Emma Morris, Service Manager, Headway Derby

I’d like to say my peers would describe me as an approachable, friendly, and supportive person that tries to not take life too seriously. I have a deep love for animals, mainly my two cocker spaniels who always keep me busy, as well as being invested in my physical fitness that has supported my wellbeing hugely.

Working within the not-for-profit sector for the last seven years I have worked hard to build my professional portfolio showing my commitment and drive for the voluntary sector.

As the Service Manager for Headway Derby, my role varies. Anyone who works for a small charity will tell you, you don’t have someone to go to for HR matters, IT difficulties, or staff wellbeing. You are it, and at times that can be a very isolating feeling.

I pride myself on ensuring I have the right type of support around me, so that as a leader, I am able to offer the right support to my team and service users that access the support Headway Derby offer. I really believe that as a leader, you should be able to show your team that each person needs support no matter what your role is within the organisation.

Working for Headway Derby for the past seven years has been a whirlwind, but since I became the Service Manager in April 2023, I feel I have brought some real structure to the organisation that has meant we have been able to grow the charity both financially and operationally.

When taking on the role as Service Manager, and becoming a leader for the organisation, I was faced with huge financial deficits that the charity had been in for several years, as well as low staff morale, and unsatisfied service users.
I have been able to work at creating equal streams of funding through grant applications, fundraising and invoiced services creating a sense of stability for the charity.

My main aim was and has always been to provide a safe service for those affected by brain injury within Derby and Derbyshire, allowing people to access community support as and when needed.

I believe I have worked extremely hard over the past 15 months to bring stability back to the charity, ensuring service users were happy, but also to build up what was a truly broken team. With just three part time members of staff, who were on their needs, I have worked hard to build their roles, but also show them the commitment Headway Derby has to their professional development. We are now a team of 11 staff members, with 4 of us being full time.

Being able to see the development in the team over this period has been inspiring and has given me the ability to keep on pushing for our community.

I also pride our charity in the employment of individuals with lived experience, to ensure that brain injury has a voice throughout all levels of our charity.

Whilst working in the voluntary sector, as a leader, you learn that your personal outcomes are not about huge bonuses at the end of the year, but actually seeing what a difference you make to people’s lives. I am truly committed to brain injury rehabilitation and not only the big wins you see people achieve, but also just that ability for some service users to turn up on a day they have fount difficult.

I think the biggest lesson I have learnt over the past 15 months is that leaders get it wrong too, and that is ok. I like to be open and honest with the whole of the Headway Derby community, and I believe that is what makes a good leader. No one is perfect, and learning lessons will only make me a better leader for the future.

Over the past 7 years I have taken part in many activities to build Headway Derby’s name, and to fundraise for the organisation, showing my true commitment.

From half marathons, to bake sales, to holding black tie balls. I truly feel that my passion lies within this organisation.
Working for Headway Derby is not just a job, it is a honour, and one that I am extremely proud of.

Gemma Eves, founder, Neuro Massage Ltd

Gemma Eves, the founder of Neuro Massage Ltd, has distinguished herself as a leader in the field of Neuro rehab through innovative massage therapies. Her unique blend of traditional massage techniques with specialised Neuro rehab processes has set new standards in wellness and therapeutic practices, making a significant difference in the lives of those with neurological challenges.

Innovative Leadership in Neuro Rehab:

Under Gemma’s leadership, Neuro Massage Ltd has pioneered the integration of neuro rehab with massage therapy, offering Innovative treatments that enhance recovery and foster greater independence in individuals with neurological conditions. Gemma’s approach not only improves physical function but also enhances overall wellbeing, demonstrating her commitment to holistic care.

Strategic Business Expansion:

Gemma has successfully expanded Neuro Massage Ltd to reach a broader audience, consistently seeking ways to innovate and improve upon the services offered. Her strategic leadership has not only scaled the business effectively but has also spearheaded its diversification into broader wellness areas. Her plans for future growth include the integration of complementary wellness therapies, ensuring that Neuro Massage Ltd remains at the forefront of the health and wellness industry.

Establishment of the Neuro Massage Training School:

Recognising the need for specialised knowledge in neuro rehab within the wellness community, Gemma founded the Neuro Massage Training School. This institution is dedicated to educating aspiring therapists in the unique methodology developed at Neuro Massage Ltd. By training others, Gemma is expanding the reach of her pioneering techniques and ensuring that more individuals can benefit from expert care.

Building an Exemplary Reputation:

Neuro Massage Ltd enjoys an exceptional reputation, thanks in large part to Gemma's dedication and expertise. Clients frequently express profound gratitude for the improved quality of life they achieve through her treatments, often citing her compassionate care and innovative approach as transformative. This stellar reputation is a direct reflection of Gemma’s commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.

Community Contributions and Industry Influence:

Gemma is a highly respected figure in both local and professional communities. She regularly engages in outreach activities and participates in wellness seminars, advocating for the integration of neuro rehab into standard massage therapy practices. Her efforts to educate and influence the industry are contributing to a broader understanding and acceptance of neuro rehab as a vital part of wellness and recovery.

