Linda Knifton, Area Operations Manager for OSJCT Willowcroft, Avonbourne, St Wilfs, Bemerton Lodge and Ashwood, was recognised for the outstanding contribution she makes to the people she supports and the teams she leads.

The award celebrates Linda’s dedication to creating positive experiences for residents, supporting colleagues and fostering a culture where people feel valued, respected and empowered.

Divisional Director Matthew Jones said: 

Linda is a truly exceptional leader who consistently puts people at the heart of everything she does. Her passion, compassion and commitment to her teams are evident in the way she leads every day. This award is a wonderful recognition of the difference Linda makes to colleagues, residents and the wider organisation, and I am delighted to see her receive this well-deserved recognition.

For Linda, leadership is about much more than achieving results. It is about serving others, building strong relationships and ensuring that compassion and respect remain at the heart of everything the teams do.

Her approach to leadership has helped bring together colleagues across her homes, encouraging them to work collaboratively and look Forward Together as one team.

Reflecting the values that Linda brings to her role, a poem shared in celebration of her achievement captures the essence of her leadership:

It’s not about power, wealth or fame,
Integral leadership is not a game.
It’s about serving those most in need,
Respect and gratitude reign supreme.

Awards such as these are important because they provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the people who make a difference every day. In care, where so much of the work happens quietly and with genuine compassion, recognition can be particularly meaningful. Celebrating individual achievements also shines a light on the contribution of the wider team, helping colleagues feel valued for the role they play and providing encouragement and motivation to continue delivering outstanding care. Linda’s achievement is therefore not just a personal success, it is a moment for everyone across her teams to celebrate the values, dedication and teamwork they share.

Linda’s award is a wonderful recognition of the passion, commitment and care she demonstrates every day. Her achievement is also a celebration of the teams across Willowcroft, Avonbourne, St Wilfrid’s Priory, Bemerton Lodge and Ashwood, whose dedication and teamwork continue to make a difference to the lives of those they support.

As Linda and her teams look to the future, the award provides an opportunity to celebrate how far they have come while continuing to build on their shared commitment to excellent care and strong, compassionate leadership.

Congratulations to Linda on this thoroughly deserved achievement and to all the teams who continue to look Forward Together.