We are delighted to reveal the shortlisted nominees for the inaugural IPS Grow Awards 2026. 

The IPS Grow Awards celebrate the people, teams, partnerships and organisations making an outstanding contribution to Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services across England. This year, we received an incredible range of nominations highlighting innovation, leadership, collaboration and the life-changing impact of IPS. 

Following a thorough judging process, we are pleased to announce the finalists in each category.  

Congratulations to everyone shortlisted. 

  • Danielle Freegard, Mind in Bexley 
  • Billy Wong, South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust 
  • Frankie Wilson, The Growth Company 

  • IPS Service Lancashire & South Cumbria – Central & West Team (Blackpool Council)
  • IPS Service Lancashire & South Cumbria (Blackpool Council)
  • South West Kent IPS Team 

  • David Harper – Shaw Trust 
  • Carley Doyle – Southampton City Council 
  • Lara Leckey – The Growth Company – IPS SMI Manchester 

  • Merseycare IPS  
  • IPS Service Lancashire & South Cumbria (Blackpool Council) Grant Huck and Lynsey Martin
  • IPS SMI Merseycare (Stephanie McBride & Laura Moore)  

  • Chris Devereux-Cooke, Essex County Council Connect to Work Programme Team – Essex County Council 
  • Luton DEAs, represented by Michelle Reeves – Luton Job Centre 
  • IPS Service Lancashire & South Cumbria – Central & West Team (Blackpool Council) – Jemma Orange

  • Matthew Vidal – South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS trust 
  • Sian Bruce – Oxford Health Foundation Trust 
  • Chantal Colley – Shaw Trust 

  • Elizabeth Shaw – Positive Steps Into Work, Blackpool Council 
  • Rachel Clarke – IPS Service Lancashire & South Cumbria – Central & West Team (Blackpool Council)
  • Samantha Beckley – IPS Connect to Work Southampton City Council 

  • Rosie May – Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Trust 
  • Jasmine Beer – Connect to Work; Education, Participation and Skills; Plymouth City Council 
  • Lisa Kirkham – Recovery Connection 

  • Sarah Thompson – IPS Wirral Ways Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service / Recovery Works Growth Company 
  • David Harper – Shaw Trust 
  • Rash Patel – CNWL 

  • Abi Dickson  
  • Makayla Simmonds  
  • Melissa Petcher  

  • Andy Carter – Shaw Trust 
  • Sofie Day – Local London 
  • Syranna Rose – CNWL Westminster IPS 

We are incredibly proud of every individual, team and partnership recognised this year. Each nominee represents the dedication, innovation and commitment that continue to strengthen IPS services and improve lives through employment. 

We will announce winners at the IPS Grow Awards ceremony on 20 October 2026. We look forward to celebrating with colleagues, partners and supporters from across the IPS community. 

Congratulations once again to all our shortlisted nominees, and thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination.  

We wish all finalists the very best of luck.