RCN Workforce Representative wins Steward of the Year Award 2025
We're delighted to share that Ian Graham, Community Psychiatric Nurse and Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Workforce Representative at Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT), has been named the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Steward of the Year 2025.
This national recognition honours Ian's exceptional leadership in improving staff wellbeing and reducing work-related stress across our organisation.
Ian has led the development of a Trust-wide initiative to address workplace stress, drawing on the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) management standards. Through thoughtful data analysis and strong partnership working, Ian has helped NHFT better understand the scale of stress-related challenges and put in place robust systems to monitor and reduce them. His work has delivered impressive results and helped create a more supportive and responsive environment for staff.
Using his role as an RCN Steward, Ian regularly reviews casework and engages directly with colleagues to understand the root causes of workplace concerns. He then works in partnership with leaders across the Trust to address these challenges, always acting as a critical friend , working towards resolution.
Ian said: "I'm really proud to have received this award. It means a lot because it recognises the importance of looking after each other at work. My focus has always been on supporting colleagues, understanding the challenges they're facing, and working together to find solutions. If that helps make things better for staff and the people we care for, then it's been worthwhile. I'm proud to be part of a Trust that values collaboration, openness, and meaningful change"
In addition to his work within NHFT, Ian has actively shared his approach with other healthcare professionals across the UK. He recently delivered a supplementary event at RCN Congress, supporting wider learning on how to address workplace stress and promote wellbeing across the nursing workforce.
This award is a well-earned recognition of Ian's dedication, professionalism, and the positive difference he continues to make for colleagues across NHFT and beyond.
Congratulations, Ian, and thank you for all you do to support us and our teams.