The Care Home Employer Award
Winner-M & D Care
Mike and Gemma eloquently articulated their commitment to being outstanding employers. They foster an environment where every individual is heard, referring to their team as colleagues, as the directors actively participate in day-to-day operations. Their family-run business prioritises valuing each staff member, pursuing continuous improvement, earning a fabulous reputation locally, and truly embodying the essence of exceptional employers.
Highly Commended- Dunster Lodge
The whole management team displayed the best qualities of great employers. They balance care for staff and residents and this care is recognised in the local community. They transcend simple employment, acting as supportive mentors. Ready to go the extra mile during challenges, they demonstrate unwavering confidence and remarkable dedication to their team.
The Home Care Employer Award
Winner- Gillian Holden, Astar Home Care
Exuding warmth and inspiration, this employer possesses a fervent dedication to leading, nurturing, and empowering individuals. With an unwavering commitment to people-centric values, she ensures that every action resonates with care and consideration. Her leadership is characterised by a genuine desire to foster growth and support, recognising that the heart of any endeavour lies the well-being and development of its people.
Highly Commended- Samantha Davis Wright, Wright Care at Home
Dedicated to pioneering solutions for enhancing the quality of life among the elderly.
in the community, this visionary employer embodies innovation. Through her steadfast commitment and the tireless efforts of her team, she endeavours to create meaningful and enriching experiences for older individuals.
The Care Home Worker Award
Winner- Marinette Mafor Nana, Anchor
Marinette demonstrated a calm, controlled and wonderfully gentle but confident approach. She is skilled and puts into action her knowledge and ability to support both clients and staff. She is perceptive and forward-thinking. There is no doubt that Marinnette Mafor Nana is a “Woman to Watch” in the social care world.
Highly Commended- Abhinav Narula, Elm Lodge Care Home
Abhinav recognises the transformative potential of integrating technology into social care, emphasising its ability to bolster individual independence, privacy, and dignity. With a strong urge towards advancing social care technology, Abhinav is poised to lead and champion innovation in this critical domain.
The Home Care Worker Award
Winner-Carol Kentesber, Bluebird Care
Our standout winner, Carol, excels in mental health care for Bluebird, providing compassionate support to a 23-year-old with uncontrolled epilepsy. With patience and vigilance, she meticulously monitors seizures, documenting and communicating with specialists and family. Carol’s extensive training and commitment foster independence and dignity for her client, reflecting her dedication to continuous improvement.
Highly Commended- Jade Sellen- Blossom Homecare
Jade, a Senior Carer at Blossom Homecare, embodies confidence, patience, and genuine care. Her extensive training in various aspects of care equips her to prioritise independence, dignity, and privacy for clients. Jade aspires for society to have a better perception of care and see it as a rewarding career, believing it fosters personal growth and empathy.
The Support Worker Award
Winner- Philip Gahan, Community Integrated Care
Philip’s outstanding passion and unwavering dedication resonated deeply with the judges, leaving a profound impression. He is a true asset to his sector, exuding utmost respect for both the individuals he supports and his colleagues. Philip’s well-deserved victory in this category reflects his exemplary commitment and contribution.
Highly Commended- Aaron Risker, Swanton Care
The judges were thoroughly impressed by Aaron’s exceptional dedication and evident compassion. Despite only being in the role for a year, he consistently exceeds expectations, displaying a remarkable commitment to learning and growth. Aaron’s potential for the future is immense, and he is urged to continue his invaluable contributions to the sector.
The Care Newcomer Award
Winner-Alex Scarlett, The Deaf Academy
A heartfelt congratulations to Alex for her remarkable contributions and unwavering support for both the deaf community and the children you support. Alex’s inspiring story of teaching sign language to a driving instructor, enabling them to teach deaf individuals to drive, is truly uplifting and exemplifies your dedication and impact.
Highly Commended- Sharon Taylor, Creative Support
Congratulations, Sharon! Your unmistakable passion and enthusiasm for your role and the clients you support shine brightly. Your positive energy is truly uplifting and inspiring. Keep up the fantastic work—it’s a pleasure to witness your dedication and positivity in action!
