Last night, Rhion Jones, Programme Director of the Institute, was awarded the Jonathan Street Lifetime Achievement Award at the Association of Healthcare Communications & Marketing (AHCM) for his longstanding contribution to healthcare communications. The AHCM is the primary independent network for people working in communications, public engagement and marketing for the NHS.

Presenting the award, AHCM Chair Lynda Scott, said that “Rhion is the kind of person who’s passionate about communications and engagement, he’s persistent and tenacious and we love him for it. He’s had a lifetime achievement about what he thinks is right for people, which is that they should be consulted on the service that is the treasure of the public, the NHS, which is about to change. You’re amazing for what you did and achieved. You set out with the Consultation Institute to make sure that the right thing is done and we’re very proud of what you achieved. Many of us in this room have consulted you about what to do. We don’t always like what you say to this room, but my goodness you give us a full and honest check about what we need to think about. Thank you for what you have achieved.”

Rhion Jones himself was delighted and honoured to have been given this award, saying “this is a tremendous honour and is really a tribute to my fellow Directors, staff and Associates who have helped the Consultation Institute influence public engagement – hopefully for the better in the United Kingdom. I’m particularly pleased to receive the honour from so many colleagues working in the NHS and other healthcare roles because their challenge is immense, and it is a privilege to work with them.”

Earlier on the day, Rhion delivered a presentation on ‘Public consultation in 2017 – risks and opportunities as STPs move to implementation’, a topic that features high on the agendas of many NHS bodies as implement proposals for change. The Institute argues for better engagement and a clear priority for improving public confidence in forthcoming service changes. For a more detailed Institute view of STP implementation, click here.