Posted on: 24 April 2025
Yesterday, on National Administrative Professionals Day (23 April), CNWL proudly hosted its annual Admin Conference — a special event dedicated to celebrating the incredible contributions of our administrative staff, often described as the backbone of our workforce.
The conference provided a fantastic opportunity for admin staff from across the Trust to come together, connect with colleagues, hear from inspiring speakers, visit a variety of information stalls, and applaud the winners of our annual Admin Awards. As a well-deserved treat, beauty stalls were also on hand offering relaxing manicures — a small token of appreciation for all the big things our admin teams do every day.
Event Highlights
The day began with an uplifting speech from Graeme Caul, Chief Operating Officer, who recognised the vital role admin staff play in keeping the Trust running smoothly. His message was one of deep appreciation and gratitude, setting a warm and celebratory tone for the day.
Owen Powell, Director of IT, followed with a forward-looking talk on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in daily admin tasks — specifically the use of tools like Co-Pilot to streamline workflows and save valuable time.
Susan Holtom, Trustwide Career Coach delivered an informative session on career development opportunities. Fiona Sullivan, Apprenticeship Manager discussed available apprenticeships and career progression pathways to help admin staff enhance their skills and grow professionally within the Trust.
Carina Sheridan, Freedom to Speak Up Guardian, addressed the importance of staff well-being and creating safe spaces to raise concerns. She encouraged staff to speak up about any issues they face in the workplace and highlighted the support systems available to those in need.
A calming mindfulness session was led by Marc Balint, who spoke about the importance of mental clarity and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Marc also invited attendees to participate in a guided deep breathing exercise, giving everyone a moment of peace and reflection.
Justin Bonshor, Lead Clinical Education (Mental Health and Safety), delivered an insightful talk on Human Factors — the ways we interact with technology, systems, and people, and how those interactions can lead to potential errors. Justin emphasized how understanding these factors helps create safer and more supportive work environments, where it's easier to do the right thing and harder to do the wrong one.
Finally, Jo Divney and Penny Newcombe led an engaging Career Journey Fishbowl session in collaboration with the Learning and Development team. They shared personal career stories, invited open dialogue, and reflected on the many paths admin staff can take to develop and thrive.
Karen's unwavering dedication and perseverance, despite facing numerous challenges, make her an exemplary recipient of this award.
The shortlisted nominees for the Outstanding Contribution award were Kelly Ayres, and Dhani Kangalee.
Dawn's ability to create stability within a team that has recently undergone a restructure and her empathetic leadership have been truly commendable.
The shortlisted nominees for the “Rising Star” award were Rebecca Mwisiya and Parminder Maan.
Lauren's impressive collaborative spirit, along with her willingness to help, have significantly contributed to the team's success.
The shortlisted nominees for the “Volunteer” Award were Lauren Weight, Paulette Koulen, and Laura Steven.
Darja's dedication to improving patient care, quality and safety, along with her collaboration with her MDT, has had a significant impact on patient outcomes.
The shortlisted nominees for the “Mission Impossible” Award were George Rodriguez and Chris Chalmers.
Marva Chooyin. Marva's efforts have made a lasting impact on the team and the wider community, and her work serves as an inspiration to others. Her contributions have not only enhanced the team's efficiency but have also significantly improved the overall experience for those who rely on their services.
The shortlisted nominees for The Allrounder award were Tracy Boudjelloul and Rebecca O’Neill.
Geraldine's dedication to maintaining a positive atmosphere and her commitment to her team's well-being have been instrumental in achieving team goals and overcoming challenges. Geraldine's efforts have not only boosted morale but have also strengthened bonds within the team, making her an indispensable member.
The shortlisted nominees for the “Team Cheerleader” Award were Layla Hall and Mel Wilson.
Dan's colleagues have consistently noted his remarkable composure, even in the most challenging situations. His ability to stay focused and maintain a sense of calm has provided much-needed stability and reassurance to those around him. This quality has been particularly valuable during high-pressure moments, where Dan's presence has helped the team navigate through difficulties with confidence and poise.
The shortlisted nominees for “The Zen Master” Award were Kate Perry and Priyanka Gurung.
Simmi Dadwal. Simmi's outstanding communication skills colleagues have been noted by her colleagues, which ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards common objectives. Her leadership has created an environment where team members feel comfortable. This has not only improved team cohesion but has also led to the team’s continuous improvement.
The shortlisted nominees for the “Leadership Excellence” award were Michelle Gonzalez and Tasha Vandepeer.
Flavio Matos. Flavio's colleagues have consistently praised his ability to identify and implement effective solutions that simplify complex processes. His innovative approach and keen problem-solving skills have led to the development of streamlined workflows that save time and reduce effort for everyone involved.
The shortlisted nominees for the “Above and Beyond” award were Andrea Last, and Benicia Fernandes.
The Oasis Admin Team. The team's ability to identify and allocate tasks based on individual strengths and capabilities has been a key factor in their success. Their welcoming attitude also fosters a positive and inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
The shortlisted nominees for the Working Together Team award were Harrow and Hillingdon Children Looked After Admin Team (Goodall), Feltham Healthcare Admin Team (Diggory).
The team maintains a positive attitude that is both inspiring and motivating. Their resilience and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in overcoming obstacles whilst maintaining a high standard of service. Their ability to stay positive and focused, even in difficult times, has been a source of strength for the entire team.
The shortlisted nominees for the “Outstanding Contribution” Team award were Single Point of Access Admin Team (Diggory), and Central Flow Hub (Jameson).
The team's consistent recognition through multiple nominations is a testament to their exceptional performance and the high regard in which they are held by their colleagues. Their ability to provide seamless administrative support has been key in ensuring that clinical staff can focus on delivering the best possible care to patients.
The shortlisted nominees for the Team of the Year award were Central Flow Hub (Jameson), and Eating Disorders Admin Team (Goodall).
Congratulations to both nominees and winners!
Special thanks to the planning committee who pulled off the amazing event!