We’re celebrating after our Chief Executive Beth Crackles was named as High-Impact Leader of the Year at the Sheffield Business Awards 2026.
Beth received the award at a black-tie ceremony hosted by Sheffield Chamber of Commerce at the Octagon Theatre on Thursday 15th October, bringing together businesses and organisations from across the region to celebrate their achievements.
The award recognises Beth’s leadership in transforming SHC into a strategic partner to our NHS, strengthening our impact on patients, families and NHS staff across the city.
Since becoming Chief Executive three years ago, Beth has introduced our first three-year strategy, strengthened governance and modernised our systems and operations, whilst creating a clear vision of sustainable growth. Under her leadership, we have doubled our annual charitable giving from £2 million to over £4 million this year, significantly increasing our support to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and Sheffield Health Partnership.
We have funded transformational projects, including a £1.45 million investment in a surgical robot at the Northern General supporting advances in cancer surgery, and a £415,000 investment to transform a mental health ward.
Beth has also championed innovation and initiatives to improve healthcare. A dementia programme delivered in partnership with Age UK Sheffield and GP surgeries achieved an 82% reduction in hospital admissions and a 74% reduction in GP appointments, helping demonstrate how targeted support can make a lasting difference.
Her commitment to tackling health inequalities is reflected in her support of our high-profile #NoWomanLeftBehind campaign and her work to secure £250,000 from NHS Charities Together to support NHS staff affected by domestic abuse.
Beth said: “The Sheffield Business Awards are a celebration of many things that are wonderful about our city. It was a great night for the voluntary sector too, and I’m delighted to have been recognised with this award. What I loved about the night was that people were so supportive of each other, and about the work of Sheffield Hospitals Charity. I’d like to say thanks to the whole charity team for their hard work and commitment”.
The award is a celebration of Beth’s leadership and the collective efforts of our team, supporters, NHS partners and the wider Sheffield community, whose generosity makes our work possible.
Published: Tuesday 20th of October 2026