The Care Home Employer Award
My Choice Healthcare
My Choice Healthcare impressed the judges with its strong, positive culture and clear commitment to safety and quality. Its thoughtful approach supports both staff and residents, placing compassion and person-centred care at the heart of its work. This dedication to creating a supportive environment makes the organisation a deserving recipient of this award. The judges particularly valued the way its culture connects staff wellbeing with the experience of residents, making quality and compassion central to.
BCOP Charity
BCOP Charity demonstrates an impressive commitment to its staff and the wider community. The long service of its employees reflects a supportive workplace where people feel valued. The judges recognised the organisation’s dedication to its workforce and the positive contribution it continues to make to individuals and families locally. This sustained commitment to its people provides a strong foundation for reliable care and illustrates the value of investing in long-term relationships.
The Home Care Employer Award
Unique Senior Care
Unique Senior Care impressed the judges with compelling evidence of its employment practices and the quality of care it provides. Its submission demonstrated a clear commitment to high standards, supported by evidence across two areas of CQC care provision. This combination of strong leadership and quality makes it a deserving recipient of this award. The judges appreciated the way the evidence connected its approach to employees with the experiences of people receiving care, showing ambition.
LJM Homecare
LJM Homecare demonstrated a clear commitment to innovation, staff development and improving outcomes for the people it supports. The judges were particularly impressed by its focus on developing enhanced clinical capabilities to help avoid unnecessary hospital admissions. This forward-thinking approach reflects ambition, compassion and a determination to improve home care. Its focus on equipping staff with the skills to respond to complex needs shows a practical commitment to developing services and supporting people at home.
The Care Home Worker Award
Linda Mitchell, Springbank Nursing Home
Linda brings warmth, energy and genuine joy to the lives of residents and colleagues alike. Her exceptional dedication was evident in the thoughtful way she helped organise a resident’s wedding, creating a memorable occasion. The judges admired her compassion and willingness to make meaningful moments possible for those she supports. This memorable example captured her belief that good care is about celebrating the individual, not simply meeting daily needs, and creating moments that matter.
Jamie Rogers, Belong Ltd
Jamie is an inspirational leader whose forward-thinking approach helps raise standards across the organisation. The judges were impressed by Jamie’s commitment to improving quality and outcomes, alongside the ability to guide colleagues towards excellent practice. Through clear vision, dedication and consistent example, Jamie makes a meaningful contribution to the team. Jamie combines an ambitious outlook with an evident commitment to colleagues, demonstrating how positive leadership can encourage better practice throughout a care organisation.
The Home Care Worker Award
Cassia Junqueira, Midland Mencap
Cassia impressed the judges with her genuine passion for supporting people experiencing mental health challenges. Her compassionate, person-centred approach and willingness to go beyond expectations demonstrate an exceptional commitment to those in her care. She brings kindness, understanding and dedication to her work, making a positive difference to people’s lives. The judges particularly valued her sensitivity to individual circumstances and her determination to ensure people feel listened to, understood and supported.
Simon Jay, Bluebird Care Solihull and Birmingham West
Simon consistently demonstrates outstanding care and commitment to the people he supports. He takes time to build meaningful, trusting relationships and genuinely values every interaction with his customers. The judges recognised his compassion and willingness to go above and beyond, helping people feel respected, supported and valued in their daily lives. His approach reminds us that excellent home care is built on personal connection as well as practical support, with every visit offering an opportunity.
The Care Newcomer Award
Samantha Bowen, Belong Ltd
Samantha impressed the judges with her professionalism, knowledge and genuine enthusiasm for care. She spoke confidently and passionately about her role and the people she supports, demonstrating a strong understanding of their needs. Her positive attitude and commitment to delivering compassionate care make her an impressive newcomer to the sector. The judges were encouraged by the confidence she has already developed and her clear desire to make a positive contribution as her career progresses.
Ellie Taylor, Bluebird Care Coventry
Ellie has made a remarkable impression in a short time in care. Her compassion, cheerful personality and person-centred approach have helped her form strong relationships with customers, including people living with dementia. The judges admired how quickly she adapted to her role and the positive difference she is already making. Her ability to connect with people so early in her career is especially impressive and points to a promising future in compassionate care.
