The Care Home Employer Award
Connaught Care
Amanda and her team demonstrate exceptional leadership, creating an inspiring workplace where staff feel valued and motivated. Their commitment to nurturing future leaders shines through every conversation. The passion they show for supporting their workforce creates a culture of excellence, making Connaught Care an outstanding employer with an incredibly bright future ahead.
Ashton Care
The strong morale among candidates reflects a team deeply committed to care. Their pride in their workplace, mutual respect, and enduring passion for the profession are evident. Even after 25 years, their enthusiasm remains vibrant, demonstrating genuine dedication to providing compassionate, high‑quality care within a supportive and positive environment.
The Home Care Employer Award
Egalite
Egalite’s team demonstrated remarkable dedication and creativity, ensuring high staff retention. They provided in-house training and progression opportunities and embraced innovative initiatives. For example, they created a cabin/summer house for both clients and employees, allowing them to have additional hours for activities they enjoy. They also offered nursing associate training and fostered a strong sense of community. Egalite’s commitment to valuing staff and involving them in decision-making sets them apart as a truly outstanding employer.
Bluebird Care Winchester, Eastleigh & Romsey
Bluebird Care Winchester, Eastleigh, and Romsey’s team emphasised strong opportunities for growth within the company. They committed to developing staff by creating tailored roles that aligned with individual strengths and promote heavily from within. They also pride themselves on excellent client relationships, community support, and delivering exceptional value for money services. They consistently achieved Outstanding in all categories (three consecutive inspections) in their branch in CQC rating making them one of only three organisations in the UK to achieve this.
The Care Home Worker Award
Aimee Osborne, Dolphin Homes
Aimee is a compassionate, knowledgeable professional whose passion for her work shines through in every interaction. Her commitment to the people she supports is unwavering, and her warmth, motivation, and heartfelt approach make her an exceptional care worker who consistently delivers person‑centred, respectful, and meaningful support.
Angela Nelson, Morar Living
Angela delivers truly person‑centred care grounded in dignity, independence, and individual strengths. Her professionalism, dedication, and willingness to go above and beyond demonstrate remarkable commitment. Through adaptability, teamwork, and continuous growth, she provides outstanding support to residents, families, and colleagues, making her an invaluable asset within her care community.
The Home Care Worker Award
Kim Butler, Beechtree Total Care
Kim should be incredibly proud of herself. Kim is full of kindness, fun, and friendliness in everything she does. Her holistic approach ensures that her clients feel happy, safe, and content. Her dedication and genuine care make her a remarkable recipient of recognition a true example of a compassionate home care worker who is making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves.
Annie Marodeen, Caremark Chichester
Annie is an incredible lady with an impressive work ethic and career. She leads with empathy, compassion, kindness, and a deep understanding of people’s needs. I can only imagine the warmth and comfort she brings to the clients homes she cares for, making a truly meaningful difference.
The Care Home Newcomer Award
Karen Slater, Elizabeth Finn Homes Ltd
Karen Slater has a natural empathy, dedication, and commitment to learning. She has seamlessly transferred her life experience into her new role, building strong relationships with residents, families, and colleagues. Her compassion and initiative, particularly in supporting families in distress, exemplify outstanding care in action.
Anna Hawkins, Nicholas James Care Homes
Anna Hawkins stood out for her compassion, professionalism, and commitment to exceptional care. Returning to the sector after a career break, she demonstrates empathy, initiative, and strong teamwork. Her thoughtful support of a lady at end of life, ensuring her dignity, reflects Anna’s deep understanding of what true care means.
The Home Care Newcomer Award
Martyn Moore, All Care East Sussex
Martyn demonstrates exceptional passion, empathy, and commitment, having joined the care sector later in life. He supports both clients and colleagues with dedication, offering practical help and emotional reassurance. Valued by the community, he shines through his reliability, compassion, and genuine desire to improve people’s lives every day.
Tafadzwa Chikukwa, Bluebird Care
Taffy provides compassionate, reliable care grounded in trust and dignity. Treating her client as she would her own family, she offers reassurance, continuity, and genuine connection. Her willingness to give personal time when needed demonstrates extraordinary dedication and makes her an exceptional newcomer delivering deeply person‑centred support.
The Care Home Registered Manager Award
Judy Heathfield Elliot, Hallmark Care Home
Judy was born to do this role; she thinks of every tiny detail to ensure the people she supports have pride in their home. I loved her saying ‘they’re not here to be surviving, they are thriving’ – this really stood out to me! A fantastic example of leadership in this sector!