Gemma Eves embodies the spirit of innovation, leadership, and compassion that are essential in a People’s Choice Leader of the Year.

Through Neuro Massage Ltd and the Neuro Massage Training School, she has not only created avenues for healing and wellness but has also nurtured the growth of the industry itself. Her commitment to expanding the scope of neuro massage, her innovative contributions to therapy, and her tireless dedication to improving lives make her a standout nominee for this prestigious award.

Jules Shiel-Boulger and Toria Chan – STEPS Rehabilitation

Jules Shiel-Boulger and Toria Chan have broken the mould as to what neurological rehabilitation looks like in the UK, they are dedicated to innovation, interdisciplinary care and creating a home away from home that transforms lives and offers an extraordinary service.  
 
Since opening, STEPS Rehabilitation has helped more than 350 individuals and their families in rebuilding their lives and, in the process, have revolutionised residential neurological rehabilitation.
 
They have created a world-class rehabilitation setting, and take a unique approach that combines traditional therapies, cutting-edge technology, and expert medical care to become a recognised centre of excellence. 

Recognising the profound impact of catastrophic injuries on families, STEPS offers tailored support sessions, education, and practical skills to help loved ones navigate their new normal. The warm, homely environment welcomes relatives, actively involving them in the rehabilitation process. 

From the outset, Jules and Toria's business plan was ambitious, aiming to disrupt the market and required unwavering perseverance, tenacity, and leadership to get this groundbreaking facility off the ground. 

As the Business Development Director, Jules leverages her background in both business and health to spearhead growth initiatives and establish strategic partnerships, propelling STEPS to its position as the leading rehabilitation facility in the UK, setting new standards of excellence.  
 
Toria, the Clinical Director, brings over twenty years of physiotherapy experience to her role. Her expertise and visionary leadership cultivate a culture of exceptional care, with the client at the centre of every rehabilitation journey. Her commitment, values, and philosophies deeply resonate throughout the team, and her passion for innovation ensures that STEPS remains at the forefront of neurological rehabilitation.

This dedication consistently results in positive outcomes for clients, demonstrating the significant impact of her work. 
 
The unwavering support of their family has been crucial to their journey.

Their father, Ray Boulger, serves as Chairman and the financial cornerstone of STEPS. His extensive experience in financial services has been vital for the company's stability and growth.

Ray’s dedication and expertise have earned him a shortlist for the Unretirement Entrepreneur Award at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2024, recognising those who challenge retirement norms to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. Despite being of retirement age, Ray has played a pivotal role, providing essential guidance and financial stability. 

In just seven years, STEPS has assisted over 350 clients in achieving remarkable outcomes. The facility's innovative approach continues to evolve, with a dedicated team exploring and implementing new ideas.

In 2022, STEPS formed a key partnership with STEPS Prosthetics, becoming the only private clinic in the UK to offer residential amputee and orthotic rehabilitation services. This collaboration reflects STEPS' commitment to pushing the boundaries of rehabilitation care and technology. 

The interdisciplinary team at STEPS, including nurses, physiotherapists, and rehabilitation medicine consultants, is central to each client’s recovery. This holistic approach extends to all departments, from housekeeping and facilities management to the kitchen team, who prepare tailored, nutritious meals to support rehabilitation. STEPS fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, aligning workforce development with industry demands, which has been crucial to its success and growth. 

Jules and Toria are proud of the team they have built and celebrate their achievements. This year, Scott Parkin, Head of Facilities, has been shortlisted for the IWFM Awards, and Lucy Greensmith, Specialist Rehabilitation Occupational Therapist, received the Frank Williams Academy Healthcare Professional of the Year Award at the Spinal Injuries Association 'Rebuilding Lives' Awards. 

STEPS has expanded its outpatient clinics with the launch of the Aquatic Clinic and Upper Limb Neurotechnology Group, providing intensive rehabilitation therapies and advanced rehab technology for outpatient care.

In 2023, Jules and Toria established the STEPS Rehabilitation Foundation, a charitable initiative offering grants to individuals with serious injuries who lack access to rehabilitation funding. This foundation supports specialised equipment, home adaptations, and accessible family holidays, enhancing the quality of life for those in need. 

Further improvements and offerings will be announced later this year, focussing on supporting residential clients and their loved ones throughout their rehabilitation journey. 

STEPS’ impact is further exemplified by its recent achievements. The facility hosted the Motus Academy event, showcasing cutting-edge robotic and VR technology in rehabilitation. Three of the STEPS team presented at the 13th World Congress for Neurorehabilitation in Vancouver and will host its first Amputee Conference alongside STEPS Prosthetics in October. 

Jules and Toria’s relentless dedication to reimagining rehabilitation has solidified STEPS as a leader in the field. Their commitment to continuous innovation and holistic approach to client care ensure that STEPS remains at the forefront of neurological rehabilitation, setting new standards and transforming lives. 