The Care Home Registered Manager Award
Susan Dawn Jackson, Shenstone Hall Residential Home
Dawn brings an exceptional 39 years of nursing experience to her role as Registered Manager at Shenstone Hall. Her background, including specialist stroke care, provides a wealth of knowledge to support residents in this dementia care setting. The judges recognised her experience, professional commitment and dedication to delivering compassionate care. Her combination of extensive clinical knowledge and hands-on leadership offers reassurance to residents and families while helping guide the home’s approach to care.
The Home Care Registered Manager Award
Joseph Corbett, Lexrae Support
Joe’s genuine passion for care was unmistakable throughout his interview. He spoke with confidence, warmth and authenticity, showing how deeply he values the people he supports. The judges were struck by his enthusiasm and sincere commitment to his role, qualities that underpin compassionate leadership and a positive care culture. His words conveyed a belief that care must be driven by genuine concern for others, and that leadership begins with setting this example.
Claire Gwilliam, Bluebird Care Shropshire
Claire combines strong management skills with a genuine love of supporting customers. Despite progressing into leadership, she has maintained the compassion and personal commitment that first drew her to care. The judges admired her enthusiasm for the sector and her determination to keep people’s needs at the centre of her work. The judges particularly valued her determination to remain connected to frontline experiences, ensuring her management decisions are informed by the people receiving support.
The Dignity in Care Award
Sophie Davies, Elgar Care
Sophie impressed the judges with her kindness, empathy and unwavering respect for the people she supports. She looks beyond daily tasks to recognise each person as an individual, with their own needs and wishes. Her compassionate approach embodies dignity in care and helps ensure people feel understood, valued and respected. By paying attention to identity, choice and personal preferences, Sophie shows that dignity is expressed through everyday interactions as much as through formal care plans.
The Dementia Carer Award
Lynda Game, Welford Healthcare Bidco 5 Ltd
Lynda impressed the judges with her understanding of both colleagues and the people she supports. Her imaginative approach was illustrated by creating an office space for a former hotel owner, helping him reconnect with a familiar role. This thoughtful example shows how personalised dementia care can restore purpose and identity. The judges found this a powerful illustration of how creativity and knowledge of a person’s history can make support more meaningful and reassuring.
Barbara Wooton, Belong Ltd
Barbara demonstrated admirable dedication to finding different ways to support people living with dementia. Her willingness to explore solutions reflects patience, compassion and a genuine commitment to individual needs. The judges valued her thoughtful approach and determination to make everyday life more comfortable, meaningful and positive for those in her. Her persistence in finding approaches that work for each person demonstrates the importance of flexibility and genuine curiosity in dementia care.
The Ancillary Worker Award
David Beddowes, Herefordshire Care Homes
Dave impressed the judges with his patience and his ability to listen carefully to residents’ wishes and needs. He shared moving examples of the difference his work has made to people’s lives. His thoughtful, respectful approach shows that listening and kindness can have a powerful impact on residents’ wellbeing. The judges appreciated how he puts residents’ voices first and takes their concerns seriously, showing that small acts of attention can have lasting significance.
Jane Knox, Otterburn, Exemplar Health Care
Jane goes far beyond the traditional responsibilities of a housekeeper, taking on several champion roles to help improve the service. The judges admired her initiative, dedication and willingness to contribute across the home. Her commitment demonstrates the important difference ancillary colleagues can make to residents’ experiences and care quality. By willingly stepping outside her core role, Jane helps foster a culture where everyone takes responsibility for improving the lives of residents.
The Activity Organiser Award
Megan Kettle, Highgate Care
Megan impressed the judges with her commitment to understanding residents as individuals. As wellbeing lead, she actively develops new skills to learn more about their backgrounds, interests and preferences. Her thoughtful approach helps shape meaningful activities and demonstrates how dedication and curiosity can enrich everyday life in a care setting. The judges valued her willingness to invest in her own learning so that activities reflect what residents actually enjoy and find meaningful.
Sara Cunningham, Galanos House
Sara stood out for her proactive approach to activities and her ability to identify opportunities that benefit residents and the wider care home. The judges recognised her creativity and enthusiasm for adding value to daily life. Her commitment to meaningful engagement helps create a more enjoyable and supportive environment. Her ability to spot new possibilities and turn them into engaging experiences demonstrates how activities can contribute to connection, confidence and wellbeing.
