Compass Group UK & Ireland has announced Deputy Cleaning Manager Emma Nott as its latest Be A Star 'Legend'.
The Be A Star programme recognises colleagues who make a remarkable difference by Helping Colleagues, Delighting Customers and Supporting Communities. Winners are selected across every Compass sector, in frontline roles such as chefs, cleaners, baristas and support teams. Each quarter, stand-out stars receive a certificate, Be A Star pin and 250, as well as a paid day off to enjoy a regional "lunch is on us" celebration with their nominator at a flagship Compass client venue.
Emma is the person everyone turns to - calm, compassionate and completely selfless.
Now in its fourth year, the recognition programme attracted over 2,500 nominations throughout 2025, with 320 colleagues chosen as winners. But it was Emma's exceptional compassion and dedication to her team that ultimately led judges to crown her the overall winner.
Emma, who works for Compass Group business and provider of foodservice and facilities management to high-profile sites across central government, police and secure environments, ESS Government Services, was nominated by colleague and line manager Susan Robinson, in the 'Colleague' category of the Be A Star programme for the support she provided to two long-serving colleagues - a married couple from her cleaning team - after the husband was diagnosed with illness and admitted into long-term care. This included facilitating access to financial support from the company's Helping Hands scheme and provided ongoing emotional and practical assistance.
Susan says: "Emma is the person everyone turns to - calm, compassionate and completely selfless. The unwavering support she shows her colleagues when they need it most demonstrates exactly who she is. We're all so proud of her."
Emma adds: "I'm truly shocked and incredibly grateful. I never expected anything like this - I just wanted to make sure my colleague had the support she needed. We're a close-knit team and looking out for each other is what matters most to me."
Robin Mills, Chief Executive Officer, Compass Group UK & Ireland, comments: "Our colleagues make a real difference to the people and communities they serve every day. I'd like to thank all our frontline teams for everything they do and give special recognition to our 2025 'Legend' Emma Nott. Her quiet strength, generosity of spirit and tireless dedication to others shines as an inspiring example to us all. She is the pride of Compass."
Emma received her 10,000 prize during a surprise presentation at the DVLA site where she works in Swansea.
