The Care Employer Award
Winner: Community Integrated Care
The integration of the business function with care provision was clearly demonstrated and exceptional. There are very clear process maps in place, a balanced approach was applied, and an innovative approach to using technology in the direct care environment was shown to be leading the way. The Tracey Test proved exceptional, and as a tool, our recommendation would be that it should be shared.
Highly Commended: Unique Homecare Lincoln
Rachel has come from a different background and brought her past experience to lead and run the business. She demonstrated a balance of business knowledge and experience, seamlessly translating it into direct care giving, involving everyone with an equal amount of trust, confidence, and self-belief.
The Care Home Worker Award
Winner: Sienna O’Neil, Strong Life Care
Siena followed her mum into care, and her bubbly personality shines through. She clearly loves her work and wants to make a difference, from providing chocolates and lip balm to residents to organizing outings and events. A worthy winner who will go far.
Highly Commended: Amani Chadwick, West Northants Council
Amani’s dedication to person-centred care, innovative initiatives like VR therapy, and engaging activities such as live performances and nature-inspired experiences showcase passion and leadership.
The Home Care Worker Award
Winner: Nicola Vickovic, Wright Care at Home
Nicola’s dedication, leadership, and compassion are truly inspiring. From training carers in palliative care to ensuring exceptional support for customers, she exemplifies what it means to deliver outstanding care.
Highly Commended: Owen Handley, Community Integrated Care
Owen’s exceptional dedication to supporting individuals with learning disabilities and mental health challenges is truly inspiring. From championing Positive Behaviour Support to empowering lives through trust and creativity, his passion and leadership transform care.
The Care Newcomer Award
Winner: Laura Thorpe, Premier Community
Laura’s commitment, passion, and care in her role shone through. The patience and attention she has for clients demonstrates how deserving she is of this award. Her transition from a lorry driver to working in the care industry was truly inspiring.
Highly Commended: Adam Connellan, Advanced Adolescent Care Solutions
Adam’s child-focused approach, warmth, and creativity in supporting young people are truly inspiring. From bedtime stories to playful bonding moments, his dedication ensures they feel valued and safe.
The Care Home Registered Manager Award
Winner: Shelly Smith, Whitefriars – Order of St. John’s Care Trust
I was blown away by Shelly’s dedication to her role. Shelly exemplifies how she lives and breathes care by the outcomes she achieves daily. She is truly an inspiration to all RMs and people working in care. When speaking to Shelly about her role in care, you could feel the love she has for her position and the home she works within. Shelly’s dedication to her residents and carers was evident, showcasing great outcomes for both.
Highly Commended 1: Ruka Onyia, Ivie Lodge Limited
When speaking with Ruka, you could immediately see how passionate and dedicated she is to her role. Ruka showcased the amazing outcomes she achieves in her home, particularly working with young people. She strives to continually see the bigger picture, encouraging others to do the same. She is dedicated to the young people she works with and passionate about breaking down barriers in the care industry, focusing on ideas, and giving people the skills to make things happen.
Highly Commended 2: Ashley Baird, Baily House
Ashley’s passion for her role and workplace was evident. She is dedicated to achieving the highest standards in care, as evidenced by achieving an outstanding rating in her recent CQC inspection. Ashley’s goal is to trailblaze for care homes, showcasing the great outcomes that can be achieved. Her drive for her role and the sector makes her an inspiration to care managers.
The Home Care Registered Manager Award
Winner: Sabrina Bennett, Premier Community
Sabrina impressed with her thoughtful approach to delivering a service that demonstrates quality and compassion. As someone who moved from a completely different working environment during COVID, she has demonstrated clear transferable skills and is now an amazing advocate for social care. While her knowledge base had to be developed, she worked hard, building on professional training with personal research. An excellent role model for those wishing to join the profession.
Highly Commended: Lindsay Nearn, LJM Homecare
Lindsay was enthusiastic about the role that social care can play in delivering the health and social care agenda, and much of her innovative thinking was geared toward achieving that. She clearly involved her staff team in developing and empowering their roles, ensuring they could all play an active role in delivering the quality service she aspires to.
The Dignity in Care Award
Winner: Home Instead Charnwood Team, Home Instead
Charlotte spoke passionately on the day about the values of dignity she ensures are instilled within her team. Dignity is clearly considered in all aspects of care delivery. It was interesting to hear of the innovation created using role play and simulated environments for new team members to experience in order to develop skills and grow knowledge.
Highly Commended 1: Kelly Henderson, Early Bird Lifestyle Support
Kelly builds trusted relationships with residents to ensure she can support them to her full potential. Balancing the support of dignity and life quality for individuals is something Kelly is very aware of. Kelly clearly loves her role, as demonstrated when we spoke.
Highly Commended 2: Cassie Hyde, Woodview Care Home
Cassie is resilient and extremely modest about her achievements. She described how social engagement and activities are crucial to creating a sense of purpose. She has an extremely positive outlook, which is a credit to her.