The Care Home Registered Manager (Children & Young People) Award
Winner-Stephen Doody, Londsdale Care
Stephen is an extraordinary individual whose accomplishments in his career are truly inspiring. He should take immense pride in all that he has achieved, as his journey serves as a beacon of motivation and achievement for others.
The Care Home Registered Manager Award
Winner-Claire Callaghan, Knoll Care
Claire embodies the essence of inspirational leadership, achieving remarkable milestones and setting new standards. Her ability to motivate and empower others is unparalleled, fostering a culture of growth and innovation within her team. Claire exemplifies the epitome of effective leadership, leaving a lasting impression on those around her. She should take pride in her accomplishments.
Highly commended – Kirsty Atkins, M & D Care
Kirsty’s presence in the field is nothing short of exemplary, serving as a shining example and an invaluable source of inspiration for her colleagues. Her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence make her a beacon of leadership and a pillar of support for her team.
The Home Care Registered Manager Award
Winner- Charity Hayler-King, My Life Home Care
Charity is inspirational! If we were looking for an advocate to improve recruitment into our sector, Charity is that role model and leader. She went into a service with low morale, and minimal trust from clients, families and commissioners, but has turned it around, and built trust, momentum and energy!
Highly Commended-Christine Archibald, Advantage Healthcare
Christine manages a highly complex service, yet provides an individualised package of care to people, matching the care team to the individual “like a dating agency” via 1-page profiles. Her knowledge and passion is second to none. She is very in tune with the needs and wants of the community she supports.
The Supported Living Manager Award
Winner- Edwine Tembong, Outlook Care
Edwine left the judges wowed with his boundless passion, extending beyond his teams to encompass the individuals he supports, their families, and all stakeholders involved. His comprehensive 360-degree approach to his work was nothing short of mesmerising, offering a holistic perspective that captivated all who listened. At the core of Edwine’s endeavours lies a profound commitment to placing people at the heart of day-to-day life.
Highly Commended-Leanne Squire, Cygnet Healthcare
Leanne exuded passion in her work with those she supports, demonstrating a deep understanding of managerial responsibilities while leveraging her nursing background to offer enhanced support. She exemplified effective team leadership, shining through her compassionate approach, making her a stellar role model for others in the field.
The Dignity in Care Award
Winner- Jade Smethurst, Fairburn Mews (Exemplar Health Care)
Jade has a careful and deliberate approach that emphasises the application of dignity in practice, reflecting a deep-seated respect and consideration for each individual’s well-being. Jade prioritises dignity as an integral part of her care approach, providing excellent support to the residents she supports.
Highly Commended – Caroline Bowstead, Popular Care
Caroline is driven by passion and dedication, and her approach is person-centred. She demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding dignity in her work setting. Caroline has a proactive approach, and her positive impact enriches the experiences of the residents.
The Dementia Carer Award
Winner-Juliet McNeilly. Devonshire Court, Royal Masonic Benevolent Institute
Nothing surpasses Juliet’s commitment to ensuring every resident experiences their best day, every day. With profound empathy, she immerses herself in their dementia journey, offering unwavering support to guide them to safety. We need to bottle Juliet’s secret sauce and share it across the sector!
Highly Commended- Dawn Lyon, Amicura
Dawnie embodies vibrancy and passion as a Lifestyle Support individual. She deeply invests in understanding those under her care, adopting a continuous learning mindset to foster creativity. Her drive to connect with residents fuels her ability to provide invaluable assistance, making her an indispensable asset to their well-being.
The Ancillary Worker Award
Winner- Kirk Ferriter, Dorwin house
Kirk embodies humility and empathy, making him an invaluable asset to both his employers and the residents of his care home. His willingness to lend a helping hand wherever needed and his encouragement for residents to engage actively reflect his outstanding qualities. These attributes, coupled with his evident and sincere kindness, left a permanent impression on all three judges.
