The Care Home Employer Award
Winner: Solent Grange Nursing Home, Future Care Group
In recent years, this employer has focused on raising the status of both the people they support and the care home within the local community. They empower staff with autonomy, encourage innovative suggestions, and provide consistent opportunities for feedback, ensuring that employees feel heard and valued. Recognition is a key part of their culture, with ‘Employee of the Month’ celebrating those who embody the company’s values. This employer is proactive in building strong relationships with commissioners, local hospices, hospitals, and more, always striving to enhance care and services.
Highly Commended: Eastern County Care
A dedicated team running a cosy, family-oriented care home, committed to providing genuine care for both their staff and the individuals they support. They go above and beyond, offering personal support and are motivated by the desire to improve care standards, particularly after witnessing a poorly run home. Their compassion and belief in helping others progress, while giving individuals opportunities they may not otherwise have, truly stand out.
The Home Care Employer Award
Winner: Oxford House Community Care
For 32 years, this company has delivered exceptional care with a dedicated team, unwavering support for both clients and staff, and a commitment to quality—from live-in services to fostering a supportive workplace environment. Well done!
Highly Commended: Caremark Bromley
Setting a high standard in home care, delivering over 4,500 hours weekly to diverse clients, with outstanding staff retention, tailored training, and community engagement. They have built a culture of excellence in both care and service.
The Care Home Worker Award
Winner: Alice McLellan-White, Hamberley Care 2 Limited
Alice’s kindness, proactive support, and unwavering commitment to excellence make her an invaluable member of the team. She consistently goes above and beyond, inspiring those around her with her dedication and innovative approach. This honor truly reflects the exceptional impact she has on the workplace and community.
Highly Commended: Rosa Hernandez, Summerlands Care Ltd
With over two decades of experience, Rosa’s passion for resident care shines through. From leading exercise classes to providing personalized support and fundraising for Dementia UK, she consistently goes above and beyond. Her resilience and dedication make her truly deserving of this recognition!
The Home Care Worker Award
Winner: Care Resource Bureau
The passion and insight demonstrated by Sam and Tricia in their approach to care was remarkable. Their perspective on what is truly right for those receiving care, especially considering that many clients are in end-of-life care, is both refreshing and impactful.
Highly Commended: Natasha Richardson, Tender Loving Carers Domiciliary Ltd
Natasha’s passion for care, inspired by personal experiences, is evident in everything she does. For her, care is more than just a job—it’s a calling she embraces with enthusiasm. Her work, from personal care to supporting independence and well-being, consistently enhances the lives of those she supports.
The Care Home Newcomer Award
Winner: Annie Daffern, Future Care Group
In just six months, Annie has played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and compliant running of the home. She has recruited new team members and worked to improve both the experience of the team and the residents. Her gift for singing has become a favorite among the residents!
Highly Commended: Louise Wooster, Elizabeth Finn Homes
Louise takes the time to connect with each resident, offering conversation and assisting with various tasks as she goes about her housekeeping duties. Her selflessness and commitment make a real difference. Well done, Louise!
The Home Care Newcomer Award
Winner: Sam Whitnall, Positive Solutions Kent
The company is proactive in offering training opportunities, including a planned BSL course. They are committed to making a lasting positive impact on the lives of their clients, always working to grow while maintaining a personal connection with those they care for. One of the most memorable moments for Sam was when a reserved client trusted them enough to request personal care, a testament to the trust they’ve built.
Highly Commended: Tasha Nelms, Oxford House Community Care
Though new to the sector, Tasha received excellent training and support from their manager and quickly grew confident in their role. They have excelled at building relationships with clients, improving their day by making small adjustments, and collaborating effectively in challenging situations. Their team excels at adapting to meet the needs of clients with advanced dementia, ensuring safety and delivering the highest standard of care.
