Thank You Event 2025: Colleague of the Year – Winner

Every year we celebrate our amazing staff and their achievements at our Thank You ceremony. Board members will surprise colleagues at their bases and present them with a hamper, balloons and a certificate for being shining examples of our magnificent staff behaviours.

Since joining the service in 2000, Andrea Arnold, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist has been a cornerstone of the Children's Speech and Language Therapy service. Andrea’s professional excellence is matched by her deep humanity and unwavering dedication to children and young people (CYP), their families, and her colleagues. She is the thoughtful force behind the Children’s Speech and Language Therapy (CSLT) Toolkit (comprehensive advice hosted online) and a quiet champion for compassion, clarity, and collaboration across agencies.

Whether she is supporting a family navigating the complexities of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), collaborating with colleagues, or developing resources, Andrea approaches every interaction with genuine compassion, thoughtful care, and emotional insight. She adapts her communication style and approach so that others feel understood, respected, and supported. She doesn’t just “do her job”, she sees the human story behind every situation. Whether managing delicate conversations with families or responding to high-pressure demands, Andrea remains grounded, ensuring that her responses are measured and kind.

One of Andrea’s most impactful contributions is her work on the CSLT Toolkit, which she helped develop and continues to lead and refine. The toolkit has become an invaluable resource, providing accessible, practical support to Speech and Language Therapists, other professionals and families alike across Leeds and internationally as far as Australia and Canada. Andrea’s commitment to making things clear and understandable helps people feel more confident and empowered and her attention to detail ensures that the toolkit remains accurate and user-friendly.

Parents have praised Andrea for her clear explanations and deep knowledge of speech and language development, describing her as “extremely informative” and “always extremely knowledgeable.” Whether delivering one-to-one support or hosting training sessions, Andrea is described as a trusted listener, “lovely,” “welcoming,” and someone whose efforts are truly appreciated by families.

She is solution-focused and tenacious, she doesn’t give up, and finds a way forward always with kindness. Her ability to see things from other perspectives allows her to navigate potentially tricky situations with grace and diplomacy.

Andrea was nominated by Lindsay Pottage, Team Manager (CSLT) and Nicola Waddington, Clinical Lead (CSLT) who wrote, “Andrea never seeks the spotlight, yet her quiet leadership shapes and strengthens our service every day. She brings people together not through authority, but through trust, reliability, and respect. Her presence lifts morale and encourages others to act with the same level of care and professionalism.”

“Andrea exemplifies everything a Colleague of the Year should be. She is kind, thoughtful, emotionally intelligent, and wholeheartedly dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families whilst supporting all her colleagues across the service and beyond. Her legacy, already significant, continues to grow through her work, her relationships, and her example. It is a privilege to have her as part of the team.”

Andrea was presented the award at a surprise presentation by Brodie Clark CBE, who said, "The nomination demonstrates so well how you are an extremely respected and talented colleague, and what an absolute asset you are to the Trust. Congratulations, and thank you for all that you do."