ISS manager wins global recognition for outstanding care to local hospice patients

The award, the highest internal individual award in the organisation, is given annually to one of ISS’s 330,000 employees worldwide, recognising extraordinary acts of service that have demonstrated the company’s purpose of ‘connecting people and places to make the world work better’.

With 14 years of service at ISS Ireland, Michelle exemplifies the very best of the facilities management industry, and the difference that FM can make to the many people who live and work in the facilities we manage. Her passion and personal commitment to the highest standards of care has made a lasting impact to the patients at St Francis Hospice, as well as to their families.

Michelle was originally nominated for the company’s Apple Awards scheme in the UK & Ireland region for a moving display of compassion and creativity, orchestrating a beautiful, personalised wedding ceremony for a patient at St Francis. Organising and planning everything on her own time, Michelle created a beautiful experience for the patient, as well as memories that their family and friends will cherish.

The story has inspired colleagues across ISS, first securing Michelle the 2024 Apple Award for the UK & Ireland region back in February of this year. As a result of this success, her nomination progressed to the final round of the competition at ISS’s leadership conference in Oslo last week, where Group CEO Kasper Fangel announced Michelle as this year’s global winner.

Operational leaders like Michelle are a major source of strength for ISS, with valuable insights and perspectives about day-to-day operations, as well as a detailed knowledge of what our customers and people need most. To leverage the unique skills and experience of this community, ISS UK & Ireland launched the ‘Year of the Supervisor’ in 2024, an employee engagement programme designed to establish a wider network of site-based managers like Michelle, and to provide a forum to hear their concerns, identify areas for improvement and capture fresh innovations that can be scaled to better support our people and serve our customers.

As a result of the success of this programme, the UK & Ireland was also recognised with ISS’s Global People Award, a testament to the region’s steadfast commitment to people and our strategic ambition to be a leading frontline employer.

Commenting on her award, Michelle said: “I’m truly honoured to have received this award; to be recognised alongside so many inspiring stories from across our organisation globally is an incredible privilege. It really is incredible to be part of an organisation that empowers its people to bring their best selves to work every day. Here’s to continuing to raise the bar, together.”

Andrew Wilkinson, Chief Operating Officer for Office & Production and Ireland at ISS UK & Ireland, said: “Michelle’s deep commitment to delivering such personalised care, comfort and compassion to the hospice’s patients and their families is truly remarkable. I’m immensely proud to see her honoured for her outstanding dedication with this award.

“Her achievement is a testament to the profound ability our people have to make a meaningful difference for those we serve, and is an inspiration to all of us, not just at ISS, but across our industry.”

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For media enquiries: Jonny Bisby | jonny.bisby@uk.issworld.com | Tel: +44 (0) 7542 269 965

About ISS: ISS is a leading workplace experience and facilities management company. With a presence in more than 30 countries worldwide, and with more than 27,000 employees across the UK and Ireland alone, ISS provides innovative workplace solutions that contribute to better business performance aimed at making life easier, more productive, and enjoyable for all — delivered to high standards by people who care. Learn more at www.uk.issworld.com.

About St. Francis Hospice: St. Francis Hospice provides specialist palliative care for the people of North Dublin and surrounding counties. The care is provided free of charge to patients and their families and St. Francis Hospice care for people in their own homes and nursing homes, in outpatient and day service, in in-patient units, and during their time of bereavement. For more information visit: https://www.sfh.ie/.