Highly Commended- Ashleigh Smith, Spadework
Ashleigh securing a well-deserved second place. Her passion and enthusiasm shone brightly throughout the competition, and she should take immense pride in her achievement.
The Care Home Activity Organiser Award
Winner- Sarah Martin, Exemplar Healthcare
Congratulations, Sarah! Your unwavering dedication, boundless creativity, and profound passion have profoundly enriched the lives of your residents. Your commitment to enhancing their experiences epitomises the highest standard of care excellence. Well done on your outstanding achievements!
Highly Commended- Colin Weaver, Ridgeway Rise Care Home
Heartfelt congratulations, Colin! Your innovative approaches, tireless dedication, and genuine compassion illuminate your path, enriching the lives and happiness of those under your care. Your unwavering commitment is a beacon of inspiration to us all.
Highly Commended Cheryl Morris Sandstone Care Group
Cheryl honours brilliance, and we applaud the outstanding achievement. Cheryl showcased unwavering commitment, ingenuity, and empathy in enhancing residents’ lives. Through her inventive strategies, relentless dedication, and heartfelt concern, she brightens paths to greater well-being and joy.
The Home Care Co-ordinator Award
Winner- Neil Martin, Early Birds Lifestyle Support
Entering the sector with no prior experience and an unrelated degree, he began his journey as a support worker and achieved remarkable outcomes. His transformation is akin to that of Nanny McPhee, evolving personally while driving significant growth within the business. Fuelled by ambition he has great ambition to do more. Moreover, he is determined to inspire others to view care as a viable career option and challenge misconceptions surrounding the field.
Highly Commended- Simina Rus, Sure Care Leeds North
Simina exudes exceptional energy and passion for nurturing and expanding teams. Simina has a unique ability to anticipate and resolve challenges before they arise, demonstrating keen problem-solving skills. Her innovative approach to training within the business has led to significant improvements in the outcomes for individuals under their care, marking a revolution in the industry.
The Chef Award
Winner- Chris Doherty, Mill Lodge Care Centre
Chris exuded an unparalleled passion and enthusiasm for his role, serving as a steadfast role model who wholeheartedly believed in the power of mentoring and training. As a chef, he held steadfast to his commitment to delivering the utmost standards in dining and ensuring top-quality food for his residents. Renowned for his culinary excellence, Chris stood as a beacon of inspiration, embodying the epitome of leadership in his field.
Highly Commended- Kerry Gent
Her boundless dedication to care homes was palpable, embodying an unwavering commitment to others’ well-being. With genuine empathy and tireless effort, she demonstrated a profound love for caregiving, illuminating the path with her compassionate presence.
The Care Home Team Award
Winner- Safe Haven, The Meadows
From the moment our conversation began with Stacy and one of her Team Leaders, Tom, it became abundantly clear how deeply committed they were to their mission: providing children with the safety and love needed to cultivate a promising future for themselves. Their dedication is truly inspiring, making them unquestionably deserving winners of this award.
Highly Commended- Herefordshire Care Homes (Highwell)
The vibrant energy radiating from Trudi and her team permeated through the screen, leaving an indelible impression. They are nurturing not only a positive learning environment for the future of Social Care but, above all, a nurturing and affectionate home for their residents.
The Home Care Team Award
Winner- All Care team, All Care Thames Valley
This vibrant and passionate team infuses magic into every interaction, spreading joy wherever they go. Their dedication to providing genuine person-centred care shines through, adding a touch of personality and warmth to each encounter. With a diverse and enthusiastic group of members, they foster a familial atmosphere, treating one another with the utmost respect and camaraderie.
Highly Commended- The team, Making Space
This team exhibits a profound compassion for their work, fostering a supportive environment where diversity thrives, and community is at the heart of their mission. Driven by determination and focus, they prioritise creating a safe and nurturing environment for their clients, ensuring each individual feels valued and cared for.
The Supported Living Team Award
Winner- Cannock Support Living Team
This team is incredibly passionate and dedicated, with an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those under their care. Their distinctive method of delivering fully customised and comprehensive care truly distinguishes them within the industry.
