The Employee Ownership Association has awarded ECCH the Smile Award for Business 2026 in recognition of our achievements as a staff owned organization.

The UK EO Awards celebrate the achievements of companies that empower their employees to make an impact on their business, with a focus on innovation and improving staff wellbeing.

At East Coast Community Healthcare 78% of staff have taken up the option to own a share in the business. It means they are consulted on important issues that affect the company and have a say in how ECCH is run. This happens through a Shareholder Council which is chaired by two elected staff directors who are voting members of ECCH’s Board. Shareholders do not receive dividends because all surplus resources from ECCH are invested in enhancing services and supporting good causes within the local community.

The Smile Award took into account how ECCH staff are encouraged to come forward with ideas for improving the business. This includes digital advances for services such as online appointment booking and self-referral which has made it easier for people to access care at a time and place that suits them. In addition, clinicians are piloting ambient voice technology that transcribes appointments so they can focus on conversations with patients rather than taking notes. The award also recognises how ECCH rewards staff through its staff awards programme and staff recognition measures.

Chief executive of the EOA, James de la Vingne, said: “The UK EO Awards are a chance to celebrate the businesses and individuals who are truly owning it and showing what great employee ownership looks like in practice. This year’s winners have brought EO to life through culture, community, voice, initiative and engagement, helping to unlock the very best people power across the sector.”

ECCH’s chief executive Adele Madin said, “Without the commitment, enthusiasm and dedication of our staff, ECCH could not provide the high quality of care on which we pride ourselves, so it is wonderful to receive an award that recognises how much we value the input of all our colleagues. When ECCH launched 15 years ago we committed to involving staff in deciding how the company was run, including the values we embrace and our strategy for the future. It is really important to us that all our colleagues feel they have a voice and believe in what we are doing to improve the health of our communities.”