We’re incredibly proud to celebrate the achievement of our Head of Nursing, Lianne Ford, who’s been presented with a ‘Gold’ Chief Nursing Officer Award at a prestigious Parliamentary Reception for Vivaldi Social Care at the House of Lords.
The invitation-only event, arranged by The Outstanding Society, brought together care sector leaders, parliamentarians, regulators, policy makers and those with lived experience of care to hear about Vivaldi’s progress, impact, and future ambitions.
Closing words were provided by Professor Deborah Sturdy CBE who recognised the invaluable contribution of nurses working in social care.
Recognising outstanding clinical leadership
The ‘Gold’ Chief Nursing Officer Award is the highest level of recognition in nursing, celebrating exceptional achievement across clinical practice, education, research, and leadership.
Recipients are recognised as role models who deliver the highest standards of care, drive innovation, and make a meaningful difference to people, families, and communities.
Lianne was nominated by The Director of Nursing at the Outstanding Society and the Vivaldi Social Care Team in recognition of her outstanding contribution to social care nursing, including:
bridging social care and academia - through her work with Vivaldi Social Care, Lianne ensures the voices of people who draw on care, and those who support them, are central to research design and delivery
championing engagement - as an active member of the Adult Social Care Engagement Collective, she strengthens collaboration across the sector
empowering people to influence change - Lianne supported Abi, a resident at Maypole Grove, to attend two parliamentary receptions - this not only built Abi’s confidence travelling to London, but led to her contributing to a case study with Transport for London, influencing conversations around accessible transport
contributing to national research - through her involvement in the Vivaldi Social Care Study, Lianne is helping shape evidence that informs care practice across the country.
leading evidence-based innovation - she champions continuous improvement, innovation and best practice across complex care settings.
Zoë Fry - OBE. BSc - RN - Director of Nursing, The Outstanding Society CIC shared:
“I was proud to nominate Lianne Ford for the Award for her outstanding achievement, innovative leadership, and exceptional contribution to adult social care.
“Lianne is a role model who consistently achieves the highest standards in adult social care. Her career reflects distinction, integrity, and a profound commitment to improving outcomes for people who use services and their families.
"Her leadership is inspirational, her contribution is exceptional, and her impact is far-reaching.”
Recognised by those who know her best
As part of Lianne’s nomination, colleagues and residents shared powerful reflections on the difference she makes - highlighting her leadership, compassion, and lasting impact.
Zoe Shears, Home Manager at Maypole Grove care home, shared:
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Lianne for many years, and throughout that time she’s consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and unwavering dedication to nursing. She’s deeply passionate about her role and wholly committed to improving outcomes for the people we support and the staff team.
“Lianne leads with compassion, inspires those around her, and never hesitates to give her time, energy, or support to others.
“Her influence extends far beyond her formal responsibilities; she is a role model, a mentor, and a tireless advocate for high-quality, patient-centred care.”
Maypole Grove resident and Service User Ambassador, Abi Smith, who also attended the reception, added:
“Lianne is simply an all-round amazing person; a great support who can always make time for you, a wonderful professional whose knowledge is simply phenomenal, and a tremendous advocate for medical research."
“Since meeting Lianne, she’s boosted my confidence in myself and now has me completing tasks or other opportunities that I would never have thought possible.
“I owe so much to Lianne and I really hope that she receives this award as a token of our appreciation and gratitude for all she does.”
Proud to champion excellence in complex care
This award is a testament to Lianne’s leadership in social care nursing, and her unwavering commitment to improving quality and experiences for the people we support.
We’re proud to have leaders like Lianne shaping our services, supporting our teams, and strengthening the future of social care nursing.
Congratulations, Lianne - a truly well-deserved achievement.
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