The Care Home Employer Award
Winner: React Support Services
Haydn demonstrated confident, hands-on leadership and deep involvement in all aspects of the business. He showcased the organisation’s growth, innovative delivery model, and, most importantly, his commitment to valuing and empowering staff. His people-focused approach ensures exceptional care, making him a well-deserved winner of the Employer Award.
Highly Commended: Aria Care, Acardia Care Homes
Aria Care consistently prioritises making a tangible, positive impact on the lives of those they support. The organisation has shown exceptional confidence and initiative in implementing bold, innovative measures, demonstrating a clear commitment to improving outcomes and driving meaningful change across its services.
The Home Care Employer Award
Winner: Haven Care
Jamie spoke passionately about people—both staff and the clients they support. His genuine focus on people over profit drives everything the organisation does. Their new initiative, Joio, was particularly inspirational and demonstrates Haven Care’s commitment to innovation in care.
Highly Commended: Heritage Healthcare Cardiff
Jameela has impressively grown her business from just two carers and two clients to delivering over 8,500 hours of care per week across two services. Her selflessness in sharing good practice with other providers is highly commendable and sets a strong example for the sector.
The Care Home Worker Award
Winner: Jade Evans, Orbis Education and Care
Jade demonstrates a clear and passionate approach to care, striving to make every day meaningful and engaging. She fosters strong bonds with both her team and residents, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and included.
Highly Commended: Casey Whatley, Orbis Education and Care
Casey has a clear vision of what outstanding care looks like and is committed to making a difference. She embraces her profession, ensuring that those she supports have opportunities to enjoy enriching and fulfilling experiences.
The Home Care Worker Award
Winner: Paul Howells, Expanding Horizons
Paul’s passion, compassion, and caring values shine through in all he does. His consistent focus on putting the needs of the people he supports first is admirable. Paul is a real asset to the care sector and a deserving recipient of this award.
Highly Commended: Laura Fisher, Expanding Horizons
With 13 years of experience in learning disability services, Laura entered care after supporting her brother, who has a learning disability. She is dedicated to making each person’s day unique and develops creative strategies to enhance communication, such as using “Now and Next” boards.
The Care Newcomer Award
Winner: Sean Jones, Orbis Education and Care Ltd
Sean has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment to young people and colleagues. His warmth, reliability, and positive presence build trust and confidence. Proactive, supportive, and energetic, Sean uplifts those around him, exemplifying Orbis values and making a lasting, meaningful impact across the home.
Highly Commended: Courtney Williams, Orbis Education and Care
New to the team, Courtney shows remarkable passion and dedication, always prioritising the best interests of those she supports. She ensures environments are welcoming and organised, provides essential information to managers, and supports colleagues. Selfless, creative, punctual, and diligent, she has quickly become an invaluable member of the team.
The Care Home Registered Manager Award
Winner: Claire Taylor, My Choice Healthcare
Claire demonstrates exceptional passion and dedication, creating meaningful opportunities for residents while providing highly personalised care. She supports and values her staff and fosters a strong, community-focused culture, making Springfield a truly special place to live and work.
Highly Commended: Lacey Stait, Accomplish Group
Lacey shows remarkable commitment and passion, going above and beyond to provide residents with independence, opportunities, and joy. She inspires and develops her staff through trust, recognition, and leading by example, creating a positive culture where both residents and staff can thrive.
The Home Care Registered Manager Award
Winner: Emma Jenkins, Cartrefi Cymru
Emma is a highly present manager who leads by example, ensuring her staff are well-trained and supported both professionally and emotionally. She demonstrates vigilance and positivity when facing challenges and has implemented a training grid with regular reviews, showing a strong commitment to staff development and quality care.
Highly Commended: Isabel Miller, Care in Wales Ltd
Isabel balances providing excellent care with supporting and valuing her team. She ensures her staff gain strong knowledge and understanding of the care sector, leads by example, and focuses on the growth and development of her team, creating an environment where both staff and those they support can thrive.
The Dignity in Care Award
Winner: Team Dyer, Cartrefi Cymru
Team Dyer exemplifies dignity, respect, and client autonomy in all they do. Their person-centred approach promotes independence, social inclusion, and confidence while fostering a culture of reflection, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Clients and colleagues alike recognise their compassion, reliability, and empowering care.
Highly Commended: Andrea Price, My Choice Healthcare
In just three years, Andrea has made a remarkable impact. She is passionate about preserving dignity and respect, bringing warmth, empathy, and dedication to every interaction. Andrea ensures those she supports feel valued, listened to, and cared for, consistently demonstrating compassion and professionalism in her work.
