The Care Home Employer Award
Winner:
Cote Charity, Katherine House
The judges were highly impressed by Cote Charity’s strong culture of care and inclusion, where both staff and residents feel truly valued. Sue and Lianne’s passion and pride in their work shone through. The organisation’s commitment to supporting a versatile workforce, promoting sustainability, and engaging with the wider community demonstrates an inspiring dedication to excellence in social care.
Highly Commended:
Expanding Horizons
The judges were struck by Expanding Horizons’ genuine pride in their people and the clear value they place on their staff. Their enthusiasm and heartfelt stories reflected a culture built on teamwork, respect, and appreciation, placing people firmly at the heart of everything they do.
The Home Care Employer Award
Winner:
First City Care Group
First City Care Group are very worthy winners, clearly demonstrating a commitment to going above and beyond for their employees. The judges were particularly impressed by the group’s extensive training and personal development opportunities, which empower staff to grow both professionally and personally. Claire, Andrea, and Kelly spoke with genuine passion and pride about their work, embodying the organisation’s dedication to excellence and employee wellbeing.
Highly Commended:
P.A.C.E
An exceptional provider that truly enables employees to flourish, P.A.C.E. stands out for its innovative approach to incorporating staff interests into their roles. This forward-thinking, person-centred ethos helps create a motivated, creative, and fulfilled workforce.
The Care Home Worker Award
Winner:
Tom Chapman, Coate Water Care Ltd
Tom impressed the judges with his gentle and caring nature. Always going the extra mile, he starts his shift early to ensure residents are well cared for and comfortable for the day ahead. His compassion, dedication, and respect for those he supports exemplify what great care is all about.
Highly Commended:
Lucy Hopper, Expanding Horizons – Ridgeway Care
Lucy is known as the backbone of her home: dependable, compassionate, and deeply respected by both colleagues and residents. Her dedication goes far beyond her duties, from organising meaningful activities to supporting residents’ dreams and maintaining stability during times of change.
The Home Care Worker Award
Winner:
Elle-Jay Browning, Mary Rush Care
Elle-Jay has made a remarkable impact in a short time, advocating for clients, enhancing independence, and delivering person-centred care with creativity, empathy, and dedication. Her passion and commitment mark her as an exceptional newcomer.
Highly Commended:
Osaro Dennis Jacobs, Prosperity Care and Wellbeing
Dennis consistently supports individuals to achieve goals, using creativity and person-centred approaches. His passion, dedication, and problem-solving skills enhance wellbeing, independence, and confidence, making him a valued and inspiring member of his team.
The Care Home Newcomer Award
Winner:
Liv Day, Connaught Care Collection
Liv truly embodies what it means to be a newcomer to care. Despite being the least experienced member of the team, she approaches every task with enthusiasm, empathy, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Her kindness shone through during the interview, and it is clear she has chosen a profession that is absolutely right for her. Liv is already making a meaningful impact and shows great promise for a bright future in care.
Highly Commended:
Emma Lapthorne, Nynehead Care
Emma has made a strong impression in a short time, showing commitment, dedication, and a real eagerness to learn. She is always willing to help and consistently demonstrates the positive attitude and compassion that make her a valuable member of the team.
The Home Care Newcomer Award
Winner:
Michelle Moss, Trinity Homecare
Michelle has made an impressive impact in the care sector, quickly earning the trust and respect of her manager and colleagues. She has progressed rapidly, taking on additional responsibilities while studying for her NVQ Level 3 and other modules, always prioritising the best interests of her clients. Her dedication, competence, and proactive approach make her highly deserving of this recognition.
Highly Commended:
Scott Beck, Prosperity Care and Wellbeing
Scott demonstrates a genuine commitment to person-centred care, always listening and supporting the people he works with to achieve what matters most to them. His willingness to speak up when things aren’t right, combined with his career ambition, mark him as a care professional to watch.
The Care Home Registered Manager Award
Winner:
Michael Hollyoak, Prosperity Care and Wellbeing
Michael impressed the judges with his authenticity, warmth, and compassion. His approach to care truly embodies what it means to support people to live their lives to the fullest. His enthusiasm, gentle humour, and the joy he brings to residents, even through small gestures like visits from his dog Blueye, make him a shining example of outstanding leadership and heart within the care sector.
