Health Advocate of the Year for Northumberland

Economic regeneration company, Advance Northumberland, are pleased to announce their HR Co-Ordinator Victoria McSparron was awarded the Health Advocate of the Year Award for Northumberland at the North East Better Health at Work Awards dinner on Friday 22nd March.

The Better Health at Work Awards event recognizes the efforts of the employers in the North East and Cumbria in addressing health and wellbeing in the workplace. The Better Health at Work Award continues to grow and has been embraced by more organisations throughout the last year. There were a further 143 organisations actively engaged in 2019 covering 82,230 workers, with an amazing 322 health advocates trained in the North of Tyne region.

Victoria scooped the prestigious award for her hard work and dedicated effects at the Awards celebration event at the Crown Plaza, Newcastle. Victoria is the lead health advocate at Advance Northumberland and since joining the business in 2021, she has fully embraced this role. Victoria now leads a group of committed health advocates who are dedicated to promoting the benefits of health at work and do all that they can to encourage people to join in.

One of our biggest barriers for the company was engagement with remote workers, whether that be site construction or smaller offices. Victoria has taken the time to go to site and encourage participation from all groups, which has resulted in some great comments being received and much better engagement levels. Victoria is very much a people person and encourages participation through her own enthusiasm.

Successful campaigns have also included a monthly themed photo competition, which is all about getting people outside, taking photos, voted for by our colleagues. And more recently a relaxation room was introduced, where people can just take some time out if needed. These are just a handful of the many creative campaigns and ideas, and through her determination and enthusiasm, Victoria has raised the BHAW profile right across the company.

Head of HR, Pam Robertson said: “We are delighted Victoria has won this award, it is testament to her committed to this role, and we are proud it has been recognised. She has been a tremendous influence on the success of BHAW campaigns and projects and that of Northumberland. It is a privilege to work alongside a dedicated individual”.