We recently celebrated the dedication and achievements of our employees at the You Make the Difference Awards 2024/25. Rhona, a Senior Commissioning Officer in Adult Social Care (ASC), received the Culture Champion Award for her unwavering commitment to promoting culture and inclusion within ASC. Read on to find out how Rhona feels about winning the award.
What does being a “Culture Champion” mean to you?
To be honest I never saw myself as a culture champion, but being recognised is the best feeling. In simple terms it means nurturing and promoting the positive values and behaviours to make the work environment a great place to be. I like to think we are creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels accepted and appreciated.
How do you define and promote a positive workplace culture?
For me it is all credit to the DAWN (Differently Adept Working Network) network, a place for people who have a difference and are not defined by a label. We lead by example in being part of the solution, so are on board to help overcome challenges. Being part of the solution opens doors to joint working to overcome barriers many people face in everyday life; working together gets a lot done. It’s important to be open to feedback and always look for ways to enhance the culture.
Can you share a memorable moment or success story from your efforts to improve workplace culture?
For me, it’s not about the big memorable moments, it’s about the small changes that impact everyday experience, helping make the workplace an accepting and positive place to be.
What role do you believe leadership plays in shaping company culture?
As a staff network, we have amazing support from our sponsor, Mark Ash, Executive Director of Climate, Environment & Customer, who is open to talking over issues and promoting solutions alongside us.
I believe that culture change is a collective responsibility, and no one needs to be led by others. It’s about using our voices and committing to doing things for the right reasons. We need to actively listen to others, share ideas and challenges, and strive to understand each other without judgment. This approach will help us nurture a positive culture that welcomes everyone with open arms. Embracing people’s differences is crucial for our growth and development, both individually and as an organisation.
What advice would you give to someone looking to become a Culture Champion in their organisation?
It’s ok to be you – celebrate who you are, value your thoughts, prioritise what matters to you, and always ask questions.
You have a voice, use it.
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