Jenny Harris, Dolphin Homes
Jenny brings passion, resilience, and enthusiasm to her role, inspiring everyone around her. Even during significant challenges, her dedication never falters. Her commitment to excellence and heartfelt leadership make her a remarkable manager who continually strives for outstanding care and positive outcomes.
The Home Care Registered Manager Award
Lynn James-Wellings, Care First24
Lynn is an inspirational leader who champions continuous learning and high‑quality care. Her can‑do attitude and commitment to developing the next generation of social care nurses demonstrate visionary leadership. Lynn’s values‑driven approach positively impacts clients, staff, and the wider community, shaping a legacy of excellence.
Hayley Rogers, Blue Angel Care
Hayley leads with determination, curiosity, and commitment to continuous improvement. She researches conditions, shares best practices, and fosters growth for herself and her team. Her collaborative, informed approach ensures consistently high‑quality care and makes her an exceptional, forward‑thinking manager.
The Dignity in Care Award
Alia Tembo, Bluebird Care
Alia is a passionate advocate for safety, dignity, and person‑centred practice. She challenges standards, promotes positive change, and ensures clients’ needs are prioritised. Through strong safeguarding awareness, empathy, and collaborative working, she consistently delivers exceptional, dignified care that empowers individuals and enhances their wellbeing.
Acorn Court Care Home, Carebase
This team exemplifies dignity through innovation, communication, and deeply embedded values. Their commitment to reflective practice, shared learning, and ongoing improvement ensures residents consistently experience respectful, compassionate support. Their excellent end‑of‑life care reflects a strong, unified culture dedicated to preserving dignity at every stage.
The Dementia Carer Award
Jade Hogg, Regal Care Trading
Jade Hogg transforms lives with compassion, dedication, and humanity. She connects deeply with each person, bringing dignity, hope, and joy where it’s needed most. Families are comforted, colleagues inspired, and residents flourish under her care, turning everyday moments into extraordinary acts of kindness and brilliance.
Jude Coveney, Boutique Care Homes
Jude Coveney exemplifies exceptional dedication and compassion. Through thoughtful, person-centred care, Jude enriches the lives of those living with dementia, bringing comfort, dignity, and joy. Her commitment inspires families, turning everyday care into moments of meaningful connection and lasting impact.
The Ancillary Worker Award
Collette Eldridge, Walmer Care Centre
Collette’s varied roles allow her to deeply understand and meet residents’ needs. Her heartfelt “wishing tree” initiative, turning aspirations into real experiences, highlights her creativity and commitment to person‑centred support. She consistently delivers meaningful, co‑produced activities that enrich lives with authenticity and warmth
Denise Abbott, Buckland Care Ltd
Denise brings sincerity, calmness, and humanity to her work, making a powerful impact. Her role in end‑of‑life care is delivered with dignity, compassion, and genuine presence. Through thoughtful support and heartfelt connection, she brings comfort and reassurance, making her an invaluable member of the care community.
The Care Home Activities Organiser Award
Liza Cox, Bridge House of Twyford
Liza’s enthusiasm and passion shine through in every activity she leads. Her extensive experience, ongoing professional development, and commitment to delivering personalised, engaging experiences create joy and purpose for residents. She brings creativity, energy, and dedication to her role, enriching daily life for everyone she supports.
Jean Griffiths, Astbury Manor
Jean’s love for her role is reflected in the exceptional, personalised experiences she creates. She empowers residents to participate in planning and leading activities, fostering fulfilment, confidence, and belonging. Her enthusiasm, compassion, and commitment make her an invaluable presence in the lives of those she supports.
The Home Care Co-ordinator Award
Ashlee Tasker, Trinity Homecare
Ashlee truly embodies the spirit of care, showing extraordinary courage, strength, positivity and dedication in the face immense personal challenge. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, she continues to give her very best every day, inspiring everyone around her. She represents everything that makes this sector so special.
Laura Redshaw, All Care Oxfordshire
Laura’s care extends far beyond her role, caring selflessly for clients, colleagues, and carers alike. Every new team member she supports during induction stays in touch – a testament to the trust, warmth, and lasting relationships she builds wherever she goes.
The Care Home Cook/Chef Award
Clifford McCrea, Hamberley Care Homes
Clifford, known to residents as “The Artist,” brings five-star hotel flair and heartfelt care to his Southampton home. Honouring his grandmother’s wish to make care home food better for others, he creates fresh, beautifully presented, and nutritionally balanced meals that delight residents every day. Truly exceptional in every way.
