The Cinnamon Trust Named a Sunday Times Best Place to Work

There are a handful of Cornish organisations that quietly outperform much bigger names, year after year, without making a fuss about it. The Cinnamon Trust appears to be one of them.

The charity, which supports older people, the terminally ill, and their pets, has been named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026. It is the third year in a row the Trust has made the list, a run that few organisations manage to pull off.

What the award actually measures

The Sunday Times Best Places to Work survey assesses organisations against a set of criteria covering employee engagement, wellbeing, inclusivity, leadership, and overall culture. Holding a spot for three consecutive years is meant to show sustained action rather than a one-off effort.

For The Cinnamon Trust, that recognition points to a workplace built around empathy, collaboration, and the charity’s core values. Over the past year the Trust has continued to invest in staff wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, professional development programmes, and volunteer support systems, all aimed at making sure the people delivering its services across the UK feel equipped and valued.

📷Alison Rogers (Senior Animal Carer), Callum Alston (Animal Care Assistant) and Rosie Thompson (Animal Care Assistant) at Poldarves

“An extraordinary honour”

Patrick Williams, Chief Executive of The Cinnamon Trust, said the award meant a great deal to the team.

“Winning this award for the third-year running is an extraordinary honour and a testament to the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of our entire team. At The Cinnamon Trust, our people are at the heart of everything we do, from supporting vulnerable individuals to safeguarding their beloved pets. This recognition reflects not only the culture we have built together but also the shared commitment to making a meaningful difference every day.”

The charity’s mission is a straightforward one. It works to make sure that no older or terminally ill person has to part with a cherished pet because of ill health or frailty.

📷Clare Turner- Animal Care Assistant at Poldarves Farm Sanctuary

What the staff say

The recognition is built on how the people inside the organisation actually feel about working there.

“The Cinnamon Trust is a wonderful workplace due to the enthusiasm, passion, and vast knowledge of all staff and volunteers involved. It’s become its very own community that is ever developing and adapting to ensure that everything we can do is done to support those in need. I am proud of our workplace and believe it truly is the best”, said staff member Paige.

Kate, another member of the team, put it more simply. “The team are like my second family”, she said.

Patrick added that the culture inside the charity feeds directly into the work it does outside it.

“Our mission is deeply rooted in care, not just for the people and pets we serve, but also for each other. Maintaining a workplace where individuals feel supported and motivated allows us to extend that same level of care to the communities we reach. This award belongs to every member of our team.”

The Trust says it now plans to strengthen that culture further while expanding its services to reach more communities across the UK.

📷Renate Glenister (Animal Care Assistant) & Holly Hartnell (Senior Animal Carer) at Hillside Farm Sanctuary

📷Eileen Keeling - Poldarves Farm Sanctuary Manager

📷Rosie Thompson - Animal Care Assistant at Poldarves Farm Sanctuary

📷Holly Hartnell - Senior Animal Carer at Hillside Farm Sanctuary

📷Jessie Taylor - Animal Care Assistant at Hillside Farm Sanctuary (The Cinnamon Trust)

📷Rosie Thompson, Callum Alston, Clare Turner - Animal Care Assistants at the Poldarves Farm Sanctuary

📷Forever Pets at Poldarves Farm Sanctuary waiting for their meals

📷Poldarves Farm Sanctuary