We are delighted to announce that Victoria Baron has been shortlisted for the Social Change Agent Award at the Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care (WAGS) Awards.

The award recognises women who have positively influenced change, creating meaningful impact for the social care sector and/or people receiving care and support, at a local or national level.

Victoria has been nominated in recognition of her outstanding contribution to improving digital security, data protection and technology across adult social care in Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.

Through her leadership of HCA's Better Security, Better Care programme, Victoria has supported hundreds of care providers to strengthen their digital maturity, improve data protection and build greater confidence in managing cyber security risks.

Over the past five years, her work has helped transform engagement with the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT), with almost 70% of the region's 1,100 care services now completing the toolkit. 

Alongside this regional impact, Victoria's expertise and contribution have gained national recognition. She has presented at national conferences, supported another Care Association through mentoring, contributed to NHS England's Cyber Security Strategy and helped shape national cyber resilience guidance. She was also recently appointed Regional Lead for the national Better Security, Better Care programme.

Victoria's approach combines considerable expertise with a genuine commitment to supporting providers, making complex digital and cyber security issues accessible and helping organisations make practical improvements that ultimately benefit the people they support.

Emma Heath, Chief Executive of Hampshire Care Association, said:

"I am delighted to see Victoria shortlisted. I nominated her in recognition of the fantastic work she has led through our Data Security programme, supporting hundreds of providers across Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight to raise data security and compliance standards.
"At a time when protecting sensitive information has never been more important, Victoria's work is helping care providers become more confident, secure and resilient. It is a fantastic example of meaningful social change and thoroughly deserved recognition.
"Victoria brings incredible energy and commitment to this work, supported by a brilliant team who make such a difference every day."

Congratulations to Victoria on this well-deserved recognition.