Romaine Escoffier, Hallmark Care Home
Romaine, who trained in Michelin-starred kitchens across France and beyond, brings fine dining flair and heartfelt care to his role at Chamberlain Court. His passion for mentoring young chefs and using fresh, colourful produce, he creates dishes that delight residents — always cooked with joy, pride, and purpose.
The Care Home Team Award
Jodie Ray and Natalie Atkins, Kent Autistic Trust
Jodie and Natalie’s close working bond was immediately recognised, and they are committed to making big differences to the lives of those they support. They recognise that sometimes it is the small things that can make such an impact and are dedicated and proactive. Jodie and Natalie are passionate about keeping people as independent as possible and ensuring life is lived to the very fullest.
Queen Elizabeth Court Care Home, Carebase
Heather and her team know how important effective communication is. From management to the care staff, they ensure people feel listened too and have time to discuss any concerns they have. Heather and her team work closely with family’s to make sure they are involved and at ease that their loved ones are being taken care off.
The Home Care Team Award
L A Care Ltd
This care team excels through meticulous recruitment fuelled by shared goals and professionalism, fostering an outstanding culture and unwavering job commitment. Staff longevity ensures consistent service. Crowned Employer of the Year in 2023, it has revolutionised its digital infrastructure in five years, thriving on strong external relationships and referrals.
My Homecare Crowborough
The team thrives because of its excellent external reputation, solid family and community ties, and smooth collaboration—all of which are brought together by common objectives. To better assist customers with difficult behaviours, they have invested in Oliver McGowan and PBS training, as well as started a key well-being program for members.
The Care Innovator Award
Sharon Daltrey, Timeless Presents
Sharon’s thoughtful, low‑tech innovation transforms lived experience into practical, powerful solutions now benefiting many. Her dedication, creativity, and passion drive meaningful change, demonstrating how simple ideas can profoundly improve quality of life. Her work exemplifies innovation rooted in humanity, insight, and real‑world impact.
Sam Dondi-Smith, National Dementia Care Accreditation Scheme
This evidence‑based system uses diverse methods to enhance wellbeing for people with dementia. Their holistic, nurturing approach supports continuous improvement and demonstrates deep commitment to compassionate, high‑quality care. Their work strengthens practice across settings, enriching lives through structured, meaningful support.
The Frontline Leaders Award
Monika Butland, RCB Healthcare
Monika leads with confidence, passion, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Her belief in others’ potential and unwavering support empowers teams to excel. Through dedication, positivity, and strong values, she inspires continuous improvement and demonstrates exceptional frontline leadership.
Jasmin Harber, Belmont Healthcare
Jasmin is a dedicated, impactful leader whose positivity and commitment strengthen her service. Her influence elevates standards and inspires colleagues, reflecting her professionalism and passion. As a highly deserving highly commended candidate, she embodies excellence, compassion, and the spirit of strong leadership.
The Care Assessor Award
Mia Williams, Oaklands Rest Home
Mia delivers truly person-centred assessments that capture the heart and individuality of every person she supports. Her compassionate, detail-driven approach ensures care plans become meaningful life stories, not documents. Deeply respected by families and colleagues alike, Mia embodies excellence, empathy, and dedication in every aspect of care assessment.
Jayne Britchfield, Zander Mackenzie Care UK
Jayne’s dedication to truly person-centred care shines through every assessment she completes. Passionate about promoting independence and dignity, she builds trust, ensures continuity, and empowers people to live life on their own terms. Her compassion, professionalism, and resilience make her an outstanding ambassador for quality and compassionate care.
The Three R’s Award
Parvinder Dusanj and Kiran Gill, Azure Care
Passionate about transforming social care, Kiran and Parvinder lead with empathy and purpose. Through value-based recruitment, inclusive practices, and personal support, they build a loyal, motivated team. Their innovative approach celebrates diversity, promotes wellbeing, and nurtures growth—showcasing how care can be both a meaningful career and a community built on respect and compassion.
L A Care Ltd
Leah spoke with passion and integrity about setting up L A Care. The importance of her staff, and her support of them shone through all that she said. She brought to life her vision of ‘changing the face of social care locally’, and her words resonated strongly throughout the meeting.
The Workforce Development Award
Andrew Wrensch, Connaught Care Collection
Andrew’s passion and enthusiasm for workforce development is outstanding, ensuring individuals are given real opportunities to develop and thrive, incorporating value-based practices. Setting great examples of continuous self-learning and improvement is a real asset. What truly set you apart was your passion- it is evident that you engage with people, advocating and committing to empower the workforce, which exemplified enthusiasm in innovation driven by the purpose of retaining and growing a sustainable dynamic workforce.
