This week, colleagues, friends and leaders from across health and social care gathered in London for a special farewell event kindly hosted by Howden Insurance Brokers to celebrate the outstanding contribution of Professor Deborah Sturdy CBE as she marked her final day as Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care.

The event brought together an impressive cross-section of the sector, including Chief Nursing Officer for England Duncan Burton, chief executives from leading social care trade associations, former colleagues from across Deborah’s distinguished career, and many of the social care nurses whose professional journeys have been shaped by her leadership.

The atmosphere was one of warmth, gratitude and celebration. It was also a powerful reminder of the influence one person can have in championing a profession, strengthening a workforce and bringing people together around a shared purpose or ‘North Star’, as Lucy Gillespie from Skills for Care pertinently reflected.

David Taylor ACII, Executive Director and Head of Health & Social Care UK at Howden, whose team kindly hosted the celebration, captured the spirit of the occasion perfectly:

“It was an absolute honour for Howden to be able to host an event on behalf of The Outstanding Society at our London offices to celebrate the retirement of one of the care sector’s true greats – Deborah Sturdy CBE FRCN, Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care. The great and the good from across the sector came together to celebrate the incredible achievements and leadership that Deborah has become synonymous with, evidenced by some truly touching and emotional speeches.

The event highlighted what an amazing, influential and leading light Deborah has been throughout her career, bringing people together and making things happen. There are simply too many superlatives to repeat them all here, but each reflected the exceptional inspiration, leadership and trailblazing example Deborah has provided, the legacy she leaves behind and the path she has carved for others to continue making a difference to the lives of those who need support.

It was evident, without question, just how much Deborah will be missed as she embarks on new opportunities. Her remarkable ability to connect people was a consistent and heartfelt theme throughout the evening, echoed by speaker after speaker. My special thanks go to those involved from The Outstanding Society in making this happen, particularly Zoe Fry for helping us organise the event, Sanjay Gasiorski-Dhrona for his inimitable speech and masterful role as MC, and everyone who played a part in creating such a fitting celebration for a genuinely brilliant ambassador and influencer in the world of social care. Thank you also to everyone who attended to celebrate Deborah’s retirement.”

Speaking on behalf of the Outstanding Society, event host Sanjay Dhrona reflected on Deborah’s unique ability to connect people and create opportunities. He described how Deborah had helped ensure adult social care gained the visibility and recognition it deserved, often creating space for others to be heard and succeed. As Sanjay observed, while many people collect contacts, “Deborah collects people” – a tribute to her talent for building genuine relationships and nurturing a community united by a passion for improving care.

Throughout her career, Deborah has been a tireless advocate for adult social care nursing and the wider social care workforce. She has consistently championed the importance of recognising the expertise, compassion and innovation that exists across the sector, ensuring that adult social care has a voice at national tables and within wider health and care conversations.

The tributes shared during the event highlighted not only Deborah’s professional achievements but also her generosity, kindness and unwavering support for others. Time and again, speakers returned to a common theme: Deborah’s commitment to lifting others up, creating opportunities and helping people realise their potential. Reflecting back on what shaped Deborah, long-term colleague and friend Abi Masterson spoke about the difference Deborah had made to the life of a woman with learning disabilities in long-term care whose voice had finally been heard by Deborah after being silenced by others for too long.

One of Deborah’s most enduring achievements was the creation of the Social Care Nursing Advisory Councils (SCNACs). Recognising the need for a stronger and more connected voice for nursing in adult social care, Deborah established these councils to bring together expertise, experience and leadership from across the sector. Under her guidance, the SCNACs have flourished and expanded, becoming a respected and influential platform that ensures the perspectives of social care nurses are heard at local, regional and national levels. Today, they stand as a powerful testament to her vision, providing a genuine voice for adult social care and helping to shape the future of nursing within the sector.

In her own heartfelt reflections, Deborah spoke with characteristic humility and pride about the sector she has served so passionately:

“My last day as Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, but not my last supporting the phenomenal work of the sector.

I consider myself so lucky to have had this role, meeting so many enthusiastic and passionate people striving for change and wanting to make a difference to help people live their best lives. A bigger workforce than the NHS and deserves the recognition for what it does. Entrepreneurial, energetic, kind, innovative and hard working.

I’m Proud to have been part of it, and I know it will now grow and thrive with the new opportunities ahead. Nursing is a very important part of that, and I hope people will use their voices and talents to keep pushing for change.”

Those words perfectly captured the spirit of the occasion. While the event marked the end of Deborah’s tenure as Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, it was far from a goodbye to the sector she has done so much to champion. Instead, it was a celebration of an extraordinary legacy and a recognition of the lasting impact she has had on individuals, organisations and communities across the country.

As guests raised a glass in her honour, there was a shared sense of appreciation for Deborah’s leadership, advocacy and friendship. Her contribution has helped transform conversations about adult social care and nursing, creating a stronger platform for future generations to build upon. Deborah’s tenacity and sense of fun have always been at the heart of her work, as has her ability to influence politicians and be the ‘wheeler dealer’ critical to social care.

Everyone in attendance left with the same message:

Thank you, Deborah.

Your influence will continue to be felt throughout adult social care for many years to come, and the sector is stronger because of your dedication, vision and belief in its people.