We are delighted to congratulate Dr Rachel Perkins OBE on receiving the 2025 Ricky Martinez Leadership Award, an international honour recognising exceptional leadership in the field of Individual Placement and Support (IPS).

Rachel’s work has had a profound and lasting impact on the expansion of IPS services across England. Through her visionary leadership, she has played a pivotal role in building strong infrastructure, fostering meaningful collaboration across systems, and advancing a recovery-focused agenda that puts people at the heart of employment support. Her dedication has not only transformed services but has also inspired colleagues and partners to aim higher and think bigger about what is possible.

Congratulations Dr Rachel Perkins OBE on reciving the 2025 Ricky Martinez Leadership Award

The Ricky Martinez Leadership Award commemorates the legacy of Ricky Martinez, a highly respected change agent in the United States whose passion and influence continue to shape IPS practice nationwide. Presented annually, the award recognises outstanding IPS leaders working at county, state, regional, or national levels who demonstrate excellence in expanding access to IPS, developing sustainable funding mechanisms, and influencing policy to support long-term impact.

Rachel’s achievements exemplify the very essence of this award. Her leadership has strengthened systems, supported innovation, and championed recovery-focused initiatives that have improved opportunities for countless people to access meaningful employment.

Nominations for the award are reviewed by the IPS Employment Center team in the USA, with submissions received from around the world. We were thrilled to see Rachel’s contributions recognised at this global level, an acknowledgement of both her personal leadership and the significance of the work happening in England.

Congratulations once again to Dr Rachel Perkins OBE on this richly deserved recognition. Her impact continues to be felt nationally and internationally, and her leadership sets a powerful example for the future of IPS.