Highly Commended- Lynne Taylor, Yorkshire Care Group
These remarkable leaders redefine compassionate caregiving with their brilliance, passion, and exceptional leadership. Their unwavering commitment drives transformative change, enriching lives and nurturing communities.
The Care Innovator Award
Winner-Cheryll Champion, LDC Care Co Ltd
Cheryll deserves this award for her ground-breaking work in providing a voice and rights to marginalised groups, particularly those with learning disabilities. She’s shattered societal barriers, ensuring everyone has the right to a fulfilling life. Her innovative approach, including support for relationships, is pioneering and inclusive.
Highly Commended- Barry Sweetbaum, Sweet Tree Home Care Services
Barry’s holistic approach to care spans tailored staff training, a community-focused farm, and innovative technology connecting clients with their families. His initiatives benefit not only clients and staff but also local schools and the environment. Remarkably, these achievements were realized without external funding, showcasing Barry’s visionary leadership and dedication.
The Frontline Leader Award
Winner- Mandy Williams-Vance, Komplex Care
Her contagious passion for caregiving ignites enthusiasm among her teams, fostering unity with her visionary approach. Leading by both example and fervour, she steers the ship, instigates change, and upholds the core values driving the purpose of care.
Highly Commended- Oona Mai-Sharp, Bluebird Care Leeds-North
Genuinely authentic, she embodies the essence of care through profound emotional connections that fuel her sense of purpose. Leading by example, she wholeheartedly lives the support she expects from others, inspiring a culture of empathy and dedication.
The Care Assessor / Planner Award
Winner-Lucy Shaw, Baily House
Lucy exuded passion, professionalism, and enthusiasm, driven by a desire to positively impact those under her care. While she displayed a strong knowledge base, she remained humble on her learning journey, proud of the team’s achievements, including innovative assessment methods. Her compassion and commitment to ongoing improvement make her a valuable asset to our sector.
Highly Commended- Katy Thompson, Bluebird Care
Katy’s dedication to her role and organisation shone brightly as she expressed her passion for effective teamwork, clear communication, and person-centred approaches in the community. She prioritised personalised care plans to guide carers in delivering exceptional care, demonstrating unwavering dedication and drive to ensure clients receive the utmost quality of care consistently.
The Three Rs Award
Winner- Vida Healthcare
It’s commendable that Vida prioritizes long-term changes and invests in staff development, reflecting a forward-thinking approach. Acknowledging mistakes and listening to staff fosters adaptability and a culture of open communication, driving innovation and staff engagement. Their focus on structured progression demonstrates a commitment to continual improvement.
Highly Commended- Joannah Bishop, Better Care at Home
Joannah’s hands-on approach to managing Better Care at Home, prioritizing her team’s well-being, cultivates a positive work environment and enhances staff retention. By addressing individual needs and fostering a supportive atmosphere, she ensures consistency in caregiving relationships, benefiting both employees and clients.
The Workforce Development Award
Winner-Paul Blane, CBAT
Paul’s expertise, passion, and profound understanding of the sector left us thoroughly impressed today. As a true leader in the field, he not only embodies excellence but also inspires the next generation of health and social care professionals.
Highly Commended-Lisa Alcorn, SJOG Hospitaller Services
Lisa proved to be an outstanding candidate, showcasing unparalleled forward-thinking and dedication to driving the company forward. Her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to workforce development left a lasting impression on us all.
The Putting People First Award
Winner – Llesiant Delta Wellbeing Community Response Team
Sarah consistently prioritises a personalised service, always putting people first regardless of the time required. Her commitment was evident when she cut short her maternity leave to return to work and assist service users. Sarah’s dedication is truly inspiring and worthy of commendation.
Highly Commended – Andrew Brickles, Staffordshire County Council
Andrew eloquently expresses his passion for amplifying the voices of individuals with learning disabilities, inspiring others to share this commitment. His tireless efforts ensure that every person, regardless of ability, is valued and heard. Andrew’s dedication epitomises the ethos of the ‘putting people first’ award.