The Care Home Registered Manager Award
Winner: Teresa Hope, Island Healthcare Limited
Teresa’s dedication to her role and the love and care she extends to the people she supports are truly remarkable. She never turns people away, carefully reviewing their notes and history to create personalized care plans. Teresa’s welcoming nature extends to new employees, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported as they transition into the home. Managers like Teresa are rare, and she truly deserves recognition for her exceptional role.
Highly Commended: Chris Walton Turner, Hawkhurst House Care Home, Graham Care
Chris is a humble manager who leads by example, always involving his team, clients, and their families. His hands-on approach and passion for his role are evident in the care he provides. His open-door policy creates a welcoming environment, and his vision for the future ensures that his care home will continue to thrive.
The Home Care Registered Manager Award
Winner: Phil Deuk, Caremark
Phil’s compassion and dedication to his role are reflected in his open-door policy and commitment to staff training. He ensures that carers not only understand their role but also know how to implement what they have learned while working with service users. Phil keeps his team updated on any changes and requirements, ensuring everyone is informed and supported.
Highly Commended: Sarah Jane Massaro, Prepare4care Ltd
Sarah ensures that all staff receive top-quality training to deliver high-standard care. Her support and commitment to ensuring that care is always delivered at the highest level make her a key player in the success of the organization.
The Dignity in Care Award
Winner: Denise Davies, Caring Homes Group
Denise plays a pivotal role in her care home, not only leading her team but also contributing to the development of projects that support residents. Her dedication extends beyond her role, mentoring the team to ensure everyone treats others with kindness and respect. She fosters an environment where residents feel valued and supported in maintaining their independence.
Highly Commended: Julie Small, Thera East
Julie plays a key role in supporting projects at Thera East, from helping with board meetings to liaising with the community. Her hands-on approach and commitment to making a difference make her an invaluable asset to the organization.
The Dementia Carer Award
Winner: Kadijatu Koroma, Bluebird Care
Kadijatu’s warmth and understanding of her role shine through in every interaction. Her deep understanding of her clients’ experiences with dementia makes her a standout carer. She’s a natural teacher and trainer, with the patience and insight to support others in the field.
Highly Commended: Noel Joy, Future Care Group
Noel’s warmth and care truly stand out. He understands how individuals with dementia experience the world in unique ways and knows how to manage their care in their best interests. His approach to care is truly exemplary.
The Ancillary Worker Award
Winner: Rynagh Cornish, Canford Healthcare
Rynagh’s passion for care shines through in her eagerness to learn and develop. Alongside her administrative role, she volunteers with the activities team to build meaningful connections with residents, enhancing her understanding of their needs. Her empathy, dedication, and proactive approach make her an inspiring and invaluable team member.
Highly Commended: Chris Saunders, Belmont Healthcare Group
Chris’s focus on ensuring residents’ safety and well-being, while supporting the home’s vision for the future, makes him stand out. His hands-on approach and creative upcycling projects bring joy to residents, building a sense of community. His commitment to dignity, care, and connection truly makes a lasting difference.
The Care Home Activity Organiser Award
Winner: Claire Dodds, Nicholas James Care Homes Ltd
Claire is an absolutely fabulous individual—dedicated, hardworking, and compassionate. Her love for her role shines through in everything she does, making her an asset to the company.
Highly Commended: Lynne Shrubsall, Anchor
Lynne’s passion for enhancing residents’ lives is evident in everything she does. She encourages her team to deliver positive, holistic care, always putting residents’ needs first. Well done, Lynne!
The Home Care Co-ordinator Award
Winner: Shannon, Ore, and Chioma, Caremark Bromley
The Caremark Bromley team—Shannon, Ore, and Chioma—are the backbone of the organization. Their teamwork shines through as they focus on matching clients with the right staff to ensure positive outcomes. They have even set up an unofficial food bank to support clients in need. Their ability to tackle challenges together is remarkable, and they thrive in their roles.
Highly Commended: Joanne Da Silva Barro, All Care
Joanne has transitioned from Support Worker to Homecare Coordinator, excelling in her new role. With exceptional skills in organization, time management, and responsiveness, she has become a strong leader. Her caring nature and deep connection to both staff and clients shine through in her work.
