Recognising colleagues through our Difference Awards

A year in the making

This is a shared project, where everyone within the organisation comes together to create a special annual occasion.

A year in the planning, each awards ceremony is carefully thought out, from finding a fitting location to compiling the guest list and arranging the menu, and all the other personal touches that make the event extra special for colleagues attending.

Throughout the year, in the run up to the event, peer-to-peer nominations are made, with colleagues from across the organisation regularly invited to nominate teams and individuals, and these nominations are shared with the local business units monthly. The local team chooses and celebrates its own local winners, who are then put forward for the national awards ceremony in July.

To make the nominations accessible to all, colleagues can nominate by phone or, online. A simple thank you, in any form, lets colleagues know that they are appreciated for the fantastic work they’re doing.

An allocation of seats is given to each region and all nominees receive an invitation to the Difference Awards. In addition, each nominee attending has the opportunity to bring a plus one to bask in their celebrations. There are around six national winners each year.

An evening of recognition

Ordinarily the awards are held in a 4* plus hotel, with an outstanding 3 course meal and entertainment – it’s far from no expense spared, with every penny spent on making the attendees feel as special as we believe they are.

For 2024’s event, all the awards were centred around HCRG Care Group’s CARE, THINK, DO values, which really drove home what the organisation is trying to achieve, promoting a culture of gratitude for the amazing work colleagues do for service users who are impacted daily by the care, dedication and commitment.

Having the opportunity to give back to colleagues has a huge impact on moral and camaraderie, instilling a sense of belonging and recognition for the amazing achievements they have made. It is an inclusive opportunity to shine a light on all achievements big or small. Colleagues with range of experience are recognised, with this years’ winners spanning from newer colleagues who have been with the organisation for less than two years to a nurse with over 50 years’ experience. Anyone can be a winner!

Impact on colleagues

Colleagues shared their experiences about the evening. Here’s what they had to say.

“I would like to thank you and all of the team for a wonderful evening on Thursday. Although I was not up for an award it was really special to be part of the celebration of all the good work we do in our teams. I took away from the evening how much my own team does and we don’t even realise how special we are. We are always so busy doing the day job we forget that we go the extra mile on a daily basis for our patients and supporting each ”.

“I wanted to say a big thank you for such a lovely evening last week.  It was such a lovely venue and was so nice to be recognised for our achievements”.

This year we had 201 nominees from Business Units across the country, and seven awards were handed out on the night to individuals and teams.