Highly Commended:
Kathy Southouse, Stonehaven Healthcare
Kathy is a warm, engaging professional who clearly loves what she does. Having transitioned from a Navy career, she brings discipline, empathy, and passion to her role. Her dedication to delivering high-quality, person-centred care was clear, and her residents and colleagues are truly fortunate to have her.
The Home Care Registered Manager Award
Winner:
Jack Daniels, ExtraCare Charitable Trust
Jack has shared an inspiring journey of overcoming stigma and self-doubt, showing remarkable resilience and determination. As Home Care Manager, he prioritises resident happiness and team empowerment, fostering a positive and motivated workforce. Jack sets and achieves ambitious goals while leading with compassion and integrity, embodying the best of leadership in care.
Highly Commended:
Christine Holdsworth, Steps Ahead
Christine knows every detail about her clients and staff. She has built Steps Ahead with pure passion and dedication, fostering strong relationships with everyone she works with. Christine consistently goes above and beyond, supporting her staff and ensuring exceptional care for all.
Highly Commended:
Laura Gardiner, Freeways
Laura quickly rose through the ranks to become a manager, showing resilience, dedication, and compassion throughout challenging periods. She has transformed her care setting, ensuring residents feel safe, valued, and loved. Laura’s leadership and hard work demonstrate the true power of person-centred care.
The Dignity in Care Award
Winner:
Mark Horton, Cornerstone Care
Mark has transformed mealtimes into meaningful and dignified experiences for residents. His creative approach enhances wellbeing and restores choice and enjoyment to daily life, ensuring every resident feels respected and cared for.
Highly Commended:
Kerry Harris, First City Care Group
Kerry’s commitment to promoting dignity in care shines through every aspect of her work. She leads by example, ensuring dignity remains central to all interactions. Her compassionate leadership has inspired cultural change across her organisation.
Highly Commended:
Nicola Chlopecki, Discovery
Nicola is an inspiring leader whose creativity and courage empower others to live full and independent lives. She champions dignity by ensuring people are seen, heard, and valued—fostering inclusion, self-belief, and lasting confidence.
The Dementia Carer Award
Winner:
The Team, Swallowcourt
The Swallowcourt team have shown an impressive commitment to creating an environment that truly empowers their staff. By investing in “train the trainer” programmes and embedding best practice, they’ve fostered a culture of learning, reflection, and continuous improvement—enhancing outcomes and motivation across their team.
Highly Commended:
Helen Trinder, Gloucester Charities Trust
Helen’s dedication to improving dementia care is outstanding. As a dementia care lead and trainer, she works tirelessly to educate colleagues and raise awareness. Her compassionate approach has transformed understanding and enriched lives through more empathetic, person-centred support.
The Ancillary Worker Award
Winner:
Ryan Brooks, Coate Water Care Ltd
The judges were inspired by Ryan’s exceptional dedication and the positive influence he brings to residents’ daily lives. As a maintenance professional, he goes far beyond his duties—leading a much-loved Men’s Club each Thursday. His kindness, initiative, and pride in his work make him a shining example of compassionate care.
Highly Commended:
Andy Edmondson, Connaught Care Collection
Andy’s contribution extends far beyond his title of Maintenance Manager. His calm professionalism and willingness to help everyone make residents feel safe, comfortable, and valued—embodying the heart of the home.
Highly Commended:
Phillipa Brook, Kenmore Care
Phillipa’s warmth, professionalism, and tireless dedication make her an exceptional housekeeper. She creates a spotless, welcoming environment that enhances residents’ comfort and wellbeing, leaving a lasting impression on everyone around her.
The Care Home Activities Organiser Award
Winner:
Julia Moore, Quarrymount Residential Care Home
Julia’s creativity, energy, and dedication to enriching residents’ lives impressed the judges. She delivers a vibrant programme of activities and has even led an art installation across 18 homes. Her innovation and positivity make her an outstanding activities coordinator.
Highly Commended:
Jonathan Vowles Morgan, Camphill Village Trust
Jonathan’s creativity and enthusiasm shone through. From his “Wednesday Wanderers” walking group to adventurous activities like axe throwing, he empowers people to embrace new experiences—creating confidence, connection, and joy.
The Home Care Co-ordinator Award
Winner:
Melanie Mason, Sylvian Care Ltd
Melanie is an outstanding coordinator whose leadership, compassion, and professionalism shine in everything she does. With over 15 years of experience, she combines deep knowledge with genuine passion, ensuring high standards and supporting both clients and colleagues.