The Dementia Carer Award
Winner: Abdulmalik Lasisi, 1st Grade Care
Abdulmalik consistently delivers calm, person-centred home care that empowers service users to remain independent and respected. His empathy, professionalism, and adaptability build trust with clients and families. Going above and beyond daily, he uplifts those he supports, exemplifying what outstanding, transformative home care should be.
Highly Commended: Denise Cattedra, Right at Home Bridgend and Vale of Glamorgan
Denise has provided compassionate, person-centred care, empowering clients to maintain independence and dignity. She supports her team while delivering life-changing care. Her consistency, patience, and respect make her truly deserving of recognition.
The Ancillary Worker Award
Winner: Tracy Grubb, My Choice Healthcare
Tracy is a deeply caring professional who ensures residents feel valued, loved, and fully engaged in life. She takes time to listen, learn about their past experiences, and create meaningful, warm memories, enhancing wellbeing and quality of life for everyone in her care.
Highly Commended: Teleri Rees, Ivolve Care and Support- Wales
Teleri is imaginative and unafraid to try new approaches, demonstrating a deep understanding of her residents. She treats them like family, prioritising their happiness and wellbeing, and advocates strongly for high-quality care. Her dedication makes her an invaluable member of the Ivolve team.
The Home Care Co-ordinator Award
Winner: Rhian Richards, Right at Home Bridgend and the Vale
Rhian demonstrates outstanding commitment to her role and team, ensuring high-quality, consistent care that improves clients’ lives. She matches staff to client needs, embraces feedback, fosters best practice, and balances strong leadership with a dynamic approach, creating a supportive, positive environment for both her team and those they support.
Highly Commended: Leah Thomas, Orbis Education and Care Ltd
Leah shows exceptional dedication to her role, focusing on learning and developing consistency to enhance service quality. She invests in her own management skills while supporting her team’s growth, fostering a culture of improvement and excellence that positively impacts both staff and the people they care for.
The Care Home Team Award
Winner: Thompson Court, Accomplish Group
The Thompson Court staff team exemplifies outstanding care and support. Their commitment to ensuring residents live happy, healthy lives is evident in everything they do, creating a positive and empowering environment. Their passion, teamwork, and dedication make them an inspiring example of excellence in care.
Highly Commended: Ty Richards, M&D Care
Ty Richards demonstrates passion, dedication, and an outcomes-focused approach to care. Combining professionalism with a sense of fun, the team continually strives to improve services, positively impacting both residents and colleagues. Their commitment and energy make them deserving of recognition for their achievements and approach to care.
The Home Care Team Award
Winner: Care Team, Expanding Horizons
The Expanding Horizons Care Team demonstrates outstanding commitment and innovation, introducing new systems and approaches while embracing positive risk-taking. They work collaboratively to solve challenges, advocate for clients’ voices, and deliver compassionate, resilient care. Their integrity, teamwork, and forward-thinking approach set a benchmark in health and social care.
Highly Commended: Care Team, Right at Home Bridgend and Vale of Glamorgan
This passionate team delivers exceptional community care through creativity and forward-thinking solutions to prevent hospital admissions. Their collaboration and dedication to improving services benefit both clients and colleagues. The team’s commitment, innovation, and seamless teamwork make them a leading example of excellence in health and social care.
The Care Innovator Award
Winner: Michael Poole, 1st Grade Care
Michael’s innovative apps for carers, clients, and their families streamline communication, reduce errors, and save time. His leadership, compassion, and empathy shine through in the way he supports both his team and those in his care. Michael’s creativity and dedication make a meaningful, positive impact in the care sector.
Highly Commended: Team Dyer, Cartrefi Cymru
Claire created a Community Hub for people with learning disabilities, providing a safe, supportive environment tailored to their needs. Her vision promotes inclusion, understanding, and connection, and the model is now set to expand to other locations. Claire’s innovation and dedication have made a lasting difference to those she supports.
The Frontline Leaders Award
Winner: Lauren Westgarth, Accomplish Group
Lauren demonstrates passion and expertise in promoting inclusion and diversity within her service. She has introduced innovative, impactful changes for those she supports while empowering her team to deliver high-quality care. Her leadership and commitment are reflected in the positive outcomes and achievements across her service.
Highly Commended: Jake Fry, Ivolve Care and Support- Wales
In a short time, Jake has made a significant impact on his company, his team, and the residents he supports. Through resilience, innovation, and dedication, he embodies the true meaning of care by enhancing residents’ lives and inspiring his colleagues with his commitment and proactive approach to service delivery.
