Winners’ Summaries 2025
Outstanding Leadership
Alex Kuye – Compass Group UK & Ireland – Healthcare
Under Alex’s leadership, North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust has seen significant improvements in safety and wellbeing, addressing challenges with a focus on collaboration. His dedication to leading with purpose has made the hospital a safer place for everyone, driving positive change for the community.
Judges praised Alex’s leadership for driving significant improvements in hospital safety through targeted training on managing aggression and streamlined reporting processes. His commitment to collaboration is evident in his outreach efforts with local law enforcement and community organisations. The practical solutions he has implemented have resulted in measurable reductions in violent incidents, showcasing his effectiveness as a leader. Excellent evidence of impact on both violence reduction and improvement in staff morale.
Outstanding Training Initiative
Violence & Aggression Reduction Training – Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Teaching NHS Trust
The Violence & Aggression Reduction Training programme has trained over 2,000 staff, leading to a 55% reduction in disruptive behaviour and a 16% decrease in patient abuse cases from 2022/23 to 2024/25. Evaluations show the program’s effectiveness, with 79% of attendees rating it excellent for safety and 59% praising its practical application in their roles.
Judges highlighted a methodical approach to design, with excellent metrics on results and clear links to the wider organisational strategy. This is a textbook case of Workplace Violence Reduction.
Outstanding De-Escalation Skills
Yakubu Adetunji – GSTS
Yakubu is a role model to his peers, and embodies the Trust values of working together, Everyone Matters, and dignity and care. When asked what his secret is, Yakubu answered: “A lot of people who come to our hospital, especially young people, are anxious, and often frightened, I just try to make a positive difference to their visit, to make them feel welcomed and for them to realise that we really do care”.
Judges noted the use of positive de-escalation and trauma-informed practice. The uniform for the patient is unique and demonstrates lateral thinking and humanity. The preventative initiatives, along with well-implemented responses, were also commended.
Outstanding Safe Settings/ Spaces
Safe Havens Initiative – Safer Business Network
Safer Business Network Training has trained over 35,000 individuals through its WAVE programme and established 140 Safe Havens across London, providing refuge for vulnerable individuals. By empowering employees to manage challenging situations and supporting businesses in meeting licensing obligations, the initiative fosters a culture of safety, inclusion and care.
Judges praised Safe Havens for its great initiative and clear evidence of its aims and objectives. Safe Havens stands out for its innovative, community-focused approach, creating secure spaces for vulnerable individuals. Its stakeholder collaboration, measurable impact, and sustainable safety strategies set a new standard for urban security initiatives.
Outstanding Partnership Initiative
North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust and Compass Group UK & Ireland – Healthcare
The “Report to Protect” program, a collaboration between North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust, ABC Parents and Compass Group UK & Ireland, has created a safer environment in maternity and women’s units. By implementing innovative tools like multilingual resources and an incident dashboard, it has reduced violence, restored trust and provided a sustainable model for improving healthcare safety.
Judges commended the upfront program design of the “Report to Protect” program, which empowers staff with the necessary tools and support. Enhanced communication initiatives address barriers between staff and patients, improving safety and outcomes. The significant impact is evident through the reduction in violence and improved patient satisfaction, demonstrating the effectiveness of the implemented measures. This is an evidently focused project, showing excellent analysis of the root causes of aggression and violence and the development and implementation of a strategy to address these.