The Palliative / End of Life Award
Winner- Karen Crampton, Carefound Care Home
Karen’s exceptional compassion and understanding of the importance of love and quality experiences shine brightly. Going beyond the norm, she invites individuals into her home, creating lasting memories, including outings in her motorhome. Her remarkable outlook on death is a gift to those facing it, making her a true inspiration.
Highly Commended- Seckford Care Home, Seckford Foundation
Their passion for excellence and dedication to providing top-tier care is evident in every interaction. With a committed team and unwavering integrity, they ensure stable care levels and staff support. Their recent act of enabling a gentleman to pass away at home with his wife, fulfilling his final wishes, exemplifies their profound commitment to honouring love and dignity till the very end.
The Social Care Nurse Award
Winner- Smita Patelia, Barchester Healthcare
A profoundly warm and dedicated nurse, consistently prioritising positive outcomes for residents. Her proactive and innovative approach, coupled with her empathetic nature, sets her apart.
Highly Commended- Lee Davies, Hallmark Care Homes
Lee’s immersion into nursing follows a decade-long career in the armed forces, enriching him with diverse experiences across various NHS settings. Eager to embrace new approaches, he seeks to enhance his leadership and clinical prowess in the social care sector.
The Housing with Care Award
Winner-Kingfisher Court, Cross Keys Care
It was truly delightful to hear your stories today. The passion, care, and boundless energy you exude are truly inspiring. The profound impact you have on your client’s lives is evident, and I commend you all for your remarkable work. Well done!
Highly Commended- Gemma Kendal, Roche Home Care
It was a pleasure meeting you today and learning about your achievements at Roche Home Care. Your dedication to providing quality care shines through, and it’s truly inspiring to witness.
The Co-production Award.
Winner- KingsHill, Making Space
Embracing co-production as a fundamental ethos, where residents are seamlessly integrated into the care team, encourages supported self-management and fosters connections with the broader community. This exemplifies the pinnacle of person-centric care, wherein service users actively shape their care plans to align with their unique needs and preferences.
Highly Commended- SweetTree Learning Disabilities Team, SweetTree Home Care Services
SweetTree Learning’s team sets a remarkable standard for person-centric care, with the supported individual, JOH, playing a pivotal role in directing his care. Leveraging collaboration with JOH’s family and experts, the team ensures a comprehensive approach to meeting his complex needs.”
The Unpaid Carer Award
Winner: South Ayrshire Young Carers, South Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership
This extraordinary team consistently demonstrates a level of dedication that exceeds expectations. The tireless efforts and selflessness of these young carers are truly remarkable and deserve recognition. Their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others, often at such a young age, highlights the depth of their compassion and empathy. Well done!
Highly Commended: Kyle Butcher, Belmont Healthcare
At the age of just 16, Kyle selflessly devotes his time to enriching the lives of Haslington Lodge residents. His commendable volunteer efforts showcase a steadfast dedication to enhancing their quality of life through engaging and stimulating activities. Well done Kyle, for your outstanding contributions!
The Outstanding Contribution Award
Winner – Patricia Sheridan, Moore House Group
Patricia’s unwavering dedication to the well-being of over 1000 children she’s cared for in the past six decades makes her a deserving recipient of this award. Her commitment to continuing excellence ensures that she remains a steadfast support for children and families for years to come. As a visionary entrepreneur, Patricia has established three organisations dedicated to supporting vulnerable children. She is equally passionate about cultivating a skilled and confident workforce to ensure the best possible experience for each individual under their care.
Highly Commended – Paul Dixon, Caring Homes
When the judges met Paul, they were captivated by his entrepreneurial approach to educating wider communities about dementia. His innovative engagement strategies, targeting both younger generations in schools and local communities, have proven creative and successful. Paul’s upcoming project to support young family carers promises to be equally impactful, as he ensures a space that is both enjoyable and inclusive.
