The Care Home Employer Award
Optimal Living (Luton) Ltd.
Optimal Living demonstrates exceptional commitment to its workforce through Chetna’s inclusive, supportive leadership. By recognising individual strengths, encouraging professional development, and maintaining meaningful relationships across multiple sites, she has created a culture where employees feel valued and empowered. This is a compelling example of outstanding care sector employment.
The Home Care Employer Award
Good Company Care
Good Company Care places shared values at the heart of recruitment and listens carefully to staff and clients. Longer visits enable genuinely person-centred support while reducing pressure on carers. Combined with open communication and low staff turnover, this approach demonstrates an impressive commitment to both care quality and employee wellbeing.
1 Oak Care Ltd
1 Oak Care demonstrates a commendable commitment to supporting employees both professionally and personally. Thorough induction, regular face-to-face conversations and practical assistance with costs such as car tax and MOTs help staff overcome challenges. This thoughtful, proactive approach creates a supportive workplace where people can thrive.
The Care Home Worker Award
Sangeetha Wijerathna, Hamberley Care Homes
Sangeetha brings creativity, warmth and genuine compassion to her work. Her use of plants and music enriches residents’ experiences, while her encouragement and empathy make her a valued colleague. Inspired by her grandfather, she consistently goes beyond expectations to deliver thoughtful, uplifting care that makes a meaningful difference.
Zoe Thompson, RCH Care Homes
Zoe’s dedication extends well beyond her working hours, including organising outings that bring resident’s joy. She adapts her communication to individual needs, ensuring people feel heard and valued. Her commitment to achieving her Level 3 qualification further demonstrates an admirable determination to develop and deliver excellent care.
The Home Care Worker Award
Olufemi Ekinne (Femi), Harmonize Care Ltd
Femi combines clinical knowledge with exceptional warmth, compassion and infectious positivity. Known for singing and dancing with clients, Femi brings genuine joy to everyday care. Their personal journey has shaped a deeply empathetic approach, supported by a strong belief in training, dignity and helping people live fulfilled lives.
The Care Newcomer Award
Madelaine Gleave, RCH Care Homes
Madelaine brings remarkable sensitivity and compassion to residents adjusting to life in a care home. She recognises each person’s history, identity and independence, rather than focusing solely on care needs. Her enthusiasm, respect and commitment to individual choice make her an outstanding example of person-centred care.
Kevin Donnelly, Hamberley Care Homes
Kevin’s humility is matched by a clear commitment to excellent care. He builds meaningful relationships with residents and the wider community, ensuring that connection and belonging remain central to his approach. His quiet pride, compassion and genuine dedication make him a highly deserving recipient of this recognition.
The Care Home Registered Manager Award
Dan Gibson, Ivolve Care and Support
Dan has built an empowering service that helps people realise their potential through strong community partnerships. His collaborative leadership inspires staff and promotes continuous improvement. Particularly moving was his arrangement of familiar, round-the-clock hospital support for a resident at end of life, followed by bereavement support for others.
Miheale Munteanu, DMP Homes
Drawing on her experience as a carer, Miheale leads with practical understanding and compassion. By working alongside staff and spending meaningful time with residents, she identifies challenges directly and responds effectively. Her community-focused approach has created a welcoming, family-like environment where residents and colleagues feel supported.
The Home Care Registered Manager Award
Rebecca Strange, Nurseplus Care at Home
Rebecca’s personal experiences have shaped a compassionate, determined approach to care. She champions clear communication, multidisciplinary working and the development of those around her. Her strong values, supportive management and commitment to treating people with respect demonstrate inspiring leadership and a genuine drive to improve outcomes.
The Dignity in Care Award
Martin Field, RCH Care Homes
Martin demonstrates an exceptional understanding of dignity, respect and person-centred care. His thoughtful examples showed how these principles are embedded in support for residents, families and the wider community. His positivity, professionalism and genuine passion reflect great credit on both himself and RCH Care Homes.
The Dementia Carer Award
Joseph Lodge Care Home, Senkoun Healthcare Wakering Ltd
Joseph Lodge Care Home demonstrates a thoughtful, person-centred approach to supporting people living with dementia. Strong systems and knowledgeable leadership underpin care that prioritises individual needs and explores non-medicinal approaches where appropriate. The team’s compassion and determination to improve residents’ lives make this an impressive achievement.
Hermione Maxwell, Hamberley Care Homes
Hermione has made a valuable contribution to dementia care by strengthening understanding among colleagues and families. Her commitment to education helps staff respond more confidently and compassionately, while ensuring loved ones feel informed and included. This thoughtful approach supports more consistent, sensitive care throughout each person’s journey.
The Ancillary Worker Award
Angie Clark, Tanglewood Care Home
Angie’s warmth and kindness make a lasting difference far beyond her housekeeping duties. She creates a welcoming sense of home, supports families during difficult moments and enriches residents’ everyday experiences. Her compassion, reliability and commitment to others are thoroughly deserving of special recognition.
