On the evening of Thursday 4 December, Advo held it’s end of year celebration and Awards night.

This long tradition thanks staff for their valuable contribution to the company throughout the year and celebrates the ‘best of the best’ as chosen by themselves. Employees, called Advonians, vote as to whom they believe should win each accolade.

There are six awards, 5, voted by staff and one chosen by Directors from nominees from the management Team. The Awards are based around the four Advo ‘Behaviours’ which aim to encapsulate the qualities of our people.

The A.D.V.O. Award Categories are:

• Accountability
• Dignity
• Versatility
• One Team

The last two awards receive not just recognition from peers but a cash ‘thank you’ too.

• Advonian of the Year
• D.V.O. 2025 Award (Employee of the Year)

The first Award was:

Accountability Award:

‘Who takes ownership for tasks, meets commitments, and strives every day to drive quality outcomes’

The Nominees were:

• Colin Middleton (IT Team)
• Siouan Oliver (Payroll Team)
• Ed Knight (Payroll Team)
• Jenni Welch (HR Team)

The Winner… Ed Knight

There were lots of comments for each of the nominee and Winners.

Colleagues said about Ed included”

“Ed is very passionate about ensuring that every client receives a quality service, meeting deadlines and planning ahead at ever step.”

“Ed’s approach reflects his professionalism, reliability, and deep commitment to both his clients and Advo’s reputation for excellence.”

“Ed is a great asset to the payroll team. He always takes on additional tasks and ensures a high-quality outcome even in the most complex cases.”

Dignity Award:

Which of your colleagues is admirable in the way they treat colleagues with professionalism, respect, and inclusivity.

The Nominees were:

• Michelle McHugh (HR Team)
• Karly Cossington (Payroll Team)
• Hayley Hardy (Payroll Team)
• Helen lynch (Payroll Team)
• Caroline Jackson (Payroll Team)

The Winner: Caroline Jackson

Caroline Jackson, Payroll Manager, with Jenni Welch, HR Manager who presented Caroline with the Award

Comments from staff included:

“Even as the boss she never speaks down to anyone, treats her team as human beings first and always tries to help as much as possible even with her manic schedule!

“Always looking out for all of us and making sure the remote workers are included at all times.

Versatility Award:

Who at Advo is exceptional at adapting to change, embracing new challenges, and developing new skills

Nominees

• Jess Hall (HR Team)
• Karly Cossington (Payroll Team)
• Dan Bott (Payroll Team)
• Melissa Mills (Payroll Team)
• Richard Oxtoby (Payroll Team)
• Cricket Brookfield (Operations Team)

The Winner… Karly Cossington

Karly with Caroline Jackson, who presented the Versatility Award

Comments included

“She is versatile in the way that she has handled an increasing portfolio of payroll work, whilst also training”

“Karly picks up everything that is given to her.”

One-Team Award:

Who notably stands out as someone who promotes collaboration and a supportive workplace culture

Nominees:

• Helen Lynch (Payroll Team)
• Jess Hall (HR Team)
• Vicki Connelly (Payroll Team)
• Jenni Welch (HR Team)

The Winner…Jess Hall.

“She is dedicated to charity events and team dates, she stands out as someone consciously bringing the team together and boosting workplace morale.”

“As part of the charity Committee she is always looking to get everyone involved.  “Jess has been a valuable and great leader to getting people involved and ensuring the team has fun events together.

Advonian of the Year Award:

Who is the ‘best of our best?’ This award goes to the Advo person collectively felt is a true Advonian, who demonstrates all of our Advonian Behaviours.

Nominees

• Vicky Connelly (Payroll Team)
• Karly Cossington (Payroll Team)
• Caroline Jackson (Payroll Team)
• Helen lynch (Payroll Team)

The Winner… Caroline Jackson

Comments from staff included:

“I believe she is a true example of Advo as company. Always put the business first even before her and always make sure things run smoothly etc.”

“Honestly just the best manager I have ever had and her positivity over the last few challenging months has made all the difference and kept me powering through.”

“Calm in stressful situations.  Lifts the atmosphere.” “Always professional and brings the team together.

A.D.V.O. Award (employee of the Year)

The final award is chosen by the Director Team from submissions from the Managers.

This reportedly was a tough decision with each nominee showing outstanding achievements.

Nominees.

Jess Hall (HR Team)

“Jess has shown remarkable adaptability and growth during a year of significant change. Her exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy are repeatedly recognised. She consistently initiates and takes the lead on complex legislative and policy work that others might find challenging. She is deeply respected within the team for treating everyone with dignity, listening to different perspectives, and creating an inclusive and supportive environment.”

Andy Jarrett (IT Team)

Comments from Managers: “Andy has made a significant and positive impact through on development projects. He consistently treats colleagues with respect and professionalism.”

“Andy is always approachable and always happy to help, with managers highlighting his reliability, positive attitude, and growth throughout the year. They described him as an “unsung hero”.

Karly Cossington (Payroll Team)

“Karly’s enthusiasm, commitment, and hunger to develop have shone through this year. She continually volunteers for additional training and learning opportunities, supporting colleagues across the payroll team and contributing to a positive team spirit.”

All of the managers described her as dependable, proactive, and highly regarded by peers

The Winner: Karly Cossington

There was one additional Special Recognition Award for Jenni Welch highlighting an exceptional individual who has made a real impact to the company this year.

Since stepping into the HR Manager role last year, Jenni has shown outstanding leadership and commitment, managing both the HR team and her own portfolio of HR clients with professionalism and accountability. She is incredibly conscientious and hardworking and her technical knowledge and pragmatic judgement together with her calm assurance and ability to find practical solutions to complex situations have been instrumental in maintaining Advo’s reputation for high-quality HR support.

Ed Knight was not able to attend the Awards on the night and so was presented with his Award trophy later in the office by Colin Boxall, Advo’s Executive Director.

 Congratulations to all the Winners & Nominees. 

What a fantastic bunch of people!