Natalie Mackenzie, Director, BIS Services

In 2006 Natalie founded BIS Services, a specialist cognitive rehabilitation support service for individuals with brain injury and neurological disorder. The organisation has seen extensive growth and is the now the leading provider of cognitive rehabilitation support services.

Natalie oversees the day to day running of the organisation and has built a senior management team who maintain the high standards of the service. Most of the senior staff began at rehabilitation assistant level and have been nurtured and trained to develop in the organisation. Natalie feels very strongly in upskilling all employees to reach their full potential.

Natalie sets high standards for the company, but is also highly motivated and committed to encouraging younger individuals to enter the world of neuro-rehab and has forged links with schools and universities to speak and spark interest in the field, as well as provide functional application to their theory.

In addition, she still holds her own caseload of clients, working as a Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapist. This is an important part of the training provision at BIS Services, as Natalie feels it is important that the rehab assistants observe good modelling and that Natalie still faces the same challenges they do. She is one of the only Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapists in the UK the only certified brain injury specialist therapist as accredited by ACBIS. She is passionate and committed to improving standards of neuro rehabilitation support provision and is implementing the certification here in the UK. This year she has finalised a CPD accredited brain injury course which will be released later this yesr.

Natalie is an empathetic employer and has put a number of new provisions in place post COVID to support the staff, including wellbeing services, mental health first aid, and the introduction of Clinical Psychologist who is available to the staff for reflective supervision.

Natalie drove the creation and completion of the BIS innovative independent living trail assessment property in Kent, The Link, the first of its kind in the UK.

Natalie is always engaging in CPD, to ensure the best possible service is delivered, with specialism. Her qualifications include a BSc Psychology, MSc Cognitive Neuropsychology, Clinical Hypnotherapist, ADHD Coach certification, CBIST, as well as having completed a wide range of third wave psychology trainings. She is a specialist in ADHD and brain injury and has spoken at international conferences on the topic.

Natalie has also published the Fatigue Management Journal, to assist a wider range of individuals with this debilitating effect of brain injury which has now sold hundreds of copies around the world, leading her to create an online fatigue management course attended by many.

In May 2023, with the collaboration of event specialists ABI Solutions and lead sponsors Irwin Mitchell, Natalie and BIS Services launched their first ever conference, Let’s Talk About Cannabis in London, a sold out event which gave a presentation platform to BIS Services’ clients and their supporting senior management RAs (Eky Popat and Pedro Knight), alongside industry professionals such as Professor Mike Barnes – thus continuing her ethos on giving voice and representation to those living with ABI, and those doing the work on the ground. Due to the success and feedback around the bravery of tackling complex topics, Natalie has created another conference to be held this year, bringing international speakers to discuss pregnancy and parenting after ABI.

Furthermore, Natalie is driven to allow those without statutory or medico-legal provision access to her services, and has created an online service, called The Brain Injury Therapist, and has been a guest trainer and presenter for a number of groups and on international podcasts. This year she has launched group programs online to provide services to survivors all over the world, and currently has a private free support group with 2500 members and growing. She has plans to further expand this service with a number of offerings, bringing experts and specialist speakers into her group to educate and further improve the lives of those living with brain injury.

Outside of BIS Services and The Brain Injury Therapist, Natalie has dedicated her time to Headway SELNWK where she is a committed Trustee, also delivering training to the staff as well as developing strategy for the charity. She continues to sit on the steering committee of KBIF and has been sought after in the press this year for comments on brain injury and cognitive health and has been featured in The Independent, The Times, The Guardian and The Telegraph, to name a few, highlighting her commitment to raising awareness of brain injury to the wider public.

Earlier this year Natalie added more business awards to our awards wall, taking home the Kent Women in Business Award for Management and Leadership, and was runner up for Kent Businesswoman of the Year.

Vicki Gilman, Managing Director, Social Return

Vicki, a founder and leader of several successful healthcare businesses. is a highly inspirational and innovative leader who engenders a supportive and inclusive culture within the teams she leads. She invests huge amounts of energy and time in developing people, while balancing her interest in leadership and entrepreneurial activities underpinned her clinical professional background as a physiotherapist.

As well as Managing Director at Social Return she is currently chair of the Council of The British Association of Brain Injury and Complex Case Management (BABICM), having previously chaired their Training and Education Group. She is also a past chair of the Northern Acquired Brain Injury Forum (NABIF), and a current member the strategy group of Anchorpoint - a collective voice advocating to improve the lives of families after acquired brain injury. She brings creativity and drive to all that she turns her hand to.

She has an unusual skill in balancing innovation and passion for effective, meaningful services with a well-developed attention to detail, a strong strategic view and sustainability of outcomes for both the individual with healthcare needs and for the business.

It is her belief that more strong, successful health and social care businesses are needed in the UK and that health professionals and people with health and social care needs should be at the forefront of developments and policy.

She therefore can be credited with adding to this by not only founding several successful businesses but also having a positive relationship and sharing her expertise to colleagues and clients alike in the sector.

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