Jane’s legacy and What Matters to You?
Jane Davies worked in the NHS in Scotland for more than 34 years. Her career spanned NHS Lanarkshire, The Scottish Government, NHS Education for Scotland and the Community Engagement Directorate of Healthcare Improvement Scotland until she passed away in 2022. Jane was also a founding member of the What Matters to You? (WMTY) network in Scotland.
Throughout her varied career Jane’s passion was helping people who work in health and care services to focus on compassion, kindness and the things that really matter, and to create the conditions that help people, who receive health and care services, get the best possible care and attention.
Jane ended her career as Head of Engagement programmes with the Community Engagement directorate, a role which ensured the voices of people and communities were valued and heard in the healthcare system. This role epitomised the values which meant so much to Jane.
This award aims to provide an opportunity for the work that Jane loved so much to continue and be influenced by her example and the values she held at her core. We want the work celebrated by this award to reflect the values Jane passionately advocated for and dedicated so much time and energy to throughout her life.
2025 Awards
Ayisha Azam, Award Winner: Transforming Family Support Through Person-Centred Innovation
Ayisha Azam, Senior Improvement Advisor at NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, leads the Glasgow HSCP Family Wellbeing Hub, a citywide resource based in Maryhill that supports parents and carers of children and young people facing challenges such as mental health issues, neurodiversity, school avoidance, and bullying.
What began as a peer support group has evolved into a comprehensive, person-centred model. Ayisha created a safe, non-judgemental space for families to share experiences. By listening closely, she developed tailored support pathways and built strong partnerships with statutory and third sector services.
Families, especially in the North West, report improved wellbeing, stronger relationships, and renewed hope. Children and young people benefit from more stable and supportive home environments.
Ayisha’s work has also bridged a critical gap for statutory services like CAMHS and the Glasgow Youth Health Service. Although these services have long aimed to support the wider family, system pressures made this difficult. Now, thanks to Ayisha’s pathways, they are integrating family support into their practice, allocating time to explore family needs and making early referrals to the Hub.
One parent shared:
“If I had not had the support, either I or my girls would not be here. I now know how to engage with my children. I’m looking after myself, aware of my own needs, and able to support my children. Meeting other parents helped me realise I wasn’t alone. We are a family now.”
2025 Award celebrating excellence in person-centred practice in health and social care in Scotland
Ayisha exemplifies person-centred care, working in partnership, respecting individual needs, and empowering families to build on their strengths. Her approach is always tailored, compassionate, and grounded in lived experience.
Through her innovation and persistence, Ayisha has created a sustainable model that is transforming how families are supported across Glasgow.
Runners up
Elaine Beswick (Senior Care Coordinator, Complex Care West, Dumfries & Galloway HSCP) has supported an individual with severe learning disabilities as they faced the loss of their mother. Elaine tailored bereavement support using pictorial social stories – a rarely used approach with adults – enabling meaningful understanding and choice at every stage. Despite logistical & emotional challenges, Elaine ensured continuity in what mattered most to the individual; their voluntary work at a local horse sanctuary. Her line manager described Elaine as a tireless advocate, prioritising the individual’s voice amid resourcing pressures and family tensions.
Motherwell Health Centre District Nursing Team have been recognised for their outstanding person-centred approach to an individual’s end-of-life care. Their support honoured the full identity of the individual – not just as a patient, but as a father, grandfather, footballer, gardener, and music lover. A family member described the experience as one of “care, compassion & laughter in our darkest days,” crediting the team with helping preserve joy, dignity and connection at the end of life
Previous Awards
The 2024 winner was Penny McManus, Assistant Practitioner, Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership