This award recognises employers’ dedication to delivering exceptional care, showcasing their success in providing high-quality services and driving continuous improvement.

Nominees must demonstrate strong leadership, effective workforce development, and a commitment to learning and innovation. They should show adaptability to evolving social care priorities and a dedication to person-centred care that upholds clients’ dignity and privacy.

Examples of client satisfaction, positive outcomes, and active engagement with clients, carers, and relatives are essential. Employers must also illustrate how they foster a caring culture and articulate what makes their service uniquely outstanding.

This award celebrates excellence, innovation, and the impact of exceptional care.

This award honours the vital contribution of Home Care Workers in delivering high-quality care to individuals in their own homes. Nominees should empower clients to make decisions, maintain independence, and receive dignified, personalised support that respects their privacy.

Judges will seek evidence of collaboration with clients and their carers, a willingness to go the extra mile, and a proactive approach to personal development through training and learning. Adaptability, responsiveness, and initiative in meeting individual needs are essential. Open to Personal Assistants, this award celebrates those who consistently provide exceptional care, fostering independence and improving the lives of those they support.

This award recognises the Registered Home Care Manager who has demonstrated exceptional expertise in managing the complexities of a home care service. The ideal candidate will show vision in developing person-centred care while supporting staff to meet the evolving needs of service users.

The manager should demonstrate how their service is “Well Led” and show a commitment to dignity, privacy, and quality care. They must illustrate how they involve clients and families in service development, provide examples of client benefits, and showcase leadership best practices such as staff training, supervision, and ongoing professional development.

This award honours a care team that exemplifies a shared vision, strong leadership, and effective collaboration. Team members should clearly understand their roles, take personal responsibility for their tasks, and foster open communication, cooperation, and mutual trust.

The winning team will prioritise dignity and privacy for residents while maintaining high morale and recognising each member’s unique skills. They should embody person-centred care, actively involving residents, carers, and relatives in service development. A commitment to learning, professional growth, and conflict resolution is essential, alongside demonstrating what makes them stand out.

This award celebrates an individual who has demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurial skills by developing and successfully implementing a new service, system, or product. The innovation must bring clear benefits to staff, the organisation, and service users, with a measurable impact on improving outcomes and driving excellence.

Nominees should showcase their vision, creativity, and determination in overcoming challenges to bring their idea to life. Strong evidence of the innovation’s success and its contribution to the care sector is essential.

This award recognises an individual or team that delivers exceptional person-centred services in supported housing. Nominees should demonstrate their ability to meet complex care and support needs while fostering community engagement.

The winner will be outcome-focused, ensuring high-quality care that empowers individuals to live independently while remaining active in the wider community. They should showcase how their approach promotes autonomy and inclusion, helping individuals thrive both at home and socially.

This award honours a carer or former carer who has shown exceptional dedication and advocacy for unpaid carers. It recognises those who have made a significant impact in their community or in the life of a vulnerable person.

Open to individuals of all ages, this award celebrates meaningful contributions made in the past 18 months without financial reward. Nominees should demonstrate how their efforts have significantly improved the lives of a vulnerable person, supported other carers, or gone above and beyond in their role.

(This award will be judged solely on written submissions.)

This award highlights the vital role of food and nutrition in care homes, recognising the contributions of catering teams, care staff, and nutrition-focused initiatives. It celebrates efforts such as staff training, resident engagement, hydration promotion, and the use of local produce.

The winner will demonstrate a commitment to providing an enjoyable mealtime experience, offering varied and nutritious menus, particularly for those with special dietary needs. Key criteria include promoting healthy food choices, maintaining hygiene standards, contributing to sustainability, and adhering to CQC’s Outcome 5 on nutritional needs. Evidence may include menus, training plans, receipts, photos, and supporting statements.

This category recognises organisations and individuals who have embraced innovative approaches to recruitment, retention, and recognition. We are looking for strategies that attract top talent, celebrate workplace excellence, and ensure a highly motivated, skilled workforce.

The award highlights initiatives that create a positive work environment, support professional growth, and prioritise employee recognition and rewards. Successful nominees will demonstrate how their strategies have led to improved staff satisfaction, enhanced performance, and long-term organisational success.

This award recognises an individual who demonstrates the specific skills required to manage and deliver services that are sensitive to the needs of older people with dementia, while reflecting the provider organisation’s commitment to meeting the increasing demand for such care.

The nominee should have a clear understanding of dementia, providing personalised care that respects each individual’s uniqueness. They should show how they help individuals maintain their skills and abilities, use effective communication, and address nutritional needs. The individual must provide examples of high-quality night-time care, demonstrate a passion for improving dementia care, and be adaptable, responsive, and impactful.

This award celebrates an individual who has played a crucial role in workforce development within care services. The ideal nominee will demonstrate exceptional enthusiasm and determination in identifying training and development needs for care staff.

They should have established ongoing training programmes, secured funding, and inspired staff to engage in professional development. The winner will be someone who fosters a culture of continuous learning and development, enhancing skills and career opportunities within the sector.

This award recognises an individual who can demonstrate the importance of conducting thorough initial assessments followed by personalised care plans that reflect the needs and preferences of each client.

The nominee should be able to show how they collaborate with the team to ensure clients are satisfied with the services provided. Additionally, they must explain the significance of regular reviews and maintaining continuity of staff, ensuring that care remains consistent and aligned with the evolving needs of the individual. The nominee’s ability to deliver person-centred care and work effectively within a team will be key to their success in this award.

This award celebrates an exceptional nurse in social care who demonstrates compassion, innovation, and leadership. The recipient will be recognised for their dedication to improving lives, advocating for vulnerable individuals, and driving meaningful change.

They should exemplify excellence in holistic, person-centred care, setting a high standard for the nursing profession within social care settings.

This award recognises an outstanding Care Home Registered Manager who demonstrates expertise, leadership, and a clear vision for developing high-quality, person-centred care. The ideal nominee will show adaptability to changing social care priorities and a commitment to continuous improvement.

They should provide evidence of exceptional leadership, including best practices in staff recruitment, training, supervision, and professional development. The nominee should also highlight meaningful activities, respect for dignity and privacy, and active engagement with residents and families in shaping care services. Clear examples of improved resident outcomes and satisfaction are key.

This award honours an individual who excels in maximising client independence and choice while upholding privacy and dignity at all times. The nominee should articulate their understanding of dignity and demonstrate how they inspire others to advance this agenda, promoting rights, respect, and autonomy.

They must show how their services protect and promote dignity through respect, self-esteem, social inclusion, and privacy, with examples of making a tangible difference, even against challenges. Evidence of team collaboration, staff development, and clear plans for improvement are essential. Feedback from clients and colleagues should highlight exceptional experiences of dignity and respect. Dignity Champions are encouraged to showcase their impact.

This award recognises excellence in person-centred ancillary services, such as those provided by handypersons, cleaners, and receptionists, who deliver exceptional support with dignity and respect. Candidates should exemplify treating each client as an individual and take pride in delivering outstanding service.

Nominees must demonstrate excellence in their role, using initiative to go above and beyond, with specific examples of how they achieve this. They should show a commitment to dignity, respect, and personalised care while taking pride in their work. Evidence of positive client feedback and examples of initiatives that have made a difference are essential.

This award recognises the Home Care Coordinator who excels in effectively managing their care team while keeping clients at the centre of the service. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, motivating and supporting staff to ensure continuity of care for clients.

Nominees must show how their coordination is both efficient and cost-effective for the organisation. They should highlight how they ensure staff are well-trained to meet the individual needs of vulnerable clients and offer support for lone workers. Additionally, they must demonstrate how they stay up to date with technology and regulatory requirements, ensuring quality and compliance.

This award recognises an individual who demonstrates exceptional professionalism and compassion in supporting someone at the end of their life. Nominees should outline the specific training and skills they have developed for this sensitive role, emphasising the importance of maintaining dignity and respect during this time.

They should also demonstrate how they provide emotional support to families and friends, helping them navigate the challenges of a loved one’s end-of-life journey. The ideal candidate will show a deep commitment to care, offering comfort and guidance to both the individual and their support network in a compassionate, respectful manner.

This award recognises a new member of staff who has joined the care sector within the last 12 months, either for the first time or after at least two years away. The nominee should demonstrate how they have transferred existing skills from volunteering, life experiences, or previous employment into their new role.

They must show a clear understanding of their responsibilities and what “care” means, providing examples of excellent people skills and good practice. The individual should be aware of the choices available to service users and demonstrate empathy, responsiveness, and a commitment to improving their knowledge across different settings.

This award recognises initiatives that excel in fostering collaboration between individuals who use services, caregivers, and professionals to enhance the quality and effectiveness of social care. It celebrates innovative practices that prioritise the voices and contributions of all stakeholders in shaping and delivering person-centred care solutions.

The recipient will demonstrate how collaborative approaches lead to improved outcomes, better communication, and a more inclusive and effective care environment. Emphasising mutual respect and shared responsibility, this award honours those who create meaningful partnerships to deliver exceptional care and drive positive change within the social care sector.

(Please note, this award will be judged solely on written submissions.)

This award recognises an Activity Organiser who provides a needs-led, engaging, and varied programme for residents. Nominees should showcase creativity and responsibility in organising activities, either independently or in collaboration with senior staff.

They must provide examples of a wide range of activities, demonstrate an understanding of individual needs, and highlight sources of inspiration, such as organisations like the Alzheimer’s Society or Stroke Association. Evidence of resident and family involvement, as well as successful, inclusive activities, is essential. Passion, innovation, and clear positive impact are key criteria.

This award recognises a supervisor, senior care worker, team leader, or first-time manager who has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving care and support delivery within their team.

The ideal candidate will have shown leadership qualities by reflecting on areas for improvement and actively supporting others to drive positive change. They should inspire their team to strive for excellence in care, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Their ability to motivate and guide colleagues, implement effective solutions, and lead by example will be key attributes in receiving this recognition.

This award recognises an individual or team that has embraced the ‘Putting People First’/Personalisation agenda, empowering individuals to take greater control over their support.

Nominees should demonstrate how they tailor services to meet each person’s unique needs, enabling them to make informed decisions about their care. Key factors include creativity in solution-finding, person-centred care, and measurable impact on service users. 

This special award honours an individual who has made a lasting, outstanding contribution to social care. Open to nominees from all areas of the sector, this award recognises dedication, leadership, and innovative approaches that have significantly improved the quality of care.

The recipient will have demonstrated exceptional commitment over time, leaving a positive and enduring impact on both the sector and the lives of those they have supported.