Star Sebastian wins national award
Date of release: 14 October 2024
An “exceptional leader” at two Black Country Trusts has won a prestigious national award celebrating innovation and quality improvement.
Sebastian Smith-Cox, Group Head of Workforce Intelligence and Planning
Sebastian Smith-Cox, Group Head of Workforce Intelligence and Planning at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, has scooped the Healthcare People Management Association’s (HPMA) Excellence in People KPMG Star Award.
The HPMA, which boasts 5,000 members, is the voice of professionals in health and care and its awards recognise and reward outstanding work in those professions.
Sebastian, who has worked for the NHS for 14 years, beat competition from eight other nominees to win the award.
His role entails providing strategic leadership for the Electronic Staff Record (ESR), Workforce Intelligence (WI) and Workforce Planning functions.
It includes spearheading transformational quality improvement initiatives, which align with the strategic direction of both Trusts.
He was nominated by Walsall Healthcare’s WI Team Lead and Ergonomist Moving and Handling Lead.
The summary they submitted read: ‘Sebastian exemplifies unparalleled dedication and expertise, serving as a beacon of excellence within our organisation at Walsall Healthcare.
‘Through innovative process improvements and fostering a collaborative workplace, he exceeds expectations, driving efficiency and employee empowerment.
‘His unwavering commitment demonstrates exceptional leadership and a relentless pursuit of innovation.’
Sebastian said: “Winning the award is a profound honour, especially as I was unaware of my nomination until I received notification I’d been shortlisted.
“It is incredibly humbling to know my team have recognised my contributions. This award reinforces my commitment to an inclusive leadership approach to our mantra of ‘first class for first class decision making’.
“It motivates me to continue empowering our stakeholders to enhance both colleague experiences and patient outcomes. I am truly grateful for this recognition.”
His regional contributions extend to offering workforce planning support to Health Education England and NHSI colleagues, displaying his dedication to improving healthcare on a broader scale.
Colleague Anil Parmar, Workforce Intelligence Officer who has known Sebastian since 2011 when he joined the ESR Team, said: “From the moment I learned of his nomination, there couldn’t be a more deserving candidate.
“Sebastian played a pivotal role in shaping the established WI team. His vision for the team’s future and commitment to excellence inspired me to pursue a career in it.
“Our work in analytics not only supported decision-making but also earned us recognition, culminating in our team being HPMA award finalists.
“Beyond being a manager, Sebastian is a mentor and trusted adviser. His support, guidance, and friendship have made a profound impact on my professional journey. I am privileged to have him as a leader.”
Fellow colleague Kerry Kemp, Ergonomist Moving and Handling Lead, added: “Seb possesses a deep-seated passion for workforce wellbeing, showing genuine commitment and leadership in nurturing an environment where mental health is prioritised.”
The father-of-one attended the awards ceremony with his wife Latoya at the Europa Hotel in Belfast.
ENDS
- For further information, please call Tim Nash on 07714 741097 or email tim.nash2@nhs.net
