The Care Home Employer Award
Making Space (National Social Care Charity)
Making Space distinguishes itself as an exceptional employer through its unwavering commitment to staff development, inclusion, and career progression. Its culture of encouragement and investment fosters a motivated and stable workforce dedicated to delivering high-quality, person-centred care. By actively listening to employees, promoting from within, and valuing professional expertise, Making Space cultivates sustainability, loyalty, and an enduring positive impact within the community.
Unity Homes
Unity Homes Ltd has been Highly Commended for 35 years of compassionate, family-led care. Guided by strong, homegrown leadership and deeply rooted community connections, the organisation continues to invest in its people, facilities, and innovation. Unity Homes exemplifies excellence in delivering supportive, modern, and person-centred environments where residents and families truly feel valued and cared for.
The Home Care Employer Award
Visiting Angels Manchester East
They consistently nurture and empower their staff, offering unwavering encouragement, resources, and guidance in every aspect of their work. Through dedicated and compassionate support, they enable practitioners to deliver the highest standard of care to those they serve. Their genuine commitment fosters an environment where both staff and service users feel valued, supported, and able to thrive.
Caremark Liverpool
A forward-thinking and innovative employer, they continuously seek new and creative ways to upskill their team and provide meaningful support. By embracing diverse approaches to learning and professional development, they empower staff to grow, thrive, and excel. Their culture of inclusion and encouragement ensures everyone feels valued, supported, and equipped to reach their fullest potential.
The Care Home Worker Award
John Edmunds, Anchor
John’s compassionate care stems from personal experience supporting people with autism and schizophrenia. Creative and dedicated, he personalises residents’ spaces, drives outings with a minibus licence, and trains as a chef to provide comforting meals. Committed to dignity, learning, and a family-like environment, he makes a meaningful difference every day.
Oluwafemi Orundun, Mysa Care
Olufemi’s care stems from personal experience supporting someone with diabetes, shaping his patience, kindness, and respect for dignity. From carer to moving-and-handling trainer, he ensures residents’ safety and comfort, teaching proper techniques. Trusted deeply by residents, Olufemi takes pride in fostering confidence, independence, and teamwork in every aspect of care.
The Home Care Worker Award
Joanne Nye, Candour Group
Jo has demonstrated exceptional professionalism and compassion in supporting Adam, an 18-year-old with cerebral palsy who endured severe abuse and trauma. Through patience and integrity, she rebuilt his trust in care. Her conduct exemplifies the highest standards of dedication, empathy, and service, deserving formal recognition and commendation.
Lionel Wyngard,Deltacare
Demonstrates exceptional ability to support vulnerable individuals with dignity, respect, and empathy. Employs outstanding interpersonal and person-centred skills, ensuring care is compassionate, respectful, and inclusive. Well done.
The Care Home Newcomer Award
Fatima Sumaila, Serencroft
A positive, engaging, and enthusiastic individual whose passion is evident in everything they do. Consistently going above and beyond, they bring people together across diverse cultures, show deep empathy for those they support, and foster happiness and inclusion for all. A truly remarkable and dedicated newcomer to the care sector.
Mia Stennett,Belong
A patient and compassionate individual with a genuine passion for personal growth. Always eager to learn from others, they bring warmth, dedication, and humility to everything they do. Their commitment to continuous development and heartfelt care makes them a highly valued and truly promising member of the team.
The Home Care Newcomer Award
Paige Atcha,Helping Hands
Paige has progressed from carer to Quality Coordinator with remarkable grace and determination. She meets all KPIs, manages others effectively, and completes tasks efficiently. Her professionalism, positivity, and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset. Paige’s training and leadership inspire colleagues, earning outstanding feedback and strengthening the Helping Hands team.
Chloe Arrowsmith, CareYourWay Chester
Chloe is exceptionally dedicated and has made a clear and positive impact since joining five months ago. Despite her youth, she demonstrates remarkable maturity, professionalism, and compassion. She consistently delivers high-quality care, supports her colleagues selflessly, and embodies integrity and commitment.
