Celebrating National Boss Day
When we asked for our teams to pull together some thoughts about their bosses, we were blown away by their responses! We are very proud to have leaders who are so highly thought of and would like to share some of the quotes with you to celebrate National Boss Day on Thursday 16th October 2025.
Adam Ross
“Adam Ross, what can I say? He is very calming and always happy to give advice. He is very busy doing lots of other tasks that help to keep the team and the job moving. He is very supportive. Well done Adam for being able to ‘mange’ me.”
“Adam is genuinely empathetic and one of the hardest-working people I know. He keeps the bigger picture in mind, even when the rest of us are deep in the day-to-day — and somehow, he still manages to stay (mostly) sane!”

Alex Docherty
“Alex listens and laughs which makes all the difference – a manager who’s in it with you and actually gives her time and takes action.”
“Alex is lovely and it’s hard to put it into words but we are lucky to have her.”

Amanda Lodge
“Amanda is a lovely, funny and bubbly manager who makes everyone laugh. Although Amanda is not my direct line manager, I always feel like I can still go to her with a problem and be supported.”
“I’ve been lucky enough to be managed by all three of our managers during my time at BID Services. While each of them has a different management style, one thing they all have in common is their commitment to prioritising employee wellbeing and development. I have always felt valued, listened to, and supported—not just professionally, but personally as well. I truly appreciate the guidance, encouragement, and support they provide, and I’m grateful to be part of a team led by such dedicated managers.“

Amber Whittlesey-Hall
“Amber is a caring and understanding manager. No problem is too big for her and she really does listen/have your best interests at heart. I could not ask for a better manager and feel very lucky to have her leading the team!“
“Amber has supported me through a few really tough times in my personal life and helped me find and settle into a new house! She continuously supports me through every health challenge that’s thrown at me and supports me outside of work just as much! Thank you Amber!”
“Amber is an excellent manager, always there to support us when needed. Amber checks in regularly with her team and makes sure we are getting the correct work life balance. Thanks Amber.”
“Since being appointed as a new Manager she has really done wonders to bring together and build a new team who are now functioning extremely well together due to her support and guidance. I have observed that she has a kind disposition with both her staff members and service users. She works relentlessly and often goes above and beyond what is required of her as manager. This makes her an excellent role model for her team and has an impact on how well they perform.”

Andrew Kenny
“Always kind, patient and understanding and will do anything to support and help his staff.”
“I know I can pass on my worries to Andrew and he will provide comfort and understanding. Andrew is extremely caring and also has a great sense of humour. Andrew accepts who we are as individuals and knows how to best work with us.“
“My manager Andrew really listens. I know if I have an issue, he will be supportive and is an all round nice guy!”
“Andrew is an incredibly supportive and approachable manager. He consistently encourages professional growth and development within the team, and we are very grateful for all that he does.”
“Andrew is a fantastic manager as he always looks after all members of the team, at all times. He listens and supports us with a kind and friendly ear. He is approachable and is always a calm presence.”
“Andrew is a wonderful manager! Always there with a coffee and a listening ear if you need anything!”
“Andrew is genuinely a very approachable person; he is supportive and empathetic about the needs of others and offers support and solutions to challenges encountered. I believe his leadership supports not only individuals but also the team. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the support he has given me.”

Chris Jessop
“Chris and I have had our differences in the past. But over the last few years our relationship has strengthened both for the good of the organisation and on a personal level. I can now see the true Chris by the way she manages myself, others and how she conducts herself within the office. I am confident that as my manager I can discuss anything with her whether it be personal or work. This is a huge strength she has and is a true mark of a good manager. Notwithstanding she is the service manager for the Leeds office and constantly delivers meeting targets whilst protecting her staff. She is an excellent manager and on a personal level, I was actually thinking of retiring but will now stay on a little longer because of her management skills and making me feel valued!!“
“Chris is an amazing manager who is supportive of all her team and wants the best for everyone. She supports and encourages everyone’s ideas, championing teamwork and collaboration throughout the office.”

Debbie Lang
“Where do I start with what makes Deb not just a good Boss, but a great one. For a start – she is a Leader and that’s the difference; she leads by example. Deb continues to offer her unwavering support in my development as a Manager and I’m very appreciative. I wouldn’t want to work alongside anybody else!“
“Behind all my achievements is Debbie — always believing in me and supporting me to do great work. Thank you for being a truly wonderful manager.”
“Debbie has been so supportive, caring and always there to listen. She has been a great support to all Lincolnshire Sensory Services staff and kept the ship steady until our new manager starts in November. We all appreciate her on-going commitment.”
“I’ve worked with Deb on and off for several years now. We are both Geminis which means we of course get along well. Deb has a good listening ear, super organised and respectful of the decisions made in services I manage. She has a good relationship with everyone she works with and you can see people value her experience and knowledge. Thanks for being a manager who I can talk to easily and for giving me the opportunity to be the Project Manager and now the Sensory Service Manager.”

Denise Sutton
“Denise is a supportive manager who is always happy to support with any work related issues, highly approachable and cares about the well being of her staff, we even get fed the odd cake here and there.”
“Denise is a fantastic manager who is extremely supportive making me feel like a valued member of her team.”
“Your leadership and guidance have been invaluable to me. I admire your transparency, integrity, loyalty and your kindness to your team. Your open door attitude makes my job easier. Thank you Denise.”

