The Care Home Employer Award
Winner: Connaught Care Collection
Connaught Care Collection demonstrates an exceptional commitment to staff wellbeing and creative innovation. The organisation fosters a supportive, inclusive culture, offering a wide range of benefits and recognition initiatives that prioritise employee experience, engagement and professional development. Their forward-thinking approach highlights a genuine dedication to supporting staff while continuously embracing innovation. A very deserving National Winner.
Highly Commended: Moore House Group
Under the visionary leadership of Mrs. Patricia Sheridan, Moore House Group has grown from a single residence into a comprehensive provider of residential, educational, fostering, and psychological services. Her dedication, innovation, and tireless advocacy have transformed support for children and young people. It was a pleasure to hear firsthand about the remarkable impact she has made over the years, achieving the best personalised outcomes through positive, nurturing relationships across all our services.
The Home Care Employer Award
Winner: Egalite
Debbie and Paul are exceptionally thoughtful, caring, and supportive leaders. Their diverse professional backgrounds give them a deep understanding of the challenges their staff face in their roles, enabling them to lead with empathy and insight. They place a strong emphasis on training and professional development, ensuring their team feels valued, skilled, and empowered. Debbie also plays an influential role on the national stage, actively championing the sector and advocating for the needs of carers.
Highly Commended: Complete Care West Yorkshire
Sara is a passionate and compelling advocate whose commitment to her work is both evident and inspiring. She is an exceptional leader; someone people would be proud to work for and who is genuinely invested in developing and empowering her staff. She and her team are deeply embedded in their community, consistently going above and beyond to support and celebrate the people they serve. Her leadership not only strengthens her organisation but also enriches the wider community, and she truly deserves recognition as an outstanding community leader.
The Care Home Worker Award
Winner: John Edmunds, Anchor
John began his career in care inspired by his own family experiences. Originally a painter and decorator, he wanted to do more meaningful work. He consistently went above and beyond for residents, teaching himself to cook their favourite meals, learning sign language, and leading work on the Veteran Friendly Framework to better support those who had served in the armed forces. A truly inspiring story.
Highly Commended: Marc Harrison, Three Bridges Care
Marc began his career as a prison officer, where he noticed individuals who had grown up in care. Determined to make a difference, he moved into residential children’s care. Today, he creates safe, nurturing homes, helping young people feel valued, build trust, and experience the stability of a positive family environment.
The Home Care Worker Award
Winner: Paul Howells, Expanding Horizons
Paul is an exceptional person whose work reflects a deep commitment to high-quality, person-centred care. He combines strong clinical expertise with a specialist ability to support individuals with complex behaviours, always prioritising safety, dignity and respect. Beyond his direct practice, Paul plays a vital role in shaping a positive team culture, encouraging collaboration and modelling compassionate, therapeutic relationships that lead to meaningful, life-changing outcomes for the people he supports.
Highly Commended: Carli Marshall, Community Reablement, Newcastle City Council
Carli is an inspiring individual who makes a lasting impact on both her clients and the wider community through creative intergenerational initiatives. By working closely with local schools to support older people, she creates meaningful connections that reduce isolation and bring genuine joy, from shared projects to memorable seasonal activities. Her work is grounded in deep compassion and a strong commitment to cultural sensitivity, ensuring every person’s heritage, identity and individual needs are recognised, respected and celebrated with pride.
The Care Home Newcomer Award
Winner: Marc Harrison, Three Bridges Care
Marc was truly inspirational, with a passion that shone clearly throughout the judging process. He demonstrated genuine care, empathy and an unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality support to the young people he works with. His energy, dedication and thoughtful reflections left a lasting impression, particularly his belief that every child carries a light which, with the right support, can shine brightly again. Marc is an exceptional individual, and with his continued motivation and compassion, he has an incredibly promising future ahead.
Highly Commended: Jesal Suchak, TLC Care and Holly Turner, Making Space
Both finalists were incredibly inspirational and should feel immensely proud of everything they have achieved. Their commitment to delivering high-quality care and the positive difference they make each day is clear. I hope they continue to flourish in their careers, as their dedication, passion and lasting impact deserve to be recognised and celebrated.
The Home Care Newcomer Award
Winner: Martyn Moore, All Care East Sussex
Martyn is an exceptional newcomer whose proactive approach to learning, composed professionalism, and unwavering commitment to safe, person-centred care distinguish him from his peers. He consistently hones his skills, supports colleagues, and responds decisively under pressure, including delivering life-saving CPR. His reflective mindset and dedication already elevate standards for both clients and teams alike.
