The award is one of the most prestigious honours in the UK health and social care sector. The accolade recognises Cygnet’s powerful impact on mental health, learning disability and autism care across the UK during a year of rapid transformation and record demand. With more than 150 services nationwide, the organisation now plays a central role in ensuring timely access to essential care for thousands of people each year.
Judges said; “The EPR roll-out represents a major achievement. As most of their business is NHS-funded, they appear to have integrated effectively with NHS stakeholders.”
Dr Tony Romero, CEO of Cygnet Group, said the award was a proud moment for the organisation and its 13,000-strong workforce.
“This is an extraordinary achievement, and it belongs to every one of our colleagues,” he said. “Across our hospitals, residential services and community settings, our teams live our values every day – Integrity, Care, Trust, Respect and Empower. Those values are the foundation of our culture, and this recognition reflects their impact.”
The past 12 months have seen rising levels of unmet need for mental health services, combined with significant pressure on NHS capacity. Against this challenging backdrop, Cygnet took decisive action to strengthen the UK’s specialist care infrastructure.
In one of the largest investment programmes the organisation has ever undertaken, in 2024, Cygnet began construction on seven new hospitals, all of which have now opened. Together they provide 250 new beds, help support 1,500 more individuals and have created 1,000 new jobs, expanding access to essential support and easing pressure on NHS systems.
In 2024, Cygnet supported 8,318 individuals through its care pathways. It partnered with 360 commissioning bodies, including 187 NHS organisations and 173 local authorities, while maintaining a 99% commissioner trust rating.
Dr Romero added: “Our mission is simple, to make sure that people can access the right care, in the right place, at the right time. At a moment when the national system is stretched, our teams have stepped forward with solutions, capacity and expertise. This award affirms the importance of that contribution.”
Over 81% of its services are rated Good or Outstanding, outperforming the wider independent mental health sector by 17%. Over the past year, Cygnet also demonstrated measurable, life-changing results for patients:
- 93% of CAMHS patients were discharged back into their communities
- 95% of adults moved to less-restrictive settings
- 79% of people with learning disabilities progressed to greater independence
Cygnet has also taken a central role in the independent healthcare ecosystem, supporting NHS partners and sharing best practice widely.
Highlights include:
- 39% of Cygnet’s PICU and acute beds block-contracted to the NHS
- National clinical leadership roles held by Cygnet doctors at the Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Presentations at 20+ national conferences
- Hosting major events on acute care and co-production attended by 300+ leaders
- Co-production initiatives – such as the “social hubs” – now being explored by NHS partners for adoption
This investment in people has driven exceptional engagement across the workforce. In Cygnet’s most recent staff survey, 88% of employees said they enjoy working for Cygnet and low turnover and high retention buck national healthcare staffing trends. Use of agency reduced from 12.1% to 7.8% and turnover reduced from 27.4% to 21.2%, in 2024.
Dr Romero emphasised that while the award celebrates a successful year, it also strengthens Cygnet’s determination to drive continued improvement.
“This award is both a celebration and a responsibility,” he said. “It recognises the difference our teams have already made, but it also challenges us to continue leading, innovating and raising standards across the sector.”
“Most importantly, this award is for the individuals in our care and their families. Their stories, their resilience and their trust are what motivate us. We will continue to build for better mental health, creating environments opportunities that help people to recover, regain independence and rebuild their lives.”