Services, teams and individuals who work in east London, Bedfordshire and Luton won awards across a host of categories at the 2025 East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) Staff Awards.
The winners were selected by individual award judging panels consisting of representatives from partner organisations, executive and non-executive directors, governors, service users and carers. We are grateful to all our judges for giving up their time to support the awards ceremony.
The evening was funded by not-for-profit community interest company Compass Wellbeing.
The ceremony was held at the popular Art Deco music venue, Troxy, in Whitechapel. The room was packed out with over 500 people who gathered to celebrate the achievements of their colleagues.
Those in Bedfordshire and Luton who were unable to travel down for the event came together to watch a live stream at the Auction Room Bar in Bedford. The stream was watched by over 100 people throughout the evening.
The ceremony began with a performance by the Trust’s #ELFTin1Voice choir, comprising of staff, service users and carers. In the background, images were shown of the Trust’s journey over 25 years, as well as 10 years of providing services in Bedfordshire and Luton.
Lorraine Sunduza OBE, who is the Trust’s Chief Executive, and Paul Binfield, Director of People Participation, compéred the event.
All winners from the 2025 ELFT Staff Awards can be found below.
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Chair’s Award – Curtis Reece, Forensic Services
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Chief Executive Award, Employee of the Year – Irfaan Ibne, Primary Care
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Because of You Award – Alison Muirhead, Bedfordshire Mental Health
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Because of You Award – Amber Hawes, Bedfordshire Community Health Services
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Because of You Award – Sandra Alexander, Forensic Services
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Commissioner’s Award, Improving Population Health – Newham Transitional Practice, Primary Care
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Dr Robert Dolan Leadership Award – Dadai Dandato, Tower Hamlets Mental Health
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Greener Health Award – Amin Islam, Primary Care
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Improving Service User Experience Award – Emma Robinson, Tower Hamlets Community Health Services
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Improving Service User Experience Award – Simone Mingay, Bedfordshire Mental Health
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Improving Staff Experience Award – S.A.F.E.R Quality Improvement Team, Tower Hamlets Community Health Services
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Improving Value Award – Community Integrated Mental Health Team (North), Newham Mental Health
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Make a Difference Award – Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners Managers, Specialist Services
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Service User Award for a Special Person – Sam McGavin, City & Hackney Mental Health
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Star of the Future Award – Kate Manning, Luton Mental Health
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Support Services Award – Mohammed Ahmed, Tower Hamlets Mental Health
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Working in Collaboration Award – 'Learning Together' Patient Safety Interface Group, Tower Hamlets Community Health Services
ELFT Chief Executive, Lorraine Sunduza OBE, said: “It is wonderful to witness the many achievements of the past year – each one made possible by our exceptional staff. We celebrate those who go above and beyond, reminding us that it is people, their passion and commitment, that truly make the difference.”
Eileen Taylor, ELFT’s Chair, added: “Every year, I am struck by the incredible number of nominations for our Staff Awards. This is testament to the wonderful work taking place throughout our communities, and colleagues’ dedication to service users’ wellbeing. As always, thank you for everything that you do.”