The Dementia Carer Award
Winner: Nikita Chifamva, Wren Hall
A truly exceptional individual. In many years of judging, he stands out as someone I will remember. He is genuinely caring and outstanding. He is one to watch for the future and is absolutely in the right profession.
Highly Commended: Gwyneth Mellars, Unique Homecare
Gwyneth’s dedication to supporting those living with dementia is inspiring. From completing a Level 3 dementia course to participating in a 6K walk for Alzheimer’s Society, your compassion and commitment make a real difference.
The Ancillary Worker Award
Winner: Jacqueline Kemp, Anchor
Jackie has such a warm and welcoming demeanour. Despite many years in health and social care, she continues to be passionate about making a difference to both colleagues and residents. Jackie clearly makes a positive difference to all those she meets, and I have no doubt she has been a lifeline of reassurance for those moving into the residential facility or their families.
Highly Commended 1: Joanne Gostelow, OSJCT Skirbeck Court
Joanne is a kind and considerate person, which came across during the interview. She is clearly caring and supportive of all residents she comes into contact with. She is passionate about her role and working to a high standard as part of a wider team.
Highly Commended 2: Craig Atwell, Danforth Care Homes
Craig is clearly enjoying his career change. He is warm, friendly, and has a real ‘let’s work together’ attitude. He is passionate about supporting those moving into the residential facility to feel at home and comfortable.
The Care Home Activity Organiser Award
Winner: The Ambitions Team, Baily House Care Home
This team of activity workers demonstrated a person-centered, professional approach to activity provision for their residents. Each member brought different attributes and personalities, gaining knowledge and forming relationships to develop meaningful interactions based on individual needs. Their activities are relevant to each resident, aiming to enrich their lives and provide a sense of purpose. They use body language recognition and sensory engagement, all complementing their positive approach to the activities they provide. A great team indeed.
Highly Commended: Ella Owen, Consistent Quality Support Ltd
Ella Owen demonstrated great passion for her work and the children she supports. This was evident in the extent to which she knew each child, their passions, and how their interests could be incorporated into the learning plans for the week. In addition, Ella had a solid understanding of how to support the additional needs of the children.
The Home Care Co-ordinator Award
Winner: Tarzeem Akhtar, Meridian Health & Social Care
Tarzeem’s dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality care stand out. She consistently ensures customer needs are met, builds strong relationships, and supports both staff and service users with loyalty and compassion. Truly deserving of this recognition!
Highly Commended: Neil Martin, EarlyBird Lifestyle Support
Neil’s exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and compassionate approach to managing complex care needs truly set him apart. His dedication to both customers and staff creates a positive, supportive environment, ensuring the highest standards of care.
The Care Home Chef Award
Winner: Anas Al Asaadi, Macc Care
Anas has immense passion and joy for care, influenced by his love for his parents. This has shaped the way he cares for others, treating them as if they were his own family. Anas has a strong and knowledgeable background in food from his hotel experience, which he clearly uses to bring quality, creativity, and attention to detail to his cooking. He is humble and shows great care for his work and the residents. Anas does not remain in the kitchen but makes an effort to connect with the residents and involve them in activities. He really made us smile, and I’m sure his residents do too.
Highly Commended: Lesley Bolton, Wren Hall
Lesley is a hardworking chef, catering for all services at Wren Hall, from nursery to elderly care. She oversees a large yet successful operation, which she manages with great attention to detail. Her passion for cooking is evident, and she takes great joy in feeding others, ensuring they feel they are receiving an experience from the food. Lesley demonstrates excellent knowledge of food and nutrition, as well as an awareness of all her residents. She treats them with the utmost respect and dignity, this thoughtful approach shows that she places them at the heart of everything she does.
The Care Home Team Award
Winner: Baily House Care Team, Baily House Care Home
The dedication and empathy displayed by this team is incredible. They embody everything that is good about health and social care today: they are caring, yet also embrace positive risk-taking, creating memorable experiences for residents and their families, while recognizing and supporting the vital role their staff play.
Highly Commended: Foxglove, Safe Haven
This outstanding care team plays a rewarding role in supporting young people with challenges, providing them with a safe home that truly feels like a family environment. The highest praise for this team is when a young person says, “This is not a children’s home; it’s my family.”
The Home Care Team Award
Winner: Serve Homecare, Serve
The Serve Homecare team has shown great dedication to person-centred care, which is evident through their genuine love for the work they do. They involve their staff in decision-making, and the judges were particularly impressed with their commitment to retraining staff in end-of-life care to ensure the well-being of both staff and service users.
Highly Commended 1: Lester Hall Apartments, IBC Healthcare
Lester Hall is stepping out of its comfort zone to provide residents with real-world understanding and experiences. They are a remarkable team, achieving greatness for their residents!
Highly Commended 2: Solo Support Services Team, Solo Support Services
Their person-centred approach, commitment to collaboration, and innovative use of technology ensure the highest quality of care. By empowering clients and adapting to their changing needs, they embody the values of compassion and respect.
