The Best Companies ‘Special Award’ for Best Leader is presented to the leader who, according to their people, sets the best example, embodies the organisation’s moral values and inspires people with positive energy.
The winner of the Best Leader award is determined by averaging the scores from questions in the b-Heard survey that relate to leadership, with the person with the highest overall score from all participating organisations throughout the year in each size category receiving the accolade.
The winner is revealed during an annual ceremony each November, in conjunction with the publication of the final League Table of the Best Companies to Work For.
The most recent recipients of the Best Leader Award were all united in their belief that successful leadership in times of great uncertainty depends on a people-first plan.
Ed Steer, CEO at Sphere Digital Recruitment and winner of the Special Award in the small category, has a commitment to every member of staff from day one of their journey with the company. He personally meets every new starter and walks them through the business, the culture, the company vision, and thanks them for dedicated their time and choosing to work for Sphere Digital Recruitment.
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In the mid-sized category, winner Dan Craddock, CEO at plan.com, has been praised by employees who say they value how the transparency and openness of the senior leadership. When accepting his award Simon said "when we set out to build the company we did so to be proud of what we do and I am very proud. Very proud of everyone that works for FSP."
Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy and winner in the large category expressed the importance of unity within the workforce and how implementing a weekly "Family Dinner" Zoom meeting has helped bring staff together and reduce the stresses of the week. These virtual meetings are held with 3,000 staff members attending to build team moral and lasting work relationships.
At Wilmott Dixon, where Group Chief Executive, Rick Wilmott, was named Best Leader in the ‘Big’ size category, they are committed to communicating and sharing the vision of the company with all of their 2,000+ employees. They are determined to be the UK's most recognised sustainable construction contractor and they know the only way they can acheive this is by innovating the way they motivate their staff.
In 2021 Childbase Partnership, Chairman, Mike Thompson, was named Best Leader in the ‘Big’ size category, where leaders and managers being present and available is a key priority. Thompson ensures regular communications with staff take place, with frequent reminders about company services such as round-the-clock access to external counselling services, business performance updates, clarity of role and business recovery plans, and updates on pay and benefits. Ultimately, he believes trusting staff is the way to allow them to flourish.
In 2020 Beaverbrooks MD, Anna Blackburn’s, people-focused leadership style and firm belief in a collaborative and inclusive culture saw her win the accolade of Best Leader. She operates an open-door policy and hosts 12 Focus Groups each year – bringing together groups of colleagues from across the business to discuss issues covering topics including employee satisfaction and anything that impacts on making Beaverbrooks an exceptional place to work.
Being awarded the Special Award for Best Leader is an accolade like no other – not least because it is awarded directly from the scores given by the people on the receiving end of that leadership.
The title of Best Leader shows that you truly care about your employees – both their happiness and their careers. It also demonstrates a commitment to the values and principles of the organisation and a willingness to lead by example.
Want to find out more about our other Special Awards, the winners and what goes into winning them...
Best Improver
Special Award
Best Leader
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Giving Something Back
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Learning & Development
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Wellbeing Special Award
Want to find out more about our other Special Awards, the winners and what goes into winning them...
Best Improver
Special Award
Best Leader
Special Award
Giving Something Back
Special Award
Learning & Development
Special Award
Wellbeing Special Award