Emma Bridgewater
“Emma saw potential in me before I joined the team, and I am glad to be working under her and her wonderful team.”
“Emma is an amazing manager and a truly supportive! She always looks out for the team to ensure we are good and not too stressed. 🙂”
“I just want to say how much I appreciate my manager Emma. She’s amazing with our team, always understanding and supportive. Her communication is outstanding and the fact that she can sign BSL makes it so easy for everyone to connect with her. She’s truly inspiring.”

Gail Penberthy
“Being a leader in a Charity is not always about doing things right; it’s about doing the right thing. Thank you for your support, care & compassion – especially through the difficult moments.”
“Thank you for being calm, unflappable and sharing your knowledge. Gail always has the service users at the heart of her decision-making.”
“Gail is always a calming voice giving considered advice and guidance based on her years’ of knowledge and experience. She is always approachable and always there to offer support when it is needed. I have learnt so much from Gail in her role as CEO and can see what a difficult job it is to be caring, supportive but also in having to make very tough decisions. BID would not be in the strong position it is without her leadership. Thank you Gail for always being there when I have needed your support, advice or guidance it is invaluable to me and has enabled me to develop and grow both professionally and personally.”
“A good manager is a leader and as a leader, it is important to trust your team, giving them opportunities to push themselves and explore their interests and yes, perhaps make some mistakes along the way. It is through doing this that we all learn. I therefore want to give a shout out to those managers, in particular over my last few years at BID Services, who have supported me and shown confidence in my abilities, even when unknown to myself, enabling me to push myself and develop professionally.”

Ian Laing
“Well what can I say about the lovely Ian Laing. He’s great to have early morning chats with in the office about theatre and what plans we have at the weekend. He’s a good sounding board for ideas and gives me autonomy in decision making for the services I manage. We have few disagreements which is always good in a manager 😊 Thanks for being an all round good egg Mr Laing!”
“Ian is a great line manager; he is always supportive and easy to talk to. Not only this he helps me solve problems and issues without telling me what to do, he guides and gives me a different perspective ensuring I think about all possible solutions. He is always there when I need him.”

Jorja Le Gallienne
“To have a job that you love doing is a bonus. But to have a boss like Jorja is amazing. From the support she gives you when you need it. To the giggles when I have a tantrum. Not just my boss my friend and biggest supporter.“
“Jorja is an approachable and supportive Manager who genuinely cares about her team and always strives for the best outcomes for everyone.“

Karen Routledge
“Karen is a supportive, approachable and considerate manager. It’s a pleasure to work alongside someone who truly has our backs, celebrates our successes and is always there with encouragement and support when we need it.”
“Karen is kind, approachable and listens.”

Karl Proud
“A good manager who leads by example, listens with intent, and empowers others to grow beyond their own expectations.”
“Karl is an extremely supportive manager who genuinely cares about all his staff and their wellbeing. Pushing you to not only succeed in professional development but personal development as well. Without having such a supportive manager, I would not have been able to complete my degree outside of work and been able to progress further in my studies.”
“Karl’s support makes a real difference — he’s always approachable, understanding, and genuinely invested in providing the best support for our service users. His personal journey is always an inspiration to our service users.”

Louise Sims-Thompson
“Astute and smart business woman coupled with a caring and sympathetic nature towards her staff.”
“Louise, despite being always busy, is always really efficient at responding to any query I’ve had. She’s really fair and advocates for her staff.”
“Thank you for your guidance, support and kindness. I appreciate all that you do and am so pleased to have you as my manager. You are a fantastic boss and I know I can always come to you even if it’s just to talk about energy prices!”
“Louise is supportive, knowledgeable and juggles all her responsibilities brilliantly. She also buys irresistible biscuits!!”

Laura Morris
“Laura is an amazing manager who goes above and beyond to support us in our roles, she diffuses any authoritarian stance making it so easy to connect with her as a manager and I always experience compassion, support and empathy from Laura.“
“She has a big heart that she shares with kindness, empathy, genuine care, from a genuine person. Together with an engaging interpersonal approach to all people she encounters, always looking out for the marginalised people in life; having a character of fairness that sadly we rarely come across today.”

Mark O’Dwyer
“Mark is such a caring, considerate and supportive manager. He is invested in personal development and will support you in everything you wish to do. Mark is also an amazing listener and gives you good advice and encouragement. He also has a great sense of humour!”
“Happy National Boss’ Day, Mark! Thank you for being such a patient and supportive leader. Your calm approach and encouragement make every challenge easier to handle.”

Pauline Jarvis
“Pauline is a brilliant manager because she is always supportive and happy to listen. She balances the workload of the busy service we run with the wellbeing of her staff.“
“You gave me a chance! You listen to me ramble on, you support me and help build my confidence. Thank you for all you do.“

Sue Finch
“Sue is a great manager who is always there to assist us and is a great support during challenging times and she does not get the recognition that she deserves for all the extra she is always doing.”

Sunita Shirt
“It’s great to have a manager who has Deaf Awareness and can sign, someone who has a good understanding of possible issues I may face and works around them to make sure I am included and I’m able to do the work that’s needed. Also, whenever I have had problems work-wise, I know I can rely on Sunita for support.“
“Sunita is a great boss to work for. She’s always supportive, is excellent at her job and is patient and understanding to staff’s needs.”
“Sunita has struck the perfect balance of letting you get on with your work independently and being a massive support when it’s needed. She makes me and my work feel valued, I feel very lucky to have her as a manager!”

Tony Morroll
“One of the nicest Managers I’ve worked for. He is always supportive both in a work capacity and private capacity. He notices more than he lets on but is always there if a shoulder to lean on is needed. Basically, a really nice guy.”
“My manager’s always got my back — supportive, encouraging, and just genuinely great to work with.”