Amy Lewis, Hamberley Care Home
Amy’s contribution reaches far beyond her own home. She shares expertise, mentors emerging leaders and develops systems that strengthen standards across the organisation. Her willingness to support other services, alongside her unwavering focus on residents, demonstrates exceptional leadership, generosity and commitment to continuous improvement.
The Activity Organiser Award
Rosemarie Parks, Hamberley Care Homes
Rosemarie brings imagination and heartfelt compassion to activities that truly matter to residents. When surgery threatened a couple’s Valentine’s Day tradition, she helped arrange a special bedside celebration, complete with cake, decorations and their favourite film. This thoughtful gesture beautifully illustrates her exceptional person-centred approach.
Christine Gater, Excelcare
Christine’s creativity has transformed everyday life through memorable celebrations, including Wheelchair Christmas, ABBA events and Pride activities. Her commitment to music and community entertainment helps residents remain connected, engaged and joyful. She combines successful traditions with fresh ideas, demonstrating an outstanding dedication to meaningful activities.
The Home Care Co-ordinator Award
Amy French, CFT Care (Part of Optimo Care Group)
Amy demonstrates exceptional skill in matching carers with clients, recognising that lasting relationships depend on trust and understanding. She motivates and supports colleagues while maintaining consistently high standards. Her combination of careful coordination, compassion and genuine commitment to individual needs makes her a particularly impressive care professional.
Katie McCafferty, Trinity Homecare
Katie listens closely to carers and clients, using creative feedback methods to improve the support they receive. Her meticulous matching process promotes reliable, personalised care and strong relationships. She demonstrates how excellent coordination, attention to detail and responsiveness can make a significant difference to everyday experiences.
The Care Home Cook/ Chef Award
Michael Harrington, PJ Care CCG Specialist Service Division
Michael combines dedication and innovation to improve residents’ dining experiences. His effective use of technology strengthens communication and safety, while visual choice tools empower residents to make independent decisions. This thoughtful approach promotes dignity, inclusion and person-centred support, making him an excellent example of outstanding practice.
Debbie-Ann Walker, PJ Care CCG Specialist Service Division
Debbie-Ann’s initiative to grow fresh produce has inspired wider adoption across other homes. By involving residents, she creates meaningful opportunities for participation, connection and enjoyment while promoting environmental responsibility. Her creativity, compassion and practical innovation demonstrate how food and activities can enrich daily life.
The Care Home Team Award
Manor Farm Care Home, KRG Healthcare
Manor Farm Care Home exemplifies the power of genuine teamwork. Staff support residents, families and one another with warmth, kindness and respect, creating an environment where everyone feels valued. Their shared commitment to compassionate, person-centred care makes this a truly deserving team achievement.
Lound Hall Nursing Home, KRG Healthcare
Lound Hall Nursing Home has shown exceptional unity in improving its surroundings for the people who live there. Staff have worked collaboratively, keeping residents’ needs and wishes central to every decision. Their creativity, commitment and shared sense of purpose demonstrate the positive impact of outstanding teamwork.
The Home Care Team Award
HQ Team, Ashridge Home Care
The HQ Team at Ashridge Home Care demonstrates inspiring leadership and a shared commitment to raising standards. Lina’s passion, authenticity and encouragement have fostered a strong team spirit, motivating colleagues to deliver excellent support. Their collective ambition and compassion make a meaningful difference to the people they serve.
The Care Innovator Award
Dr. Pradyumna (Prad) Thiruvenkatanathan, Raj Sehgal and Night Care Team, Earzz Ltd & ArmsCare Ltd
This innovation combines intelligent technology with personalised care to recognise changes in behaviour and possible signs of distress. Its potential to support earlier intervention and prevent falls is particularly impressive. By placing wellbeing, dignity and privacy at its heart, the team demonstrates innovation with meaningful human benefit.
Ollie Smith, Ardale Group Limited
Ollie has demonstrated a responsible and imaginative application of AI to care quality auditing. His approach identifies more opportunities for improvement while maintaining essential human oversight and addressing staff concerns. This thoughtful balance of innovation, accountability and practicality has considerable potential to strengthen standards across social care.
The Care Home Frontline Leaders Award
Lauren Mair, Connaught Care Collection
Lauren leads with positivity, energy and a clear commitment to excellence. Through supportive supervision, careful observation and focused morning huddles, she builds staff engagement and improves residents’ experiences. Her practical leadership and ability to motivate colleagues have delivered tangible benefits, making her an outstanding frontline leader.
Sara Scott, Tanglewood Care Homes Ltd
Sara demonstrates adaptable, insightful leadership that responds to how different teams learn and develop. Her enthusiasm is matched by clear examples of improved confidence, stronger teamwork and better experiences for the people supported. Her commitment to empowering colleagues makes her a highly deserving example of frontline excellence.