The Care Home Registered Manager Award
Grace Holley, Nautilus Welfare Fund
Passionate, creative, and deeply dedicated, this candidate consistently goes above and beyond to support ex-Navy residents. Through innovative initiatives such as armchair travel, they have brought joy, connection, and renewed purpose to the service. Their unwavering respect for veterans and commitment to person-centred care make them a shining example of compassion in action.
Brendan Prior, Inspired Care Group
Dedicated, compassionate, and visionary, this outstanding care home manager has transformed countless lives through unwavering commitment and leadership. Nominated by a child whose life he profoundly changed, he leads with empathy, integrity, and tireless advocacy, creating a nurturing and empowering environment for children with complex needs.
The Home Care Registered Manager Award
Roz Price, McCarthy Stone
Roz Price exemplifies exceptional leadership, compassion, and resilience. She fosters a culture where everyone feels valued and cared for. From inspiring residents with wartime songs during COVID-19 to championing staff wellbeing and best practice, Roz embodies passion, professionalism, and purpose—an outstanding role model and deserving Home Care Manager Award winner.
Stacey Stansfield, Delta Care Ltd
Stacey Stansfield stands out for her compassion, professionalism, and hands-on leadership. Managing care for numerous clients, she fosters teamwork, celebrates diversity, and supports staff through challenges. Her empathy, clear communication, and dedication to continuous improvement make her an inspiring manager and a truly deserving recipient of this Highly Commended recognition.
The Dignity in Care Award
Nicole Kennedy, Caremark Liverpool
Your passion and empathy shone throughout the interview. A mature and inspiring example of someone in health and social care, you are a true asset to the company. We can see you going far in your career—keep doing what you do.
Kim Huxley, AStar Homecare Services
An excellent example of what a carer should be—modest, passionate, and deeply committed to clients and their wishes. Her empathy shone through in every example shared.Keep doing what you do—your clients are lucky to have you.
The Dementia Carer Award
Matthew Berrisford, Exemplar
Matthew has an impressive background, enabling him to transfer skills and knowledge effectively. His proactive, progressive approach to complex dementia care is inspiring and should be showcased for us all to learn and develop dementia care that ensures that complex cases are understood before we give them an unnecessary label.
Abbie Mclean, Each Other Care
Abbie’s person-centred approach shone through in every answer. She emphasises understanding each person’s past, present, and future, while prioritising engagement and stimulation in the care her team provides. With a developmental mindset, she constantly explores how the team can achieve more. Her care philosophy: “Joyful, safe, effective, and person-centred.”
The Ancillary Worker Award
Aaron Taylor, Anchor
Aaron has gone far beyond his handyman role, becoming an integral part of the home. He creates homely touches, revamps facilities, and organises meaningful activities like sports days and outings. Through his dedication, residents feel at home, connected, and engaged, sharing memories and building stronger bonds.
Martina Monaghan, Mysa Care
Martina spreads joy throughout the home and is deeply valued by both staff and residents. Going above and beyond, she ensures residents’ needs are met and voices heard, reading non-verbal cues with empathy. Her diligence, attention to detail, and commitment to training uphold the highest standards of care, cleanliness, and safety.
The Care Home Activities Organiser Award
Jennifer Forrest, Parklane Healthcare
A truly creative individual who constantly seeks out new and meaningful ways to support their residents. They go above and beyond to ensure each person feels valued, understood, and cared for, often thinking outside the box to bring fresh ideas, solutions, and compassionate approaches to everyday challenges.
Diane Thorpe and Karen Ward, Each Other Care
They are exceptionally passionate in everything they do and bring an inspiring level of energy and dedication to their work. With a fantastic understanding of the people they support, they demonstrate genuine empathy, patience, and insight, ensuring every individual feels valued, heard, and meaningfully always cared for.
The Home Care Co-ordinator Award
Danielle Robison,Twilight Years
Danielle is an invaluable member of Twilight Years, bringing passion, dedication, and heart to everything she does. In just two years, she’s become a driving force for excellence, delivering outstanding care, empowering her team, and providing exceptional in-house training to ensure every service user receives the highest standard of support and safety.