The Home Care Co-ordinator Award
Dani Green, Cavalry Complex care
Dani impressed the judges with her extensive knowledge and the respect she has earned from her team. She understands the needs of both clients and carers, balancing practical demands with compassion and person-centred care. Her considered approach and professional judgement demonstrate the qualities of an excellent home care co-ordinator. The judges valued her ability to bring different perspectives together, helping the team respond thoughtfully while keeping the people receiving support at the centre.
Joanne Thompson, Bluebird Care Bromsgrove & Redditch
Jo is a dedicated and highly respected care professional whose passion for helping others is clear in everything she does. The judges recognised her commitment to supporting both colleagues and the people receiving care. Her positive approach, professionalism and compassion make her a valued contributor to the home care team. This recognition reflects the difference made by someone who approaches co-ordination with both care for individuals and respect for the wider team.
The Care Home Cook/ Chef Award
Joshua Busby, EQ Care Group
Joshua impressed the judges with his exceptional passion for preparing food for residents. His enthusiasm and pride in creating enjoyable dining experiences were evident throughout the judging process, including in his interactions with colleagues. His dedication shows how thoughtful catering can contribute significantly to residents’ comfort, enjoyment and quality of life. The judges valued his understanding that mealtimes are an important part of daily life and that attention to detail can help residents feel truly.
Mathew Roberts, Welford Healthcare Bidco 5 Ltd
Mathew’s creativity and enthusiasm for improving residents’ dining experiences impressed the judges. He consistently looks beyond conventional approaches, developing fresh ideas to enhance enjoyment and quality of life. His dedication to thoughtful, innovative catering demonstrates the important role food and mealtimes play in delivering excellent person-centred care. His willingness to explore different ideas reflects a genuine desire to make food enjoyable, personal and responsive to the people living in the home.
The Care Home Team Award
Lilly Team, Hampton Healthcare
The Lilly Team impressed the judges with its compassion, creativity and exceptional teamwork. By transforming its unit into a vibrant, family-centred environment, the team has improved residents’ experiences while supporting their loved ones. Its shared commitment to going beyond expectations demonstrates the powerful difference that collaborative, person-centred care can make. The judges recognised how the team’s shared effort has helped create a welcoming atmosphere where residents and families can feel included and valued.
Pearlcare Spratslade House Team,Pearlcare Spratslade Ltd
The Pearlcare Spratslade House Team demonstrated outstanding compassion, dedication and teamwork. Its commitment to creating a genuine home-from-home environment helps residents feel comfortable, respected and supported. The judges admired the team’s shared values and the care taken to make everyday life welcoming, meaningful and centred on the people who live there. This recognition celebrates a collective approach in which colleagues work together to make the home feel familiar, caring and responsive to individual needs.
The Home Care Team Award
Unique Senior Care
Unique Senior Care demonstrated the qualities that distinguish an excellent home care team: shared purpose, trust, communication and clearly defined responsibilities. The judges were particularly impressed by its strong values and positive culture. These foundations support effective teamwork and a consistent commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality care to customers. The judges saw a team that understands the importance of supporting one another, enabling staff to provide reliable and thoughtful care every day.
Day Centre Care Team, Radfield Home Care
This small team delivers an impressive service across three day centres, bringing care, companionship and social opportunities to communities where people might otherwise feel isolated. The judges admired the team’s mutual trust, compassion and commitment to enriching lives. Its work demonstrates how meaningful connection can improve everyday wellbeing. Working across several locations requires flexibility and collaboration, and the judges valued the team’s determination to maintain meaningful connections with each community.
The Care Innovator Award
Claire Harris, Welford Healthcare
Claire impressed the judges with her creative approach to improving wellbeing for residents and staff. Recognising the pressures faced by care colleagues, she introduced a dedicated safe space for staff. Her practical, compassionate thinking demonstrates how innovation can support a healthier working environment and strengthen the wider culture of care. The judges valued her recognition that supporting the workforce is an essential part of supporting residents, and that practical ideas can make a difference.