Highly Commended: Tom Gillen, Radfield Homecare Wakefield and Huddersfield
Tom is a deeply people-centred and highly dependable care professional who consistently goes above and beyond. Through unwavering commitment, thoughtful dedication, and authentic connection, he builds trust, uplifts spirits, and delivers outstanding care. His calm, compassionate approach has left a lasting, positive impact on the lives of clients and their families.
The Care Home Registered Manager Award
Winner: Grace Holley, Nautilus Welfare Fund
Grace’s journey into social care is truly inspiring. She brings energy, passion and a strong commitment to delivering meaningful, person-centred support. By actively involving the local community, including partnerships with youth groups, she creates opportunities for residents to share their skills and experiences, proving that learning, connection and growth have no age limit. It was lovely to speak with Grace.
Highly Commended: Michael Hollyoak, Prosperity Care and Wellbeing
Michael exemplifies innovation with effective and supportive leadership. He has a genuine commitment to sharing his knowledge and expertise with both his team and the wider community. His contributions have been outstanding, and his dedication continues to make a meaningful impact. Truly commendable work.
The Home Care Registered Manager Award
Winner: Lynn James-Welling, Care First24
There is no greater honour than caring for someone else’s loved ones, and Lynn embodies this completely. She is truly amazing. Her dedication, compassion, and leadership have left an extraordinary legacy; a thriving business in the hands of her team and 20–30 new nurses entering social care. Lynn’s philosophy, “We are only as good as the last hour of care we delivered,” reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence. Her impact is profound, making her a truly deserving national winner.
Highly Commended: Roz Price, McCarthy Stone
Roz is genuinely wonderful, combining warmth, compassion and professionalism in everything she does. She takes the time to truly get to know people’s stories, listens attentively, and consistently prioritises quality of life. Her dedication and leadership set a shining example, and she is always at the forefront of everyone’s mind when they visit, deeply admired by all around her.
The Dignity in Care Award
Winner: Amanda Holmes, Sexual Health Services 4 Newcastle
Amanda expertly balances being both a carer and an advocate for those she supports. Her work in sexual health and screening, particularly for people with learning disabilities and their families, makes a profound and dignified difference. She provides safe, sensitive, and accessible care that empowers individuals to understand their bodies, make informed choices, and feel respected. With compassion, clarity, and unwavering commitment, Amanda removes barriers to ensure everyone receives the guidance, support, and dignity they deserve. Her work is truly life-changing on multiple levels.
Highly Commended: Alia Tembo, Bluebird Care
Alia, who left her home and family to come to the UK, embodies extraordinary courage and compassion. She brings her skills, warmth, and resilience to support others, providing dignity and comfort every day. Her sacrifice demonstrates deep commitment, and her presence enriches the lives of those she cares for. Guided by her mantra, “If you give people choice, you give them hope,” Alia inspires and empowers everyone around her.
The Dementia Carer Award
Winner: Matthew Berrisford, Exemplar Healthcare
Matthew possesses exceptional dementia expertise and a genuine passion for supporting his residents. A true ambassador for outstanding dementia care, he champions research, learning, and innovation to enhance practice. His dedication consistently elevates quality of life, dignity, and wellbeing for people living with dementia, making a meaningful, lasting impact every day.
Highly Commended: Cindy Neale, Home Instead
Cindy is a compassionate leader in dementia care, blending deep expertise with a heartfelt dedication to those she serves. She uses music as a powerful tool to spark joy, create meaningful connections, and enrich the daily lives of her residents. With her commitment to person-centred care, Cindy ensures that every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and genuine attention to their unique needs.
The Ancillary Worker Award
Winner: Ryan Brooks, Coate Water Care
Ryan’s exceptional dedication and the positive impact he has on residents’ daily lives was evident. As a maintenance professional, he goes well beyond his role, leading a popular Men’s Club every Thursday where residents can connect and enjoy quality time together. His kindness, initiative, and pride in his work make him a standout example of compassionate care, consistently going above and beyond for both the residents and the home.
Highly Commended: Andy Fletcher, Bondcare
Andy is far more than a maintenance man. He actively engages with residents, taking them to football matches, the cinema, theatre, and shopping trips. He makes time to talk with residents, ensuring everyone feels included, and provides companionship to those who are bed-bound by sitting with them and offering meaningful conversation. His dedication goes beyond his job description, bringing connection, joy, and care to everyone he supports.