The Care Home Cook/Chef Award
Sarah Scott,Belong
Sarah is highly knowledgeable and committed to continuous learning to provide the best possible service to her clients. She takes pride in being part of an exceptional team, contributing with dedication, professionalism, and a strong sense of collaboration.
The Care Home Team Award
Griffin Lodge, Community Integrated Care
The Griffin Lodge team exemplifies exceptional teamwork and a truly person-centred approach. Guided by shared values, they listen, adapt, and innovate to meet each individual’s needs. Their creativity, resilience, and mutual support turn challenges into opportunities, transforming lives and creating an empowering, inclusive, and welcoming home.
All the staff, Southolme New Horizons NW
This exceptional, close-knit team goes above and beyond to create a true family home for the young people they support. United, compassionate, and child-focused, they advocate tirelessly, celebrate successes, and stand together through challenges. Their dedication, warmth, and humour transform lives and deliver outstanding outcomes.
The Home Care Team Award
Zarin Aafrin Shaikh and GulamRasul Jamadar, Delta Care Ltd
They demonstrated exemplary diligence and compassion. Through initiative and sensitivity, they upheld the individual’s dignity, reflecting the highest standards of professionalism and humanity. It was a pleasure to speak with them; their dedication is commendable and their continued commitment to excellence in care deserves full recognition.
The Care Innovator Award
Alison Lancaster,Exemplar
Alison has harnessed her experience and passion to build a team and culture that treats people as individuals, enabling them to live the lives they choose. Her dedication supports rehabilitation after life-changing incidents, helping people return home and reconnect with their loved ones. Well done.
Thomas Pennington,Home Instead Leigh
Tom’s innovative use of VR and gaming technology provides people with experiences beyond the limitations of illness or disability. By introducing new places and adventures tailored to individual needs, he makes a profound difference. His creativity, adaptability, and dedication is amazing.
The Frontline Leaders Award
Team, Radfield Home Card Liverpool North/ Sefton & Ormskirk
The team at Radfield Home Care consistently goes above and beyond to support and recognise their staff. Their strong commitment to staff wellbeing and tailored, high-quality training directly enhances client care. It was impressive to see registered managers and leaders actively engaged in daily operations and genuinely invested in their teams.
Katrina Shaw,Alternative Futures Group
Katrina is deeply dedicated to making a meaningful difference and has led numerous positive initiatives that have significantly improved outcomes across Cheshire East. She recognises the vital importance of clear communication and consistently ensures that the organisation’s core values remain central to every action and decision taken.
The Care Assessor Award
Jamie Pepper, Evermore Care Homes
With a truly person-led approach, she exemplifies positivity, encouragement, and unwavering support. Her open-door policy creates a safe, inclusive environment for both those she supports and her team. This is a testament to her dedication, compassion, and outstanding commitment to quality care.
Becky Roberts, CareYourWay
Highly commended, she stands out for her keen eye for detail and dedication to innovative, engaging care. Her commitment to learning and sharing knowledge uplifts her team. Tirelessly devoted, she prioritises the wellbeing of those she supports and ensures staff feel safe, valued, and heard.
The Three R’s Awards
The Birtenshaw Group
The organisation demonstrates a commendable and forward-thinking approach to recruitment, having effectively modernised its practices through strategic use of social media to highlight roles and core values. Its commitment to clarity in job descriptions, robust onboarding, equitable remuneration, staff wellbeing, and recognition initiatives reflects a sustained dedication to valuing and retaining its workforce.
Caring Connections Ltd
Paul’s passion and commitment as Chief Executive are evident in his dedication to ensuring staff and residents enjoy the highest quality of life. By introducing initiatives such as full-time counsellors, he has improved wellbeing and significantly boosted staff retention.
The Workforce Development Award
Katie Oerton Forevermore Care
Through exceptional leadership and dedication, Katie has strengthened Forevermore Care’s workforce, embedding person-centred training, wellbeing initiatives, and inclusive development programmes. Their commitment to cultivating skill, resilience, and compassion ensures staff are empowered to deliver exemplary, person-centred care every day.