Highly Commended:
Angela Higgins, Trinity Homecare
Angela’s passion for care is infectious. Since joining Trinity Homecare she has fostered belonging and family spirit among her team. Her energy, warmth, and drive to improve care standards left a lasting impression on the judges.
The Care Home Cook/Chef Award
Winner:
Gill Lewis, Manor Community
Gill’s passion, enthusiasm, and vibrant personality shine through in everything she does. She takes pride in creating nutritious, high-quality meals and is deeply committed to residents’ wellbeing—truly embodying excellence in care catering.
Highly Commended:
Bradley Baker, Coate Water Care
Bradley has been chef at Downsview for ten years, consistently going above and beyond to deliver exceptional dining experiences. His creativity and dedication make him an invaluable part of the home’s community.
The Care Home Team Award
Winner:
The Devon House Team, Supported Independence
The Devon House Team stood out for their diversity, teamwork, and shared commitment to putting service users first. With backgrounds ranging from chefs to artists and therapists, the team brings together a unique blend of skills that enrich the lives of those they support. Their collaborative spirit and “service user first” ethos create a truly inclusive and empowering environment where everyone feels valued and understood.
Highly Commended:
The Hyde Care Home Team, The Hyde
The Hyde Care Home Team deeply impressed the judges with their compassion and community spirit. When new overseas staff arrived with nothing, the team came together to provide homes, comfort, and belonging. Their multicultural approach and dedication to supporting one another reflect the very best of what care should be about — kindness, unity, and humanity in action.
The Home Care Team Award
Winner:
Coach House Team, Discovery
The judges were impressed by the Coach House Team’s creativity, collaboration, and commitment to person-centred care. They transformed a resident’s life from isolation to connection, friendship, and wellbeing through innovative teamwork.
Highly Commended:
Response24 Team, Access Your Care Limited
The Response24 Team demonstrates exceptional teamwork, rapid problem-solving, and innovation. Judges praised their dedication to preventing hospital admissions, promoting independence, and consistently going above and beyond to improve people’s lives.
The Care Innovator Award
Winner:
Keinan Cooper, Discovery
Keinan impressed the judges with his professionalism, creativity, and maturity beyond his years. His innovative ideas have tangibly improved the wellbeing of those he supports, and his enthusiasm for care work shines through in everything he does. Keinan’s passion, dedication, and commitment make him a true rising star in the care community.
Highly Commended:
Stuart McGinn, Coate Water Care Ltd
As CEO of Coate Water Care, Stuart demonstrates visionary leadership and a deep commitment to transforming the care experience. His innovative approach blends compassion with excellence, creating a culture where staff feel valued and residents receive exceptional, person-centred support.
The Frontline Leaders Award
Winner:
Tanya Hayes, Freeways
Tanya embodies the inclusive and person-centred values that define Freeways. She is known for her positivity, gratitude, and genuine care for both her colleagues and the people she supports. Tanya takes pride in being part of an organisation where everyone is recognised as an individual. Her warmth, authenticity, and appreciation for others make her an inspiration to those around her, reflecting the spirit of care at its very best.
Highly Commended:
Stacey Barron, Right at Home
Stacey brings both heart and humour to her role, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for colleagues and clients alike. With over a decade in care, she has become a much-loved and trusted member of her team. From organising pantomime trips and bingo nights to hosting coffee mornings and daily quizzes, Stacey goes above and beyond to bring joy and connection to everyone she supports.
The Care Assessor Award
Winner:
Kirsty Norman, Nynehead Court
Kirsty impressed the judges with her passion for her role, her residents, and her colleagues. Her approach to assessment and care planning is both thorough and person-centred, ensuring each individual’s personality, hobbies, and preferences shine through in their care. A strong communicator, Kirsty builds meaningful connections with residents, families, and her team — creating an atmosphere of trust, respect, and excellence that drives outstanding outcomes.
Highly Commended:
Jodie Dallas, Sylvian Care Ltd
Jodie stood out as a true advocate for the people she supports. Judges praised her commitment to person-centred care and her ability to understand each individual’s goals and aspirations. Her natural warmth and genuine relationships enable her to deliver holistic, personalised care that makes a real difference to people’s lives.
The Three R’s Award
Winner:
The Team, Neighbourhood Care
Neighbourhood Care’s team goes above and beyond to support their staff, offering innovative incentives, team-building, and encouragement. Their passion ensures carers feel valued and equipped to provide outstanding, person-centred care in a challenging environment.