The Care Home Activities Organiser Award
Winner: Jennifer Forrest, Parklane Healthcare
Jennifer is extremely passionate about her work and demonstrates genuine care for every resident. She takes the time to work with them individually, understanding their needs and supporting them with patience and dedication. She consistently goes above and beyond, ensuring that clients have meaningful opportunities to go out, engage with the community, and enjoy new experiences. Her commitment, compassion, and positive impact make her a very deserving national winner.
Highly Commended: Natalia Graves and Lauren Haselton, Care is Central
Natalie and Lauren bring so much joy to the care home through a variety of activities that change daily, keeping residents engaged and happy. They take the time to understand each resident’s interests, ensuring everyone can participate and enjoy themselves. Their dedication and positive energy create meaningful experiences that help residents feel valued, connected, and uplifted every day.
The Home Care Co-ordinator Award
Winner: Gemma Singleton, Premier Community
Gemma runs a large area and leads a sizable team with skill, dedication, and a clear sense of purpose. She maintains a strong focus on person-centred care while ensuring balance and support for her team. With big plans and the energy to see them through, Gemma consistently demonstrates the vision and drive to make a real and lasting difference in the care sector.
Highly Commended: Becky Smith, Abhi Rose Homecare
Becky has faced adversity with remarkable resilience and always puts her clients and team at the heart of her work. Becky’s person-centred approach fosters trust and comfort for clients and families. She trains, supports, and empowers her staff while consistently ensuring high-quality care. Her professionalism, commitment, and dedication make her inspiring.
The Care Home Cook/Chef Award
Winner: Adam Russell and his Kitchen Team, QME Care
Adam and his team consistently exemplify outstanding teamwork, a deep passion for their roles, and genuine care for residents. They are dedicated to innovation, meticulous attention to detail, and the safe, thoughtful preparation of modified and special diets, ensuring every resident receives the highest standard of nutrition and care.
Highly Commended: Sarah Scott, Belong
Guided by heart and fuelled by passion, Sarah’s cooking is more than just a craft. It is an act of care. Every meal she prepares is thoughtfully crafted to bring comfort, nourishment, and joy to residents, reflecting her deep respect for their individuality and well-being.
The Care Home Team Award
Winner: Blamsters Coach House,ivolve Care and Support
The outcomes this team achieves for the people they support are genuinely moving, reflecting impact that is both meaningful and enduring. Their work goes beyond routine care, rooted in authentic relationships, deep listening, and a clear understanding of what matters most to each person. Through a strong commitment to person-centred practice, they empower individuals to build confidence, gain independence, and pursue goals that once felt out of reach. Refusing to accept the status quo, they continually reflect and innovate to deliver compassionate, responsive support that transforms lives and strengthens the wellbeing of individuals, families, and the wider community around them.
Highly Commended: Griffin Lodge, Community Integrated Care
Your passion for person-centred care was evident in every word you shared, bringing a sense of authenticity and purpose to each response. It was clear that your commitment is deeply held, driven by compassion and a strong belief in making a real difference in people’s lives. The insight, warmth, and conviction you demonstrated were inspiring and reflect the very best of the sector.
The Home Care Team Award
Winner: Woodbury View Team, Lifeways
A deeply person-centred, compassionate, and adaptable team, dedicated to ensuring people feel genuinely heard, empowered, and happy. They work seamlessly together, intuitively understanding what matters most. Offering gentle, thoughtful support to those experiencing grief, they bring warmth, empathy, and insight, creating a space where people feel truly understood. centred, compassionate, and adaptable team, dedicated to ensuring people feel genuinely heard, empowered, and happy. They work seamlessly together, intuitively understanding what matters most. Offering gentle, thoughtful support to those experiencing grief, they bring warmth, empathy, and insight, creating a space where people feel truly understood.
Highly Commended: The Team, Complete Care West Yorkshire
A team defined by a strong sense of togetherness, where everyone works seamlessly and communicates with positivity. Their approach is genuinely human, warm, and authentic. A team that truly connects, collaborates, and supports one another. Keep doing the amazing work you are doing!
The Care Innovator Award
Winner: Nitesh Somani, Kara Healthcare
Nitesh had a clear and compelling vision: to develop an innovation that empowered Kara Healthcare employees to be the best version of themselves in their roles. By supporting staff to work more effectively and confidently, his approach helped create the conditions for consistently high-quality, person-centred care for the people they support.
Highly Commended: What-To-Do.co.uk, Community Integrated Care
This inspiring team delivers meaningful online experiences for people with disabilities through engaging classes, including sessions with well-known personalities. Their creativity, dedication, and perseverance create unique opportunities that foster inclusion, encourage active participation, and empower individuals to connect and thrive.