The Care Home Chef Award
Winner: Jane Morgan, Vicarage Residential Care Home Ltd
With 28 years of dedication at The Old Vicarage, Jane goes above and beyond to meet each resident’s needs and preferences. She prepares fresh, locally sourced meals daily and often incorporates multicultural dishes and nostalgic recipes to stimulate the senses, ensuring residents’ dietary needs and desires are always met.
Highly Commended: Emma Pearson, Future Care Group
Emma’s commitment extends beyond the kitchen; she actively engages with residents to understand their preferences, providing personalized care. Her attention to detail and unwavering support for the team make her an invaluable asset.
The Care Home Team Award
Winner: The Bridge Care Home Team
The Bridge Care Home Team is a dedicated group that uses a unique, holistic approach to care. By integrating various therapy treatments and working closely with residents, they create a positive and enriching environment.
Highly Commended: Summerlands Care Team, Summerlands Care Ltd
The Summerlands Care Team shows remarkable dedication not only in caring for residents but also in involving them within the wider community, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
The Home Care Team Award
Winner: The Care Team, Care Compassion and Conversation Ltd
This team is committed to providing holistic care and working collaboratively with other professionals to maintain a high-quality service for their clients and families.
Highly Commended: S&R Care Services East Kent
Passionate about delivering person-centred care, this team ensures individuals are empowered to be as involved as possible in their care. Their teamwork and dedication make a significant impact.
The Care Innovator Award
Winner: Jakki Stevens, Aspens Charities
Jakki has created a groundbreaking app that helps organizations stay on top of the ever-evolving regulatory framework. This innovation has inspired a culture shift toward embracing quality at every level of the organization.
Highly Commended: Anneke Lane-Campbell, Dolphin Homes
Anneke has spearheaded a remarkable co-production initiative at Dolphin Homes, exemplifying inclusive practice in the design of services. Her approach is both innovative and impactful.
Highly Commended: Sophie Bradley, Spikes Sight Words
Sophie has developed an educational board game that combines innovative learning with a fun, engaging design. Her passion for opening doors to new opportunities for children is truly inspiring.
The Care Home Frontline Leader Award
Winner: Rebecca Todd, Positive Solutions Kent
Rebecca is an exemplary leader who fosters a culture of empathy, respect, and continuous improvement. Her commitment to staff development has a lasting impact on both the team and the quality of care provided.
Highly Commended: Gemma Hicks, Excelcare
Gemma excels in fast-paced environments, maintaining a positive attitude despite challenges. She sets high standards and is praised by residents’ families for her professionalism, politeness, and clear communication.
The Home Care Frontline Leader Award
Winner: Karen Sinclair, Aspirations Care
Karen has grown within the company, understanding every aspect of the role. She leads by example, regularly stepping in to support staff with cover, induction, and problem-solving. She takes the time to connect with both the people they care for and her staff.
Highly Commended: Louise Quinn, Lifeways Group
Louise is dedicated to ensuring her staff have clarity about their roles and feel supported in implementing changes. By guiding them slowly and thoughtfully through transitions, she has fostered team unity and confidence.
The Care Assessor Award
Winner: Aaron Comley, Dolphin Homes
Aaron has created an exceptional service that promotes independence for individuals. His person-centred approach allows individuals to thrive, with services that ensure continuity of care and support for their futures.
Highly Commended: Cristina Volosetchi, Barchester
Cristina has achieved great success, creating an environment of continuous improvement and respect for individuals. Her “Getting to Know Me Book” preserves precious moments and memories, which can be passed down as keepsakes for families.
The Three Rs Award
Winner: Lauren Cox, All Care
Lauren is a passionate advocate for All Care, focusing on both recruitment and retention. Her enthusiasm for attracting the right people to the team is evident, and she has worked tirelessly to maintain the company’s positive reputation.