Christina Dovkants, Burlington Court, Hampton Healthcare
Christina impressed the judges with her genuine passion for dementia care and her compassionate, hopeful outlook. She approaches people living with dementia with understanding and a clear determination to make their experiences more positive. Her dedication reflects the importance of empathy, optimism and person-centred thinking in delivering meaningful support. Her approach demonstrates a commitment to seeing the person beyond their diagnosis and to making everyday experiences more hopeful and inclusive.
The Care Home Frontline Leaders Award
Linsley Patrick, Swanton Care and Community
Linsley’s contribution reflects a strong commitment to compassionate, person-centred care and to supporting colleagues and the people who rely on the service. The judges recognised the importance of leadership that places dignity, wellbeing and everyday quality of care first. This dedication to positive experiences and consistent support deserves recognition. The judges recognised the importance of a leader who models respect and consistency, helping colleagues keep the needs of individuals at the heart of their work.
Alison O’Meara, Lisieux Trust
Alison impressed the judges with her deeply held values and the clear impact of her leadership. She shared moving, practical examples of the difference she has made to people using services and to colleagues. Her compassionate approach shows how strong frontline leadership can improve experiences and inspire those around her. The examples she shared illustrated how leadership can be both practical and deeply personal, improving daily experiences for people and staff alike.
The Home Care Frontline Leaders Award
Amie Stone, Bluebird Care Shropshire
Amie is a confident, compassionate and adaptable frontline leader who makes time to listen to customers and colleagues. The judges admired her commitment to ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. Her thoughtful leadership combines practical understanding with genuine empathy, helping create a supportive environment where people and their needs come first. The judges appreciated her calm, inclusive approach and the way she makes communication a priority when responding to changing needs.
Daniela Milia, Macc Care
Daniela impressed the judges with her resilience, compassion and determination. She approaches challenges creatively and maintains a positive outlook, even in demanding circumstances. Her hardworking attitude and commitment to supporting others reflect the qualities of an effective frontline leader. She brings warmth, resourcefulness and professionalism to her role. The judges recognised her ability to remain focused on people while tackling difficult situations, bringing encouragement and determination to those around her.
The Care Assessor Award
Shazana Sajid, Bluebird Care Worcester, Wychavon & North Cotswolds
Shazana understands that excellent care planning begins with listening. The judges admired her commitment to understanding people’s individual wishes and ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect. Her thoughtful approach to assessment helps place personal choice at the heart of care, supporting services that reflect what matters to each person. The judges valued her belief that a meaningful assessment should reflect the person’s own priorities rather than simply recording the support they require.
Diane McCarroll, Bluebird Care Stafford
Diane impressed the judges with her compassionate and thorough approach to assessment and care planning. She listens carefully to people’s preferences, choices and aspirations, recognising that good support begins with understanding the individual. Her dedication to respectful, person-centred planning helps ensure care reflects how people want to live. Her approach recognises that a well-considered care plan is built through conversation, trust and respect for each person’s wishes.
The Three R’s Award
Unique Senior Care
Unique Senior Care demonstrated a strategic commitment to recruitment, retention and staff recognition. Its leadership team uses a range of approaches, including technology, training, career progression and rewards, to attract and support colleagues. The judges recognised the organisation’s focus on building a valued, motivated workforce through sustained investment in people. The judges appreciated this rounded approach to workforce challenges and the understanding that retaining skilled staff requires recognition as well as recruitment.
Dan Skett, Eagle Rose Healthcare Staffing Ltd
Dan Skett and Eagle Rose Healthcare Staffing demonstrated a thoughtful approach to recruitment, connecting workforce decisions with the outcomes experienced by people receiving care. The judges valued this clear understanding of the link between capable carers and quality support. Their approach highlights the importance of recruiting with purpose and impact. This focus on the real-world difference made by care professionals gives the recruitment process a clear purpose beyond filling vacancies.
The Workforce Development Award
Meaghan Duvall, Cavalry Complex Care
Meaghan demonstrated impressive commitment to developing staff through clear career pathways. Under her leadership, six of nine newly appointed care managers progressed internally from support worker or team leader roles. The judges recognised this tangible investment in people and the opportunities it creates for professional growth, confidence and stronger leadership. The judges were particularly impressed by the measurable progression achieved and the confidence placed in colleagues who began their careers in frontline roles.