The Care Innovator Award
Winner: Taking Charge, Community Integrated Care
Taking Charge is a project that delivers benefits to everyone and stands out as a real asset for all. It is so well thought out and delivered, making it a credit to John and the Community Integrated Care team.
Highly Commended: Obelisk House, West Northants Council
A wonderful use of technology has enhanced and bettered the lives of residents. The vision behind it is outstanding and has a positive impact on others.
The Care Home Frontline Leader Award
Winner: Mirko Ridolfo, Majesticare
Mirko empowers all staff, giving them responsibility. He is a great communicator and ensures that every staff member feels valued in their role, making them aware that their contributions are important.
Highly Commended: Diana Przybysz, Anchor
Diana’s outstanding leadership, especially during her first CQC inspection, showcases her deep knowledge and commitment. Her dedication to Anchor’s values and her invaluable support for the team make her a true asset. This recognition is well-deserved!
The Home Care Frontline Leader Award
Winner: Amy Clow, Komplex Care
Amy’s journey into care has been remarkable. Her commitment to the people she supports, along with her personal experience raising a child with complex needs, shows her tireless dedication. Amy works tirelessly for the children she supports, balancing this with her personal life and charity work. See our write-up for the winner section and notes from our interview with her.
Highly Commended: Karen Arme, Radfield Home Care
Karen is a true advocate for care. She has had an amazing journey into the field of care and is a credit to carers and senior carers in domiciliary care. It was a pleasure to hear her stories and learn about the incredible work and outcomes she achieves. She is an inspiration and deserves recognition for her contributions.
The Three Rs Award
Winner: David Ainsworth, NurtureCare
David’s enthusiasm for creating a culture and mindset of belonging and compassion within his team is infectious. He is a credit to the care sector.
Highly Commended: The Recruitment Team, Premier Community
Premier Community is a family company with excellent core values and a culture that everyone can be proud to be a part of. The team provides excellent care and builds a positive, supportive work environment.
The Workforce Development Award
Winner: Sophia Francis, Aspire Health and Care
Sophia is hugely passionate about supporting her team’s success. Her innovative approach to empowering champions within the team and engaging with those in receipt of services has led to successful outcomes in employee retention. Sophia has a clear and successful approach to welcoming new people into the business, which is critical in the health and social care sector.
Highly Commended: Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Olivier McGowan Mandatory Training Team, Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland ICB
At interview, the team demonstrated a strong cross-functional approach to rolling out the Oliver McGowan training. This training is co-designed and co-delivered by people with learning disabilities, autism, and complex health issues. The ability to enter paid work has been life-changing for many of the trainers, contributing to personal growth, paid employment, and a sense of purpose. Charlotte is the heart of this engagement, and her passion is unmatched. She builds trusted relationships to drive forward her vision and mission.
The Putting People First Award
Winner: Rahees Chettintavida, Wellbeing Care
Rahees has made a real difference in the lives of the service users he supports. He has demonstrated leadership in driving change within his setting. Rahees is a passionate professional who finds satisfaction in seeing his residents flourish and smile. He is particularly proud of the positive feedback from families and the improved rating of his service.
Highly Commended: Inspired to Care Team, Inspired to Care
Inspired to Care are pioneers in the recruitment of care staff and actively prioritize the needs of service users, care homes, and the community. They act as a professional link, ensuring that service users are supported by well-qualified, high-quality staff. They provide care homes with opportunities to adopt best practices and offer career pathways for those who might not otherwise have such opportunities.
The Social Care Nurse Award
Winner: Palliative nursing care team, NurtureCare
Nurture Care’s holistic approach supports both physical and emotional well-being, while their dedication to training staff fosters excellence. Compassionate and innovative, their work profoundly uplifts families and colleagues, making them a standout candidate for this award.
Highly commended: Matthew Scarpellino, Morar Living
Matthew is an exceptional specialist nurse who integrates nursing expertise with social care, addressing emotional, physical, and social needs. His empathy, proactive health management set him apart.
The Social Care Co-Production Award
Winner: Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland ICB
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Team is recognized for its outstanding inclusion of experts with lived experience in training design and delivery, ensuring that the voices of those with learning disabilities and autism are central. Their work has significantly improved the quality and effectiveness of patient care across the integrated care system.
The Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award
Winner: Donna McGreavy, Advanced Adolescent Care Solutions Ltd
Congratulations to Donna.
Donna has shown exceptional commitment and made outstanding contributions over her remarkable 27 years of service. She has dedicated herself not only to delivering high-quality care but also to significantly impacting the well-being of both staff and the individuals she serves. Donna exemplifies the true spirit of leadership in the health and social care sector. She has created a culture of care that resonates throughout the organization, inspiring others to follow her example.
Highly Commended: Damian Taylor-Martinez, EarlyBird Lifestyle Support
Congratulations to Damian.
Damian embodies the spirit of this award through his dedication to quality care and staff education. His innovative approach, mentorship, and commitment to continuous improvement make him a deserving recipient of the Highly Commended Outstanding Contribution Award.