Highly Commended: MacIntyre Recruitment Team, MacIntyre
Azir outlined MacIntyre’s community initiative to attract people into the care sector. The recruitment process, which involves the people they support, sets candidates up for success and ensures long-term retention.
The Workforce Development Award
Winner: Unity Care Specialists
Unity Care Specialists exemplify an unwavering passion for high-quality, person-centred care. Their commitment to staff development fosters a learning culture, ensuring that their team is continuously supported and invested in.
Highly Commended: Charity Hayler King, All Care
Charity’s dedication to team development is an inspiration. She invests her own time into supporting others, and her efforts have led to significant improvements in learning and development within the organization.
The Putting People First Award
Winner: The Hospitality Team, Caring Homes
The three young men from the Hospitality Team demonstrated an unwavering passion for ‘putting people first.’ Their enthusiasm, empathy, and creative approach to personalized care left a lasting impression. They are an invaluable part of the team, contributing positively to the lives of residents and their families every day. Congratulations!
Highly Commended: Cheryll Campion, LDC Care
Cheryll, even while on holiday in Florida, presented a passionate overview of her commitment to putting people first. Her innovative, solution-focused approach empowers service users, demonstrating a strong, can-do attitude toward meeting complex needs.
The Palliative Carer Award
Winner: Precious Salvador, Regal Care Trading Ltd
Precious combines expertise with deep compassion, ensuring residents’ dignity during end-of-life care. Her unwavering dedication also extends to supporting families during difficult times, making her an exceptional and compassionate professional.
Highly Commended: Elena Filipescu, Elizabeth Finn Homes
Elena’s proactive approach and willingness to challenge when necessary set her apart as a top-tier nurse. Her dedication to the 6 C’s and her passion for nursing make her an invaluable asset to the team.
The Social Care Nurse Award
Winner: Valentina Nathan, AgeCare Homes
Valentina is an exceptional nurse, displaying both compassion and dedication in her current role. Her professionalism and caring nature make her a valuable asset to the healthcare team.
Highly Commended: Alexandra-Elena Flori, Canford Healthcare
Alex is a beacon of positivity in the nursing profession. Always eager to help with a smile, his unwavering optimism and compassionate nature make him an inspiring and cherished team member.
The Housing with Care Award
Winner: Emily Grimes, Southern Housing
Emily, a person-centred advisor, is deeply passionate about both quality housing and quality care. She advocates for adapting communication to meet individual needs, ensuring everyone is truly heard and understood. Her empathetic approach and focus on what people can do rather than what they can’t make her uniquely qualified to ensure the highest standards of care.
Highly Commended: Ryde Village Extra Care Scheme, Southern Housing
Ryde Village is an exceptional Extra Care Scheme that blends modern housing with a strong sense of community. They take pride in offering not only beautiful homes but also excellent care.
The Social Care Co-Production Award
Winner: The Team of Consultants at Fulcrum Care
Through their approach to co-production, Fulcrum Care has significantly enhanced the quality and effectiveness of service delivery across various social care settings. Their inclusive approach has fostered a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration, leading to improved outcomes, greater client satisfaction, and higher team morale.
The Unpaid Carers Award
Winner: Tammy Waller, Strathmore Care
Tammy’s initiatives, such as the vegetable-growing project, have created meaningful engagement for residents, fostering a sense of purpose and connection to nature. Her proactive approach to addressing living condition concerns demonstrates her unwavering commitment to improving residents’ quality of life. Tammy’s selfless dedication makes her an invaluable member of our team and a true champion of care. Well done, Tammy!
The Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award
Winner: Shweta Dowlot Maulayah, Maucare Services
Shweta’s journey from personal carer to a range of leadership roles exemplifies exceptional dedication to improving care quality and supporting those in need. Her passion for social care is evident in the deep connection she shares with both her staff and clients, treating them like family. Shweta’s commitment to dignity, respect, and continuous improvement has had a profound impact on many lives. This nomination recognizes not only her hard work but also the collective efforts of the entire MAUCARE family.