Mary Brown, Principal Lecturer in the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, has been recognised as one of the top 50 leaders in the UK to lead with kindness.

Announced this week, Mary has been named in the Senior Leader category as one of the Kindness and Leadership 50 Leading Lights. The honour recognise the incredible value that kindness can add to leadership resulting in positive contributions to business, economy and broader society. 

The announcement acknowledges Mary’s contribution to Nursing, saying: “Her outlook, passion, commitment, and dedication ooze the professional values that underpin not only nursing but the very essence of higher education in the UK. Humble in her approach, Mary demonstrates what an honour it is to care for another person at any stage of their life and this resonates throughout her teachings to healthcare professionals.” 

Mary, who has worked at Canterbury Christ Church University for over 30 years, says kindness is an essential leadership attribute, commenting: “Kindness is an essential leadership attribute to enable engagement and trust within leadership teams. It requires the effective leader to have insight and self-awareness, and a sense of presence and humility when a colleague may need a word of encouragement or reassurance. Treat a person as an end in themselves and the rewards are intangible especially to one's own health and wellbeing. I have lived through many challenges in my 70 plus years to know kindness is a real strength.” 

In 2019, Canterbury Christ Church University celebrated 30 years of nursing and since 1989 the University has trained thousands of nurses in the fields of adult, child, and mental health nursing.  

The full list of winners will be published in the Financial Times this week.  

This is a justly deserved accolade for Mary, who has shown kindness and leadership to both our staff and students within the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work.</br></br>“She is always willing to share her insights with colleagues and students; to listen and facilitate the learning of others and to support the development of the health and social care workforce regionally and nationally. As Head of School I have valued and appreciated Mary’s vision and kindness.

Professor Claire Thurgate, Head of School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work at the University.