The Frontline Leaders Award
Winner: Lauren Westgarth, Accomplish Group
Lauren leads with empathy, inclusion, and unwavering positivity. She uplifts morale through recognition, creative problem solving, and authentic collaboration with staff, families, and residents. Her innovative, person-centred approach turns challenges into achievements, consistently enhancing engagement and outcomes. Passionate and tireless, she goes above and beyond. An exceptional frontline leader and a true standout. centred approach turns challenges into achievements, consistently enhancing engagement and outcomes. Passionate and tireless, she goes above and beyond. An exceptional frontline leader and a true standout.
Highly Commended: Liz Jamieson, Intobiege
Liz leads with pride, professionalism and authentic person-centred care. She transformed a struggling home by raising standards through leading by example, innovative training and inclusive practices. Her humour, energy and dedication inspire staff engagement and bring joy to residents. Resilient, deeply caring, and unwavering in her commitment, Liz consistently gives 100% and is making a truly remarkable impact.
The Care Assessor/ Planner Award
Winner: Joanne Fitzpatrick, Blossom Care Homes
Joanna delivers compassionate, person-centred assessments that reflect each client’s individuality. Combining warmth, clarity, and her social work expertise, she builds trust with families and care teams. Supported by AI tools, her thorough, evolving care plans ensure carers provide precise, high-quality, dignified care, positively impacting the lives of those she supports. A very deserving winner.
Highly Commended: Mia Williams, Oaklands Rest Home
Mia delivers person-centred assessments that capture the individuality of every person she supports. Her compassionate, detail-focused approach transforms care plans into meaningful life stories rather than mere documents. She oversees assessments, reviews, and audits to ensure care is accurate, consistent, and responsive to changing needs. Collaborating with residents, families, healthcare professionals, Mia creates plans that are both clinically robust and deeply personal. Well done!
The Three R’s Award
Winner: Nitesh Somani, Kara Healthcare
Kara has transformed underperforming homes into thriving, high-quality services by prioritising culture, development, and staff wellbeing. Their low turnover and long-serving workforce reflect a supportive environment where people feel valued and empowered. Through the Kara Training Academy, clear career pathways drive progression and professional growth, while personalised recognition and family-centred support shape everyday practice. Innovative initiatives such as ‘Crèche in Care’ and meaningful reward programmes foster loyalty, pride, and consistently outstanding care.
Highly Commended: RMBI Care Company
RMBI is a national provider employing 1,500 staff, with significant investment in values-based recruitment, clear career pathways, and sector-leading learning and development. Their culture champions kindness, wellbeing, and meaningful recognition, brought to life through authentic storytelling, structured induction, buddying programmes, OSKAR awards, and comprehensive benefits. Across 17 locations, staff feel connected, valued, and supported to thrive.
The Workforce Development Award
Winner: Aimee Green, Expanding Horizons
A firm believer in people’s potential and consistently innovative in her approach, she has quickly developed a deep and nuanced understanding of the care sector in just two years. Her insight, dedication, and forward-thinking ideas have already made a significant impact, establishing her as a valuable and inspiring asset to the industry.
Highly Commended: Ruth Bishop, Anchor
Every team needs a Ruth! She has a deep understanding of the challenges in care settings and a remarkable ability to spot potential in her colleagues. Through her guidance and support, many team members have progressed from team leaders to deputies and beyond. Her dedication, insight, and encouragement make her an invaluable asset to any team.
The Putting People First Award
Winner: Lisa Coates – Peers, Making Space
A Senior Psychological and Wellbeing Practitioner supporting formerly institutionalised individuals brings exceptional skill, patience, and humanity. Her insight guides people safely into everyday care and support, restoring dignity, confidence, and stability. Through thoughtful assessment, advocacy, and steadfast professionalism, she creates pathways to independence and improved wellbeing, making a profound, lasting difference in every life they touch.
Highly Commended: Neil Young, Cygnet
Neil puts people first, making an extraordinary impact in everything he does. Through kindness, patience, and genuine respect, he creates a safe, welcoming space where everyone feels valued and equal. His quiet reliability and willingness to help install trust and dignity into everyday life, shows that compassionate care goes beyond job titles, and it’s rooted in character and humanity.
The Palliative Carer Award
Winner: Julie McAvoy and Ruth Naylor-Thomas, Unity PEOLC
Julie and Ruth have consistently demonstrated exceptional passion, dedication, and leadership in the field of Health and Social Care. Through their vision and commitment, they have carefully developed a specialised service that enables patients and their loved ones to create cherished, lasting memories during some of life’s most challenging moments.
