Earlier this month, the team at Shirley Parsons came together for our annual Shirley Awards, an evening dedicated to recognising the people who make a real difference to our clients, candidates and communities.
Every day, our teams support complex project delivery, enable career-defining moves and help organisations strengthen their HSEQ and Sustainability capabilities. The Shirley Awards are our opportunity to pause, reflect and celebrate the individuals and teams who go above and beyond to make that happen.
Here are just a few of the stories that shaped 2025.
Jo Hill: Enabling excellence behind the scenes.
Jo Hill received both Enabler of the Year and Players’ Player, a well-deserved double recognition.
The Enabler award celebrates those who quietly make things happen. As Office Manager, Jo keeps everything running smoothly, from onboarding and events to the day-to-day details that allow our consultants to focus on delivering for clients and candidates.
Winning Players’ Player, voted for by colleagues, highlights just how valued she is across the business. Reliable, positive and always willing to step in, Jo plays a huge part in creating the culture and stability that allow our teams to perform at their best.
Much of what she does happens behind the scenes, but it makes a visible difference to the service we provide every day. Well done, Jo.
Scaling impact: Sustainability team momentum.
2025 was a standout year for our Environmental, Sustainability and ESG services.
Practice Lead Fraser McLachlan was recognised as Business Developer of the Year and Top Client Manager for Careers, reflecting strong partnership growth and market expansion. His progression, from Best Newcomer in 2024 to double award winner in 2025, mirrors the progress of the Sustainability team itself.
Reflecting on the year, Fraser shared:
“2025 was a rollercoaster, but one I genuinely loved being on. We’re growing our Environmental, Sustainability and ESG practice, and 2026 and beyond is about scaling impact, building teams, and doing even more for our clients and candidates. But we’re only just getting started.”
Adding to that momentum, Sophie Smith was named Newcomer of the Year 2025, meaning the Sustainability team has held the title for two consecutive years, a testament to both individual development and collective strength.
As organisations continue to invest in sustainability leadership and ESG capability, we’re proud to be supporting that growth with specialist expertise and long-term partnership.
Doing Good: Emily Swindlehurst.
The Doing Good Award recognises colleagues who go beyond their day-to-day role to make a meaningful difference in the wider community.
In 2025, Emily Swindlehurst exemplified this spirit. Throughout the year, she has dedicated her time to volunteering, supported fundraising and seasonal donation initiatives, and actively taken part in local community efforts.
Alongside this, as a Mental Health First Aider, she plays an important role in supporting the wellbeing of colleagues across the business. She says:
“One of our core company values is Doing Good, and it genuinely means a lot to be recognised for work linked to our CSR and volunteering initiatives. Giving back is something I care deeply about, and I’m proud to work in a place that actively supports and encourages this.”
Brand Ambassador: Mike Roebuck.
The Brand Ambassador Award recognises someone who represents the organisation with professionalism, authenticity and energy, and Mike Roebuck does exactly that.
Throughout the year, Mike has been a familiar face at key industry events, including The SHE Show, the Port Skills Conference, summer networking events and Waste Management Lunches that spark meaningful discussion. He has also supported networking and fundraising golf events, helping to strengthen relationships across the sector.
Mike consistently showcases partnership and expertise, representing Shirley Parsons with both credibility and warmth. His natural ability to connect with people builds trust and strengthens relationships across the market.
21 Years and looking ahead.
Now in 2026, our 21st year, we’re proud to build on more than two decades of partnership, growth and progress.
The Shirley Awards celebrated individual achievement, but more importantly they reflected a collective commitment to excellence, collaboration and long-term partnership.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll also be shining a spotlight on additional award winners, including our Success of the Year – Projects and Success of the Year – Careers teams, whose work has delivered exceptional results across our markets.
If you’re looking to strengthen your team, explore new career opportunities, or grow your environmental, health & safety or sustainability capability, we’d love to support you. Get in touch with our team to start the conversation.
Celebrating 21 Years with Purpose: As Shirley Parsons marks its 21st year, we’re using this milestone as an opportunity to give back.
In 2026, we’re proud to partner with Leukaemia UK, with an ambitious goal of raising £21,000 to support vital research, treatment and family support for those affected by blood cancers, a cause that holds personal significance within our community.
Through fundraising events, team challenges and opportunities for clients and candidates to get involved, this partnership reflects our long-standing commitment to Doing Good. It’s a natural extension of the values that shape how we work, not just as a recruitment partner, but as a responsible business.
Find out more about our partnership with Leukaemia UK and how you can get involved here.
