Staff at East Cheshire NHS Trust are celebrating winning a 'team of the year award'.

The trust's finance team has been crowned Finance Team of the year Frontline Services at the 2025 Public Finance Awards.

The judges, a panel of distinguished sector leaders, noted how the team, which manages an annual budget of £235m, has successfully embedded staff development into its core culture.

They added: "What sets this team apart is an enthusiasm and proactive involvement that goes 'above and beyond' the standard finance function. It fosters a supportive, celebratory culture using initiatives such as 'Star of the Month'.

"The team demonstrates wide-ranging, determined efforts in internal and external development. They've improved financial management and literacy across the trust with one-on-one training for budget holders, and by undertaking well-attended quarterly workshops and by carrying out finance walkabouts.

"This has fostered closer operational relationships, directly contributing to successful bids securing approximately £20m in national capital investment for patient services.

"Team spirit is further demonstrated by charity fundraising, such as the Macclesfield 10k run where £1,600 was raised for a dementia garden at the trust."

Kara Mason, chief finance officer at ECT, said: "I'm immensely proud that our finance team have been named Finance Team of the Year at the 2025 Public Finance Awards

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"This achievement reflects not only their technical excellence, but also their deep commitment to supporting safe, high-quality patient care through strong, values-led financial stewardship.

"Throughout 2025, the team consistently demonstrated what outstanding public finance leadership looks like: proactive problem-solving, clear, and transparent reporting, and a relentless focus on driving value for the communities we serve.

"Their collaborative approach - working together with clinical, operational and system partners - has strengthened our trust's financial resilience and helped shape better decisions for patients and staff.

"What makes this recognition so meaningful is the culture this team embodies: professionalism, integrity, and a genuine passion for making a difference in the NHS. They are a credit to our organisation and an inspiration to finance colleagues across the sector.

"Winning this award is a remarkable accomplishment, and I am incredibly proud of every member of my team."