The Workforce Development Award
Winner:
Ruth Bishop, Anchor
Ruth Bishop demonstrates outstanding dedication to social care, with over 30 years supporting people living with dementia. Her expertise in coaching and mentoring colleagues promotes person-centred care and improves residents’ quality of life.
Highly Commended:
Kacey Vowles, Expanding Horizons
Kacey has grown from Support Worker to People, Culture and Wellbeing Manager, passionately championing employee wellbeing, positive culture, and personal development. Her commitment inspires colleagues and enhances care across the organisation.
The Putting People First Award
Winner:
Kintota
Kintota’s Plymouth team provides exceptional, person-centred care for people with mental health needs. Their compassion, dedication, and family-style culture prioritise independence and choice, inspiring both clients and staff through teamwork and unwavering commitment to improving lives.
Highly Commended:
Rowcroft Hospice
Rowcroft Hospice showcases remarkable compassion, with a dedicated professional delivering care despite personal health challenges. Their focus on dignity, choice, and attentive support ensures every patient and family experiences comfort, respect, and humanity at life’s end.
Highly Commended:
Emma Kurtis, Retain Healthcare
Emma is an inspirational leader with over 23 years in care, creating person-centred services for people with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs. Her compassion, advocacy, and innovation transform lives, offering dignity, hope, and genuine connection.
The Palliative Carer Award
Winner:
Monkscroft Care Centre, SJOG
Monkscroft demonstrates exceptional end-of-life care, combining dignity, compassion, and trust. Their bespoke strategies — including music playlists and family involvement — create meaningful, personalised experiences that celebrate life and provide comfort for residents and families.
Highly Commended:
South Cary House, Avon Care Homes
South Cary House delivers outstanding end-of-life support with professionalism, compassion, and dedication. Their focus on dignity, respect, and holistic care ensures residents and families feel valued, comforted, and supported at every stage of the journey.
The Social Care Nurse Award
Winner:
Revathy Vidyadharan, Kingsley House Nursing Home
Revathy is an exceptional leader, combining passion, professionalism, and thoughtfulness in all she does. She ensures residents are safe, happy, and well cared for, while inspiring her team and fostering a supportive, ambitious environment.
Highly Commended:
Karen Wright, Coate Water Care Ltd
Karen’s extensive experience in social care nursing shines through in her dedication to staff and residents. She shares knowledge generously, supports colleagues, and creates a welcoming environment, with thoughtful touches like weekly cakes reflecting her caring nature.
Highly Commended:
Chloe Anne Hammond, Radis Community Care
Chloe exemplifies excellence in social care nursing through her dedication, compassion, and professionalism. She consistently prioritises residents’ wellbeing, delivering high-quality, person-centred care while inspiring and supporting her colleagues.
The Housing with Care Award
Winner:
Southern Healthcare Specialists
Southern Healthcare Specialists deliver compassionate, person-centred care in a collaborative environment. Their team uses shared knowledge to enhance lives, empower choice, and ensure everyone experiences meaningful, fulfilling, and well-rounded care.
Highly Commended:
Havencare Homes and Support Ltd
Havencare prioritises choice and independence for people with autism, learning disabilities, and complex needs. Their tailored, supportive approach promotes wellbeing, safety, lifestyle engagement, and meaningful participation in daily life.
The Co-Production Award
Winner:
Expanding Horizons, Ridgeway Care
Expanding Horizons – Ridgeway Care empowers adults with learning disabilities to shape their own support. Through genuine co-production, service users influence policies, recruitment, and community events — creating confidence, pride, and lasting positive change.
The Unpaid Carer Award
Winner:
Ocho Sunday, Dog Aid
Ocho has been chosen as the winner for exemplifying the true spirit of care through unwavering loyalty, dedication, and life-changing support. As an assistance dog, Ocho provides constant companionship and independence, embodying selfless service that profoundly uplifts his owner and community.
The Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award
Winner:
Susan Thorne, The Cote Charity
With 40 years of experience in health and social care, Susan has shown exceptional dedication to improving lives through compassionate and visionary leadership. Her empathy, innovation, and collaboration have driven meaningful change, setting new benchmarks for dignity, compassion, and excellence in care.
Highly Commended:
Christine Holdsworth, Steps Ahead
Christine is an exceptional leader whose compassion, professionalism, and dedication have made a lasting impact on everyone she supports and works with. Her commitment to person-centred care and positive risk-taking inspires excellence across her team.