The Home Care Frontline Leaders Award
Jamie – Lee Leroux, Caremark
Jamie-Lee is an exceptional leader whose dedication, compassion and determination consistently go above and beyond. Her outstanding safeguarding work, commitment to protecting vulnerable clients and passion for developing her team demonstrate remarkable professionalism. A true advocate for those in her care, Jamie-Lee sets an inspiring example and continually raises standards.
The Care Assessor Award
Rebecca Kemsley, 1 Oak Home Care
Rebecca consistently goes beyond expectations to improve the lives of the people she supports. Her attentive, compassionate approach ensures individuals feel listened to, respected and understood. She brings genuine dedication to assessment and care planning, demonstrating the importance of putting each person’s needs at the centre.
Matt Bird, CFT Care (Part of Optimo Care Group)
Matt combines professional confidence and skill with a naturally warm, approachable manner. His positive energy helps people feel comfortable and valued while maintaining high standards of support. This ability to unite technical competence with genuine human connection makes him a particularly impressive and compassionate care professional.
The Three R’s Award
Sarah Watson, RCH
Sarah represents a service that recruits for compassion and potential, then develops skills through targeted training. Staff recognition, resident involvement and an openness to new ideas strengthen its culture. Her own progression from carer to management demonstrates a genuine commitment to nurturing and retaining talent.
CJ Grant, All Care Community Support
CJ Grant’s service involves people receiving support in recruitment decisions, helping ensure staff are well matched to individual needs. Comprehensive induction, ongoing development and recognition through Star of the Month reinforce a positive workplace culture. This thoughtful approach supports recruitment, retention and excellent care.
The Workforce Development Award
Laurence Feather and Andrew Wrensch, Connaught Care Collection
Laurence and Andrew have demonstrated exceptional commitment to developing their workforce. Their passionate, values-led leadership has fostered a culture of pride, compassion and high standards across Connaught Care Collection. Their positive influence on both employees and residents shows how effective workforce development can transform everyday care.
Chetna Satra, Optimal Living (Luton) Ltd.
Chetna’s hands-on leadership reflects a genuine investment in her team’s growth and success. She leads by example, offering encouragement, practical support and opportunities to develop. Her compassionate approach has created a workplace culture rooted in trust and continuous learning, making her an outstanding advocate for workforce development.
The Putting People First Award
Naomi Daglish, Advinia Healthcare
Naomi brings joy, warmth and meaningful connection to residents’ lives. Affectionately known as the ‘rainbow lady’, she is clearly cherished by those she supports. Her ability to make people feel recognised, uplifted and valued captures the essence of putting people first through compassionate, individualised care.
Egle Dirzinskiene, RCH Care Homes
Egle combines broad professional knowledge with a thoughtful commitment to improving end-of-life care. Her understanding of different responsibilities and her ambition to strengthen compassionate practice are particularly impressive. She consistently places dignity, comfort and individual needs at the centre of her approach, demonstrating outstanding person-centered values.
The Palliative Carer Award
The Chase Care Home, EOL Team, Connaught Care
The Chase Care Home’s end-of-life team demonstrates remarkable compassion across every department. Staff work together to support residents and families with dignity, warmth and sensitivity during deeply important moments. Their shared dedication to comfort and individual needs exemplifies the very best of thoughtful, person-centred palliative care.
Debbie Louise Day, Cedars Care Home
Debbie’s compassion shines through her thoughtful approach to end-of-life care. By creating personal keepsakes, including photographs and heartfelt letters, she offers families lasting comfort and connection. Her dedication, sensitivity and willingness to share her knowledge make an extraordinary difference at times when support matters most.
The Social Care Nurse Award
Linda Knock, Harmonize Care Ltd
Linda combines authentic, compassionate leadership with a clear understanding of her team’s needs. Her enthusiasm and determination to achieve the best outcomes for those she supports are evident throughout her work. She leads with purpose, insight and empathy, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to high-quality social care nursing.
The Co-Production Award
VoiceBox, Hightown Housing Association
VoiceBox puts people’s experiences at the centre of service improvement, involving customers in complaints reviews, recruitment and decision-making. Its reach across 90 services and 700 customers, alongside translation technology and reported action on feedback, demonstrates a practical and inclusive commitment to meaningful co-production.
The Unpaid Carer Award
Michael Chapman, RCH Care Homes
Michael gives his time generously to support the maintenance team and residents at his local nursing home. Beyond practical tasks, he offers companionship by listening to residents’ memories and stories. His patience, kindness and selflessness create meaningful connections and demonstrate an exceptional commitment to unpaid caring.
The Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award
Shivonne Butler, CFT Care (Part of Optimo Care Group)
Beginning her career as a support worker at 18, Shivonne has dedicated herself to transforming social care. She has championed independence, choice and control for people with learning disabilities, challenging institutional approaches. Her pioneering advocacy, innovation and compassion have made a lasting difference to people’s lives.
Honey Berry, RCH Care Homes
Honey’s commitment to caring began in childhood, supporting her grandmother. Today, she champions compassionate dementia care that recognises each person’s individuality. Through meaningful experiences, family support and the development of future carers, her influence extends beyond her own home. She is truly one to watch.
