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

"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."