Winners’ Summaries 2026
Outstanding Leadership
Matt Johnson – Compass Group UK & Ireland, Medirest
Matt is an exceptional leader who has transformed healthcare security through compassion, innovation, and collaboration. He introduced trauma‑informed de‑escalation training, strengthened multi‑agency partnerships, and modernised processes with new technology. His commitment to staff wellbeing has boosted resilience and morale. Judges praised his exemplary leadership and extensive experience, with his work delivering sustained impact, including a significant reduction in staff injuries.
Judges praised Matt’s exemplary leadership and significant experience across a wide range of security roles and interventions. His work has delivered measurable and sustained impact, including a 72% decrease in staff injuries, demonstrating a truly transformative approach to improving safety and security.
Outstanding Training Initiative – Sponsored by Nuparadigm
Domestic Abuse and Sexual Harassment Training Programme – CIS Security
This in‑house Domestic Abuse and Sexual Harassment training programme addresses critical gaps in awareness, confidence, and consistency, directly supporting violence reduction. Co‑produced with experts and people with lived experience, it embeds trauma‑informed practice and has delivered exceptional engagement, measurable confidence gains, and clear behavioural change. Judges praised its direct, compassionate approach and the powerful inclusion of lived‑experience voices.
Judges commented that the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Harassment Training Programme by CIS Security was a great example of addressing the issues of domestic abuse and sexual harassment directly. They also liked that people with lived experience were brought in to share their stories.
Outstanding Partnership Initiative – Sponsored by Invincible
Assist Security Group and NHS Trusts at Croydon, Epsom and St Helier
The Assist–NHS partnership demonstrates that violence in healthcare is not inevitable. By embedding security within clinical teams and making safety a shared responsibility, it has achieved measurable reductions in assaults. Through trust, intelligence‑led prevention and joint decision‑making, security has become proactive and protective. Judges praised its strong delivery of Violence Prevention and Reduction Standards training and the notable reduction in incidents.
Judges noted that the Assist–NHS partnership demonstrated significant programme delivery through VPRS Healthcare training, resulting in a notable reduction in incidents.
Outstanding De-Escalation Skills – Sponsored by Assist Security Group
1st Med Health Solutions
With compassion, patience and exceptional skill, the 1st Med Health Solutions team transformed the experience of a service user with complex needs. Their gentle, person‑centred approach-built trust, reduced restraint and enabled remarkable progress, including walking and dancing again. Judges praised the team’s empathy, professionalism and sustained commitment to safety, noting the extraordinary outcomes achieved over time.
Judges highlighted that the compassion and thought process behind 1st Med Health Solutions’ entry stood out, demonstrating empathy, professionalism, and a clear commitment to safety while considering an individual’s needs. They also noted the amazing outcome, showing the impact of her team’s care over a sustained period.
Outstanding Safe Settings/ Spaces – Sponsored by Trauma Action Group
Roots and Rise
Since launching in 2025, Roots & Rise has transformed a former retail unit in Queensgate Shopping Centre into a dynamic community hub, uniting Peterborough United, Top Yard Boxing and RB7 Art Centre to empower disengaged youth. With initiatives like the Second Chance uniform project and award‑finalist recognition, judges praised its inclusive space and impressive impact across diverse community groups.
Judges recognised Roots & Rise for creating an inclusive space that supports a thriving high street. They highlighted the impressive impact the project has had across different community groups.