Their work goes far beyond meeting professional responsibilities—they play a pivotal role in fulfilling wishes, bringing comfort, and creating meaningful experiences that families will treasure forever. Julie and Ruth are truly inspiring professionals whose compassion, integrity, and unwavering drive set them apart. They continually exceed expectations, making a profound and lasting difference in the lives of those they support.
Highly Commended: Sammy Hydes, Littlehampton & Rustington Housing Society
Sammy is a rare and remarkable soul who leads with compassion in everything she does. She consistently goes far beyond the expectations of her role, delivering deeply personal, person-centred support that keeps humanity at the heart of end-of-life care. Her warmth, empathy, and unwavering kindness make her a true light in the lives of those she supports and their families.
The Social Care Nurse Award
Winner: N’zi Ahouzan, Swanton Care and Community
N’zi has quickly made a measurable difference, enhancing outcomes for residents while building staff skills and confidence. Drawing on her legal expertise, she bridges legislation and daily practice, develops guidance to prevent unsafe discharges, and champions Adult Social Care nursing, supporting student placements to ensure safe, person-centred, high-quality care. Her leadership, advocacy, and vision make her a truly deserving award winner—well done!
Highly Commended: The Team, The Old Rectory Nursing Home (Doncaster) Ltd
Alex demonstrates exceptional compassion and professional curiosity, delivering person-centred care in older people and end-of-life services. The team champion education, develop innovative emotional support initiatives, and collaborate with partners to enhance staff training. Their leadership, innovation, and commitment to continuous improvement make them a highly deserving Highly Commended recipient.
The Housing with Care Award
Winner: Kim Clibery & Heidi Francis, Making Space (National Social Care Charity)
Kim Clibery and Heidi Francis have spent 17 years transforming Hollymere, part of Making Space, into a true home for 28 residents with complex needs. Through innovative intergenerational programmes, strong partnerships, and exceptional person-centred care, they enable individuals to transition from institutional mental health settings to independent living, gaining skills, confidence, and meaningful connections.
Highly Commended: Steven Corbin, Safe Haven Group
Steve Corbin has transformed outcomes for care leavers in Doncaster by creating an innovative 18+ supported accommodation service that prevents homelessness and provides continuity beyond traditional provision. His dedication is exemplified by a young father who escaped exploitation and built a stable life with his daughter, reflecting Steve’s unwavering commitment to ensuring vulnerable young people are not abandoned at 18.
The Co-Production Award
Winner: Abby Cummings, 1st Grade Care
Abby Cummings sets a new standard in co-production, shaping care through genuine collaboration, empathy and respect. She consistently places individuals at the heart of decision-making, ensuring their voices are heard, valued and acted upon. Her inclusive approach empowers people to take an active role in their care, strengthens team cohesion and drives positive, sustainable outcomes. Through her commitment to dignity and partnership, Abby delivers care that is not only effective but deeply meaningful to those she supports.
Highly Commended: Chell Seymour, PA Services for You
Chell demonstrates a strong commitment to co-production, combining expert support, collaboration and genuine respect for her client’s voice. She plays a vital role in supporting young adults with complex needs, helping to turn challenging situations into greater independence and safer, more positive outcomes. Through her empathy, partnership approach and consistency, Chell builds meaningful connections and creates opportunities that enhance quality of life.
The Unpaid Carer Award
Winner: Positive Vybez Crew, Positive Solutions Kent CiC
Positive Vybez are deserving winners because their volunteer-led initiative transforms lives through inclusion, joy, and empowerment. By creating a safe, vibrant space for adults with additional needs, they break barriers, build confidence, and foster genuine belonging. Their impact is profound, sustainable, and driven entirely by community spirit and compassionately delivered.
The Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award
Winner: Nitesh Somani, Kara Healthcare
Nitesh’s leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment has made a lasting impact on the organisation he supports and the people whose lives are enriched by his work. He consistently exceeds expectations, driving sustainable change and championing the highest standards of care. By fostering accountability, compassion, and continuous improvement, he strengthens services, empowers teams, and demonstrates the strategic vision and empathy that define exceptional social care leadership.
Highly Commended: Bala Natarajan, Chosen Care Group
Bala Natarajan has transformed social care through pioneering AI innovation. By introducing Care AIRO Vision, he revolutionised medication safety, eliminating errors and improving accuracy without reliance on manual checks. His visionary leadership enhances efficiency, empowers carers, protects service users, and sets new standards for quality, safety, and digital transformation. Keep up the amazing work.
