Triple win for our employment services at national awards
Three colleagues from our Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment services have been recognised for their outstanding work supporting people to achieve their employment goals.
Employment specialists Matthew Vidal, Billy Wong and Paul Dorrington were among the winners at the IPS Grow Awards 2026, which celebrate the work of IPS services across the country.
Matthew received the Employer Engagement Award, recognising his work building relationships with local employers and creating opportunities for the people he supports.
Billy was named Employment Specialist of the Year, recognising his dedication to helping people find and sustain meaningful employment.
Paul received a Special Recognition Award
for his contribution to IPS. He has been delivering IPS services at South West London and St George’s for more than 20 years.
Rob Baxter, Head of Employment Services, said: “I’m incredibly proud of Matthew, Billy and Paul and delighted to see their work recognised in this way. Every day, our employment teams work alongside patients to understand their goals and support them to take positive steps towards meaningful employment. These awards are a fantastic reflection of their commitment, skill and the difference they make to people’s lives.”
Our Trust was the first NHS service in the UK to integrate IPS into mental health teams and has since supported thousands of people experiencing severe mental illness to find meaningful and sustainable employment.
IPS is an evidence-based approach to employment support that works alongside mental health services, helping people to find employment that matches their interests and goals.
Congratulations to Matthew, Billy and Paul, and to all our employment services colleagues for the important work they do to support our patients.