The Care Assessor Award
Winner: Leah Webb, Expanding Horizons
Leah’s energy, passion, and commitment shine through in every aspect of her work. She is an ambassador for high-quality care—consistently innovative and focused on positive outcomes for residents. Her dedication, professionalism, and enthusiasm make her a standout contributor and a true role model in care.
Highly Commended: Leanne Bateman, HYWEL DDA UNIVERSITY HEALTHBOAD
Leanne is humble yet deeply committed to her clients, consistently going above and beyond to support them and their families. Her professionalism, compassion, and dedication are evident in every interaction. Although modest, her impact and excellence in care are undeniable, making her an invaluable member of her team.
The Three R’s Award
Winner: The Team, Right at Home Cardiff and Newport, Bridgend and the Vale
This outstanding team excels in recruiting with heart, retaining with purpose, and recognising staff sincerely. Their commitment ensures every team member feels valued and supported. They exemplify excellence in workforce leadership, setting the gold standard for compassion, dedication, and fostering a positive, empowering culture in care.
Highly Commended: People, Culture and Wellbeing Team, Expanding Horizons
This innovative team demonstrates how heartfelt leadership can truly value care staff. Their creative approaches to recruitment, retention, and recognition inspire excellence, proving that meaningful support, appreciation, and empowerment drive both staff engagement and high-quality care outcomes.
The Workforce Development Award
Winner: Aimee Green, Expanding Horizons
Aimee’s innovative and creative approach to workforce development has transformed learning within her organisation. Her teaching inspires growth, resilience, and excellence across teams. Demonstrating passion, compassion, and impact, Aimee sets a benchmark for the future of care, empowering staff and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Highly Commended: The Team, Right at Home Cardiff and Newport
This dedicated team exemplifies passion and genuine care in workforce development. They nurture talent, foster growth, and inspire excellence among staff. Their commitment and positive impact on colleagues and the organisation make them a remarkable example of effective workforce leadership.
The Putting People First Award
Winner: The Team, Haven Care
Jamie champions staff and community with vision and dedication. From Wales’ first Living Wage pledge to JOYO days, paid birthdays, mental health support, and no-interest loans, he has created a culture where staff feel valued, motivated, and supported—directly enhancing client care. Haven Care truly puts people first.
Highly Commended: Terry Evans, Expanding Horizons
Terry passionately promotes person-centred care, co-production, informed choice, and independence. Drawing on his lived experience, he empowers others to achieve personal goals and positive outcomes. His dedication to enabling success and fostering confidence ensures meaningful impact for both clients and colleagues within Expanding Horizons.
The Palliative Carer Award
Winner: Annie Essiben Kelleher, Right at Home Bridgend and the Vale
Annie is compassionate and dedicated, giving her all to deliver exceptional end-of-life care. Her empathy, attentiveness, and commitment ensure clients experience dignity, comfort, and support during life’s most vulnerable moments, making her a deeply valued member of the care team.
Highly Commended: Holly Jones, Right at Home Bridgend and the Vale
Holly exemplifies frontline leadership, combining hands-on guidance with strategic vision. From supporting palliative care at home to helping staff relocate and thrive, her compassion, innovation, and dedication enhance both client care and team wellbeing, creating a culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered.
The Social Care Nurse Award
Winner: Doreen Gilbert, My Choice Healthcare
Doreen is a dedicated, skilled, and proactive social care nurse whose leadership and advocacy profoundly impact those she supports. She excels at building meaningful relationships, ensuring individuals feel valued, heard, and empowered, while inspiring colleagues through her commitment, compassion, and exemplary approach to care.
The Housing with Care Award
Winner: Catref Mynydd, Orbis Education and Care
Catref Mynydd rose from the brink of closure to become a shining example of excellence through dedication and teamwork—creating a safe, thriving home where behaviours improved, families found hope, and lives were transformed through care and compassion.
The Co-Production Award
Winner: Abby Cummings, 1st Grade Care
Abby Cummings redefines co-production, creating truly person-centred care plans through collaboration, compassion, and inclusion. Her approach empowers individuals, unites teams, and delivers meaningful, dignified outcomes that celebrate every person’s voice.
The Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award
Winner: Michael Layton, Ivolve Care and Support Wales
Michael is a transformative leader in mental health care, providing expert guidance, advocacy, and support to achieve the best outcomes for service users. Bridging NHS and social care seamlessly, he inspires colleagues, drives innovation, and fosters a culture of excellence, compassion, and empowerment.
Highly Commended: Michael Poole, 1st Grade Care
Michael has dedicated 24 years to social care, shaping frontline services, policy, and organisational innovation. Founder of 1st Grade Care Ltd and the Cardiff Domiciliary Care Association, he champions collaboration, person-centred care, and workforce development—leaving a lasting, transformative impact on the sector.