Training Team – Charlene and Megan, Delta Care
I commend Charlene and Megan for their exemplary leadership in workforce development at Delta Care. Their innovative training, mentorship, and development frameworks have elevated staff competence, confidence, and compassion. Through dedication and vision, they have strengthened organisational excellence and ensured the highest standards of care across all services.
The Putting People First Award
Lisa Coates-Peers, Making Space
Compassionate and courageous, Lisa co-produces every care plan and fiercely protects choice. An LGBTQ+ champion, EDI ambassador and anti-racism advocate, she’s driven real inclusion — from pronouns to practical adjustment tools. She challenges inequity, prevents service “bounce-backs,” and balances risk with dignity, ensuring people feel safe, heard and truly in control.
Enid Mary Leigh, Independent
With warmth, dedication and true family spirit, Enid opened her home and heart to give someone safety, dignity and a new life. From rebuilding confidence and independence to championing their voice with professionals, she’s created belonging, stability and joy — proving that person-led care transforms lives.
The Palliative Carer Award
Julie McAvoy and Ruth Naylor-Thomas,Unity PEOLC
I’m truly in awe of Julie and Ruth. Their selfless dedication to providing transport and care beyond their roles is extraordinary. Fulfilling patients’ final wishes with compassion and grace reflects a rare humanity, leaving a lasting and profound impact on everyone they touch.
Keate House Palliative Care Team
I’m genuinely in awe of Susan at Keate House. Her care and compassion shine in everything she does. Consistently going above and beyond for her clients, she is driven by kindness and dedication. Her quiet strength and selflessness make a profound difference every day.
The Social Care Nurse Award
Paul Woodcock, Belong
This nominee is the overall winner for his exemplary leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to person-centred care. He empowers his team through continuous learning, delivers exemplary complex care, and advocates for residents’ best interests, making a profound difference for individuals and the wider care community.
Megan Floyd RN, The Amore – Complex Care
This nominee has demonstrated exceptional leadership, clinical expertise, and dedication to person-centred care in Adult Social Care. Their commitment to staff development, innovative service delivery, and positive impact on service users and families makes them highly deserving of recognition as runner up for this prestigious award.
The Housing with Care Awards
Kim Clibery & Heidi Francis, Making Space (National Social Care Charity)
Kim Clibery and Heidi Francis exemplify outstanding leadership at Hollymere Extra Care. Through unwavering compassion and dedication, they deliver person-centred care, foster independence, and promote social inclusion. Their initiatives, mentorship, and resilience—despite personal challenges—have profoundly enhanced residents’ wellbeing, confidence, and sense of community, embodying the highest standards of care.
Anthony Lamb, Bright Futures
I commend the Bright Futures team for their extraordinary compassion and dedication in restoring Jack’s dignity, joy, and trust. Through empathy, respect, and unwavering care, they transformed his life from neglect to hope. Their commitment exemplifies the highest standards of humanity and service, giving a young man his life back.
The Co – Production Award
Syd Coombes,Active Pathways
Active Pathways provides specialist mental health and complex care across the Northwest, embedding co-production to ensure service users directly shape care delivery. Through the Champions Model, service users participate in recruitment, strategic development, and team charters, fostering inclusive, transparent, and effective services that prioritise dignity, respect, and meaningful involvement.
Learning Culture Team at Autism Together, Autism Together
Autism Together, a Wirral-based charity, provides specialist support for autistic adults and delivers Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training. Through co-production, Experts by Experience with lived autism or learning disability knowledge actively shape and deliver training, enhancing staff understanding, confidence, and inclusion, while fostering empowerment, wellbeing, and meaningful participation in decision-making.
The Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award
Penny Baki, Deltacare
Penny founded the business in 1991, and it has grown into a thriving, family-run organisation built on compassion, integrity, and care. At its heart is a culture that truly values its people. Penny’s unwavering commitment ensures employees are the heartbeat of the company, and her person-centred ethos makes the care delivered exceptional and the business truly special.
Maureen Kelly,Parklane Healthcare
Maureen has dedicated 36 years to care, with her passion and commitment as strong today as on day one. Warm, dependable, and deeply compassionate, she earns complete trust from residents and families. She inspires colleagues, uplifting them to achieve their potential—every care home needs a Maureen!