Montana Pusey, The Brendoncare Foundation
Montana’s highly infectious and enthusiastic approach demonstrated inclusivity, innovation, and above all else, a real passion for cross functional growth and development within the workforce. Strong aspects of clinical training and building resilience were at the forefront of the workforce development with a strong emphasis on reward and recognition.
The Putting People First Award
Kim Smith, Fitzroy
Kim exemplifies true personalisation in practice. Through creativity, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to person-centred care, she empowers individuals to shape their own support and make informed choices. Her tailored approaches deliver meaningful, measurable impact, ensuring every person is not just supported but genuinely heard, respected, and in control.
Kimberely Gakhal, KASE Care
Kimberely has outstanding dedication to person-centred practice. Consistently tailoring support with creativity and compassion, Kimberley’s commitment to understanding each individual’s goals has enabled greater choice, confidence, and independence, making a significant difference to the people she supports.
The Bridge Care Home, HBC 2021 Ltd
Recognised for their exceptional approach to personalisation, this team continually seek innovative solutions that place people firmly at the heart of decision-making. Their adaptable, thoughtful support empowers individuals to shape their own care, resulting in clear, positive outcomes and enriched quality of life.
The Palliative Carer Award
Sammy Hydes, Littlehampton & Rustington Housing Society
Simply an angel. She demonstrates the true meaning of care by showing empathy, dignity and respect, at the most precious time in someone’s life. She delivers final wishes even in her own time. She is a selfless person, truly invested in making a difference.
The Social Care Nurse Award
Nzi Ahouzan, Swanton Care and Community
Effortlessly demonstrating their conscientious, innovative, insightful and proactive thinking as a nurse. Working collaboratively with NHS partners to educate and advocate for best outcomes for residents with LD and mental health needs, ensuing seamless communication for hospital discharges and reducing the risks of readmissions. Nzi has influenced how residents with clinical needs are supported in their services, and ensured staff are trained and supported to ensure high standards of clinical care are delivered. Constantly working with our health partners to better understand the benefits and value of adult social care.
Personable, passionate and proactive- a real asset to the sector.
Ovi Gall, Barchester Health Care
Inspirational leader who leads by example. Clients are at the centre of everything with dignity, respect and consideration to their individual needs. An advocate in improving practice as a collaborative team with training, competency and supportive leadership.
Ovi approaches problems in a considerate and thoughtful way and understands the collaboration needed in social care between the clinical, quality and operational duties for quality care and safe decision making for residents.
The Housing with Care Award
Litslade Farm, Hightown Housing Association
Samantha is an exceptional Registered Manager who creates true homes, not just housing. Her compassionate leadership, community inclusion, and advocacy for people with complex needs ensures every resident feels valued and empowered. Dedicated, resilient, and person-centred, Samantha truly represents excellence in housing with care.
Sara Barnes, Housing 21
Sara’s outstanding leadership at Housing 21 exemplifies innovation, compassion, and community partnership. She creates vibrant, inclusive environments where independence and wellbeing thrive. Her passion for person-centred housing transforms lives—turning isolation into belonging, buildings into homes, and care into connection. A true pioneer in housing with care.
The Co-Production Award
Chell Seymour, PA Services For You
This award recognises a truly outstanding model of co-production. Through unwavering collaboration, skilled support, and deep respect for their service user’s voice, Chell has transformed complex care into meaningful independence. Chell’s partnership has enabled safer outcomes, stronger relationships, and a life shaped not by limitations but by aspiration and possibility.
The Unpaid Carer Award
Positive Vybez Crew, Positive Solutions Kent CiC
This award celebrates a volunteer-driven initiative that goes far beyond entertainment. The Positive Vybez team creates a vibrant, inclusive space where joy, community, and opportunity flourish. Their commitment outside full-time roles demonstrates extraordinary passion.
The Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award
Charlotte Morel, Trinity Homecare
Charlotte’s contribution to social care is courageous and transformational. Her lived experience fuels compassionate leadership, creating safer, more inclusive environments for neurodivergent staff and the people they support. She empowers teams to understand behaviour as communication, reduces distress, and champions rights, dignity and choice. A fierce advocate, she is truly outstanding.
Kevin Humphreys, Oakland Care Group
Kevin’s impact on social care is profound. He listens, delivers, and champions dignity through action — transforming homes, empowering staff, and shaping national thinking on fair pay and progression. His innovative use of technology improves lives today, while his compassion inspires tomorrow’s leaders. Kevin embodies outstanding contribution in every sense.
