Staff Recognition Awards 2026 finalists: Jason Rigby

Congratulations to all teams, individual members of staff, volunteers and fundraisers who were nominated for the OUH Staff Recognition Awards 2026, and thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate.

In total, we received more than 1,900 nominations for this year's awards, which will be held at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford on Thursday 18 June.

Ahead of the awards, we wanted to introduce you to some of our finalists. Here, we learn more about Jason Rigby.

A Senior Operational Facilities Manager who has made a huge difference to staff wellbeing has been nominated for the 'Compassion' award.

Jason Rigby was nominated following a heartfelt nomination from a colleague that talked about the contributions he has made through his role as Director of the Horton Power Choir.

Jason joined the Trust in 2022, and set up the Horton Power Choir in February 2023 to offer some relaxation, fun, and community to Trust staff.

In the nomination, Jason’s colleague said: "Jason puts staff at the centre of everything he does in his spare time, takes time to know every member and what they need, and what he can do to support them. He always creates an environment of encouragement and worth for the people in the choir.

"The choir has become so much more than a choir – with over 70 members, it’s become a beacon for wellbeing, and Jason is a counsellor for everyone. There have been WhatsApp groups to share encouragement, wellbeing meetings to help anyone who’s struggling, and we’ve all managed to support each other through our own problems – including when we sadly lost a member of the choir."

Jason is a singer, and was determined to welcome everyone to the Power Choir regardless of ability – as well as keeping it free and fun. All of the work Jason puts in - from equipment, rehearsals, song production, to bookings - is all done outside of his day job.

Last year, he took the choir on a tour of local care homes so they could see the impact they had on the residents, as well as singing at a previous OUH Staff Recognition Awards ceremony. The choir was also part of the Banbury Christmas light switch-on, as well as a sold-out Christmas concert with the local mayor, as well as OUH’s own Interim Chief Executive Officer Simon Crowther.

Jason said: "It is a privilege to have founded and run this hospital choir. I do all I can to align the choir to the Trust values and put wellbeing at the centre of its purpose.

"All the work required to make the choir operational is repaid in droves - when you watch a choir member arrive at rehearsal having had a tough day, and then leave with a smile on their face having embraced the community that is offered within the choir, nothing beats it."

Lisa Hofen, Chief Estates and Facilities Officer at OUH, said: "A huge congratulations to Jason on this wonderful nomination – the Horton Power Choir has gone from strength to strength under his leadership, and it’s clear that his passion and enthusiasm is felt by all around him. Good luck for the night!"