At back-to-back events in Leeds earlier this week (March 2 and 3, 2026), the winners of the MyPorter and MyCleaning Awards were announced. Held in association with NHS England, these awards are now in their sixth year of rewarding healthcare porters and cleaners for their hard work and dedication.
Each awards day began with a morning healthcare conference featuring leading voices on portering and cleaning, including NHS England’s Phil Shelley and Fay Lane. On porter day, Director and Head of Profession, Simon Corben opened the conference, while cleaning day included talks from cleaning expert Delia Cannings, Facilities Matron and guest judge Claire Gibson from Stockport Stepping Hill Hospital, four panel discussions with Q&A, and a talk from MIND Mental Health Charity. These sessions highlighted innovation, operational excellence and staff wellbeing across NHS services.
The top two accolades – Porter of the Year and Domestic of the Year – were scooped by Idris Mohammed (pictured) and Gary Powell respectively.
Portering Awards highlights
Idris, who works at London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, lives with autism and learning difficulties. His journey is one of resilience, growth and determination. He began his NHS career facing barriers that could easily have limited his confidence and progression. Instead, he has become one of the most respected and dependable members of his portering team, mentoring new starters and demonstrating that with the right environment and encouragement, individuals can thrive beyond expectations.
Described by colleagues as reliable, compassionate and unwavering under pressure, Idris represents the very best of inclusive employment within the NHS: talent recognised, potential nurtured and barriers replaced with opportunity.
Mark Vipond, Portering Supervisor at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, won the Leadership of the Year award, which recognises leading with empathy, inclusion and determination. Over five years, Mark has built his team into a supportive, high-performing unit. One of his most remarkable achievements has been his focus on understanding the experiences of his female staff.
Noticing colleagues struggling with menopause-related challenges, Mark took it upon himself to listen, research and introduce practical measures to improve the working environment. By creating safe spaces for conversations, adapting workflows and showing genuine compassion, he prevented valued colleagues from leaving and fostered a culture that prioritises wellbeing.
Gavin Hewitt (North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust) won the Lifetime Achievement award, in recognition of his nearly 30 years of service mentoring generations of staff and providing calm, compassionate leadership in crises.
Mo Jawad (Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) was awarded Outstanding Contribution to Patient Experience. Mo transformed hospital patient transfer systems as the first Resource Allocator, blending frontline expertise with technology and communication skills.
Team of the Year went to the Peterborough Portering Team for keeping multiple hospital sites running under relentless pressure, with a 95% call response rate and operational precision that directly impacts patient outcomes.
Sean Sullivan (NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group) was named Newcomer of the Year. Sean joined the NHS through a supported internship in 2024 and quickly grew into a confident and capable porter. Now a bank porter after graduating the programme, he demonstrates how structured support and determination can help new starters thrive in demanding frontline roles.
Cleaning Awards Highlights
Whiston Hospital A&E Cleaning Team (Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust ) won Team of the Year, recognising their compassion, resilience and operational excellence in one of the most high-pressure environments within the NHS. The A&E Cleaning Team works around the clock to deliver safety, dignity and reassurance to patients and families. Completing hundreds of cleans daily, often under extreme pressure, they ensure smooth patient flow while maintaining exceptional hygiene standards. Beyond tasks, they provide calm, empathy and small acts of care, like offering a cup of tea to anxious patients, making a profound difference in moments of fear and uncertainty.
Audrey Johnstone (Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) won the Lifetime Achievement Award for her more than 27 years of service at the steady heart of the hospital, where she has shaped domestic services through calm leadership, dedication and mentorship. From frontline cleaning to Senior Supervisor and Domestic Operations Manager, she has guided teams through major ward moves and service transitions, always ensuring patient safety and hygiene.
Gary Powell (Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust) was named Domestic of the Year. Gary led a hospital-wide floor restoration project, improving both hygiene standards and staff morale.
Adrian Kopycinski (Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust) won the Leadership of the Year award. Adrian introduced innovations like PLACE Lite audits and robotic scrubber-dryers whilst building a positive, skilled team.
Laure-lee Keuler (Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) was named Newcomer of the Year. Laure-Lee progressed from a ward cleaner to a hospital-wide quality and compliance lead in under one year.
Auditor of the Year went to Mandy Whalley (Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) for her work elevating hospital audits into a force for patient safety, staff development and continuous improvement.
Kay Mulcahy, Associate Director of National Estates Operations at NHS England, says: "These awards showcase the incredible dedication, skill and compassion of our NHS staff. From porters who keep hospitals running under pressure to domestic teams who ensure patient safety and comfort, every winner represents the heart of the NHS and the impact of people going above and beyond for patients and colleagues alike."