Caroline Sampson, BCOP Charity
Caroline Sampson and BCOP Charity impressed the judges with their commitment to developing and recognising staff. The organisation provided compelling examples of long service, career progression and appreciation for employees. This supportive approach reflects a workplace culture that values loyalty, encourages growth and recognises the contribution of its people. The judges valued the way this investment in people combines opportunities for growth with genuine appreciation for the experience staff bring.
The Putting People First Award
Committed2Care Ltd
Committed2Care Ltd impressed the judges with its compassionate, person-centred approach. Its focus on dignity, respect and genuine care reflects the values at the heart of this award. By recognising the importance of each individual, the organisation demonstrates a clear commitment to support that puts people’s needs and preferences first. The judges recognised the importance of listening to people and ensuring their wishes shape the care they receive, rather than expecting individuals to fit a routine.
Tracey Ward, Lifeways
Tracey demonstrated an inspiring commitment to putting people first. Having planned to retire from teaching people with learning disabilities during the pandemic, she instead stepped forward to support a service for people with complex needs. The judges admired her willingness to help and the lasting dedication that followed. Her decision to remain involved speaks to a genuine connection with the people she supports and a willingness to make a difference.
The Palliative Carer Award
Paul Jones, Herefordshire Care Homes
Paul impressed the judges with his passion, warmth and thoughtful approach to end-of-life care. He shared examples of innovative ways to support people during this important stage of life. His commitment to dignity, comfort and individual needs demonstrates how compassionate palliative care can make a profound difference to people and their families. The judges valued his understanding that end-of-life care calls for sensitivity, creativity and a willingness to respond to what matters most to each.
Lisa Barrett, Bluebird Care Bromsgrove & Redditch
Lisa spoke with genuine compassion and honesty about delivering end-of-life care, including the challenges this important work can bring. The judges valued her thoughtful understanding and commitment to supporting people with dignity. Her approach reflects the sensitivity, professionalism and emotional strength needed to provide compassionate care at life’s end. Her reflections showed an appreciation of the emotional demands of this work and the importance of compassionate communication with people and families.
The Social Care Nurse Award
Eve Bourne, Cavalry Complex Care
Eve brings more than 20 years of nursing experience, including NHS renal care and quality and compliance, to her work with people who have complex needs. The judges recognised her specialist knowledge and ability to manage a varied caseload. Her breadth of experience supports thoughtful, skilled and person-centred nursing care. The judges valued the way she draws on varied clinical experience to support complex situations, combining professional judgement with an individual approach.
Navjyot Kaur,Otterburn, Exemplar Health Care
Navjyot brings 13 years of nursing experience to her role as Clinical Nurse Manager and Deputy Manager at a complex care home in Birmingham. The judges recognised the professional knowledge and leadership required in this demanding setting. Her experience reflects a strong foundation for supporting people with complex care needs. Her professional background and management responsibilities demonstrate the knowledge and commitment needed to guide colleagues in a specialist care environment.
The Co-Production Award
Knaves Court, Housing 21
Knaves Court has created an inclusive community that brings residents, families, staff and neighbours together. The judges admired its willingness to host meaningful events, including LGBT+ and end-of-life discussions, that some settings might avoid. Its open, collaborative approach encourages connection, belonging and a stronger voice for everyone involved. The judges recognised that co-production is strengthened when people are welcomed into conversations and activities that reflect the diversity of their experiences.
The Unpaid Carer Award
Denise Bishop,Welford Healthcare Bidco 5 Ltd
Denise’s dedication to Isle Court has continued beyond her own family’s experience of care. After her mother received palliative support there, she returned as a volunteer and has contributed for several years. The judges recognised her generosity and commitment to giving back to a community that holds personal meaning. Her continued involvement is a moving example of how personal gratitude can grow into lasting service and support for others.
The Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award
Dave Rogers, Midlands Mencap
For more than 40 years, Dave Rogers has helped shape social care for people with learning disabilities. His leadership, commitment to co-production and advocacy for community-based support have made a lasting contribution. The judges recognised his vision and determination to create services that better reflect people’s choices, rights and aspirations. This recognition celebrates both the length of his service and his sustained belief that people with learning disabilities should help shape their own support.
