The Operational Excellence Awards UK celebrates organisations and individuals setting new standards in operational excellence this year. The awards also recognise leaders in technology adoption, process improvement, and enhanced customer experience. The event took place at the Park Plaza, London Riverbank, with business transformation leaders Wincanton, The Financial Times, and the Nationwide Building Society also in attendance.
First award win for Alternative Futures Group
It was a historic night, as a charity triumphed at the awards ceremony for the first time. Established in 1992, the Alternative Futures Group (AFG) is a specialist provider of services for individuals with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health problems. The charity was recognised for transforming the way they deliver support, and thus allowing people to live independently. Through a strength-based, person-centred approach, AFG helps people achieve their greatest level of independence, control, and choice.
AFG has been at the forefront of social care for 30 years, operating in partnership with more than 20 local authorities and 3 NHS integrated care boards, alongside working in 6 independent hospitals, 2 specialist Adult Care Homes, and several complex care services.
They also support over 900 people across local communities and employ 2000 local colleagues, delivering life-changing services that touch nearly every community from Cheshire and Cumbria to Merseyside and Greater Manchester.
Recognising the work they do
Kirsty Murphy, who is the chief operating officer of Alternative Futures Group (AFG), was voted Chief Operating Officer of the Year 2025 by an expert judging panel. Under Kirsty’s guidance, AFG has introduced innovative workforce solutions to social care and promoted assistive technology for the individuals they support.
In addition to this, the charity has been committed to paying the real living wage to support workers and has been certified as a great place to work in 2025.
When receiving the award, Kirsty said:
I would like to recognise my colleagues at AFG who have helped lead us through an operational transformation, enabling the people we support to gain independence. AFG is an amazing organisation to be part of.
Ian Pritchard, Chief Executive Officer for AFG, also praised Kirsty’s leadership:
Kirsty’s leadership is defined by clarity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to both our colleagues and the people we support. She has an exceptional ability to unite teams around a common purpose, make tough decisions with integrity, and deliver lasting, positive change.
He also commented:
The transformation we’ve seen in workforce stability, staff engagement, and financial sustainability is a direct result of her strategic and tireless dedication.
