2025 Agenda

Maria’s Movement: connecting culture to compassion

12 Jun 2025
Charter 5
Mobilising change / improvement , Workforce, people and leadership

At the heart of this session is a lived experience. Maria’s cancer journey from diagnosis through to palliative and end of life care is a stark example of how, when a compassionate culture is not valued or invested in, staff, patients and carers suffer. The trauma and impact are long-lasting. A cycle of demand, on already stretched services, starts again.

Co-presented by an expert by experience and subject-matter experts, this session will show how Maria’s story has inspired 'Maria’s Movement' as a catalyst for systemic change. Participants will learn how building compassionate cultures across the whole system of care fosters empathy, deeper listening and better outcomes for all.

Emma Bates
Emma Bates, Expert by Experience and previous unpaid carer, previous Patient and Public Voice Partner for NHSE, Programme Officer - Comms and Engagement, New Hospital Programme - NHS England
Liza Collins
Liza Collins, NHS Leadership Academy Executive Leadership Coach - NHS England
Andy Wilkins
Andy Wilkins, Founder - FUTURE OF HEALTH