Testimonials for Judith Fairweather
These testimonials have been contributed in support of Judith’s Windrush 70 nomination as an unsung hero (for which she has been shortlisted). I knew she was an AD in the organisation, and that the BAME Forum (which recently held a conference with 230 delegates) only had five members before she got involved in it.
In pulling together this submission, I have been struck by:
- The large number of people she has impacted
- Her passion for advancing others
- Her honesty, integrity and direct approach to people
- The fact that her biggest achievements have been over and above her day job, and have helped others, not herself
Gordon Harrison, NEL
I have seen her handle tough situations with CCG and provider colleagues with ease where others may have crumbled. I have seen her stick by her convictions where others may have wavered. To me this showed her to be a very genuine person who can be trusted and deliver when needed to. Having worked with Judith I have seen how she deals with colleagues regardless of their banding. She looks at the individual rather than the position and is very welcoming to all. I have seen Judith develop staff who are working directly under her and fulfil their potential as well as seeing potential in staff who are not under her management. I have been a beneficiary of the latter. I was not managed by Judith but over the years Judith has been approachable and given me advice and even nudged me to do the NHS Leadership Academy Ready Now Programme. It was one of the best courses I have been on and I wouldn’t have known about it if it wasn’t for Judith. It has helped me greatly on my own development journey.
ImranurRahman
Planning & Programme Support Manager
“I feel privileged having Judith in my network as a colleague and critical friend. We both occupy a very unique space of being black female nurse leaders with backgrounds in mental health, which makes the conversations we have of extreme benefit to me in terms of problem solving and resilience-building. She challenges me with respectful tenacity and an uncensored desire for me to be the best version of myself, and I have seen her be this way with others. She is selfless, unique and amazing.” - Heather Caudle, Director of Nursing – Improvement, NHS England
Natasha D2 weeks ago
Judith is deserving of this award due to her ability to be inclusive to all and the way she empowers her staff and others in the organisation.
When I think about Judith’s leadership skills, I think about how she encourages staff to go beyond what they believe is their limit. Judith will not only encourage you but she will be your support system and help open doors to new opportunities.
Judith played a key role in setting up a fantastic BME conference for NEL which enabled many staff to understand that they are valued and they do have a voice.
Shabbiruddin2 weeks ago
I feel lucky to have a superior that I can communicate with openness and with integrity, she has influenced and benefited many around her over the years.
Mo Tomori2 weeks ago
Judith is passionate about the progression of BAME and extremely proactive supporting and developing colleagues.
Another positive character of Judith is her openness, being non-discriminatory, and deliberately not being 'clouded' with bias, but giving every one an opportunity to honestly identify and value your hidden potential and weakness.
SubinaAlibhai2 weeks ago
Judith is a role model to all her colleagues. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience as well as having great qualities of a leader. Judith will happily empower, support and develop others to reach their potential even when they have not realised what that is for themselves. She has an ability to see the best in others and is able to coach and mentor them to bring this out.
Judith has true integrity and is a great communicator with wonderful interpersonal skills.
She is a true inspiration.
Janine La Rosa1 week ago
In the short time that I have been working with Judith she has been an inspiration. Her drive and passion for her work and commitment to others is palpable. She is very deserving of the nomination and as many votes as possible!
Noel Brown1 week ago
I was thrilled to be introduced to the Happy Soul festival. Within the first few months of my training, I was invited to volunteer in what was an innovative creative, visionary, inclusive yet diverse approach to the promotion of mental health and wellbeing amongst the BAME communities.
In my upbringing the idea of "by their fruit you shall know them" was a by word.If Judith was to be measured by her "fruit" then it must be concluded she represents a rich bounteous harvest of goodness. (St George’s)
NataleeLewis-McLeod1 week ago
An Inspirational Strong Black Woman who drives transformation and encourages all to put their best foot forward with great leadership she has showed me how to face my fears of performance.
A key player in the organisation with an absolute great sense of humour who will continue to deliver on promise, improve outcomes and mentor individuals to be outstanding.
Maggie Jeffrey1 week ago
Every now and again you meet someone in your career who is a game changer. A leader who provides inspiration, support and leads by example with honesty and integrity. Judith has a gift for recruiting talented staff and supporting them to reach their full potential.
I have worked with Judith Fairweather for almost two years. During that time I have observed her tireless passion for the NHS/her staff and work ethic. From the attention to detail in recruiting high quality staff, supporting the BME staff group, sitting on panels for the recruitment of members of the NEL senior management team, passion for patient care and intelligence around ensuring there is value for money in delivering quality services.
Judith is well respected in the team and leads by example, providing staff which mentoring and personal development opportunities. Staff working under Judith have been promoted on many occasions – within the organisation or to our colleagues to the CCGs. This in turn benefits the NEL organisation and our reputation as a high performing public service.
Judith’s work has and continues to support a significant contribution to the NHS and the Windrush Award would be an honourable recognition of this.
Sandra Ovid1 week ago
Judith become a trusted friend and allied in the capacity of a sounding board for BAEM staff experiences. Over the years I have gotten to know the substantive yet unrecognised contribution she has made to the NHS and the invisible valuable work she has done to help staff progress,reflect and acknowledge their strengths and importantly their weakness.
Precious Badmus1 week ago
Judith’s drive and commitment towards the BAME cause makes her an exceptional nominee for this award. She is an excellent communicator with great poise. Everyone who has had the opportunity to be around her will agree she projects warmth and positive energy, which ultimately radiates to everyone around her.
I Sid6 days ago
Judith is someone I met when I was very junior in my work and she has been such an inspiration. Her inclusivity, skills and determination are of a quality that inspires me to this day. I had the pleasure of working with her on the Happy Soul Festival, attentive to detail, supportive and empowering others to hold it together were some of her qualities, her sense of humour helped us to manage at the most difficult of times. She has encouraged people far and wide, a role model that one can only hope to emulate.
PatriciaBY6 days ago
PatriciaBoakye-Yiadom
It is a privilege to know Judith, and she has been an outstanding leader and mentor to so many, but to me she is someone who encourages and uplifts me. She is an inspiration to all who cross her path.
Alexander Alleyne6 days ago
Judith is one of the most inspirational and transformative leaders within the NHS. Her work both inside and outside of NEL CSU has been nothing short of inspirational to those who have been fortunate enough to benefit from her work. External to this, Judith has an endearing nature that inherently drives the best of out of people. I feel no-one is more deserving of this award in recognition of her ability to innovate and make change for the better.
Marc Mclean5 days ago
I am proud to say I know Judith Fairweather as both a mentor and a colleague. Judith is a powerful and passionate individual, who has helped me develop the skills needed to further my career. It is an honour to learn from her extensive experience in the healthcare field, she is a leader who wears her heart on her sleeve. Judith is a strong ambassador for fairness and equal opportunity for all staff within the organisation.
Culturally, Judith is seen as a matriarch in the BME community who individualsseek advice from when things get difficult, she is well respected by her peers and colleagues and is always on hand to ensure fairness and equality amongst all staff. She is a natural leader, who is not afraid to speak her mind for a justifiable cause. Judith is not the type of person to assist an individual and then leave them to their own devices, she also gives individuals the tools and education to improve their prospects and develop within the healthcare field. It is apparent that Judith is admired by senior managers, colleagues and the wider network of CCG customers.
Oliver Lake, Executive Director of Partnerships5 days ago
Judith is well deserving of this award and is a true leader for inclusion in our organisation. Best of luck with the award Judith!
Manraj5 days ago
Judith is an inspiration and role model to women and men of all backgrounds everywhere. A true trailblazer.