consistently professional approach to her role is truly inspirational. Her positivity and enthusiasm, even during the most challenging times, are qualities I greatly admire and strive to emulate. Her team regularly supports our service by sharing ideas and staff, which has not only led to significant cost savings but also contributed to the delivery of high-quality education to nearly 10,000 children across Derbyshire each year.
Ella’s unwavering commitment to Derbyshire - its children, her team, and the wider service - is exceptional and truly deserving of recognition.