The Care Home Employer Award
Winner: Future Directions CIC
This company was excellent in showcasing that their staff always come first. They are willing to go that extra step to make sure everyone is happy within the workplace whether that be by delivering goodies in the office, team days out or simply offering them an additional level of support.
Highly Commended
The Birtenshaw Group
David is truly dedicated to making a difference for both his staff and his students. As a CEO he is very hands-on, and to this day he still delivers training to staff members and is involved in the hiring process of all staff.
The Home Care Employer Award
Winner: AStar Homecare Services
A dynamic husband and wife duo embarked on their journey to establish A Star Homecare five years ago, starting from the humble confines of their kitchen table. Armed with a meticulously crafted five-year business plan, they soared to remarkable success from day one, achieving an ‘Outstanding’ rating within their very first year of operation.
Highly Commended: Twilight Years Ltd
Michelle’s commitment and unswerving belief in the ongoing development of her family business are a testament to her unwavering pride. Her enthusiasm radiates as she contemplates the devoted team that envelops her, sharing a collective wholehearted commitment to the betterment of the community.
The Care Home Worker Award
Winner: Sharon Hanson, HC-One
Sharon may not fully grasp her own exceptional qualities. Despite facing health challenges, she remains a warm and caring individual who consistently goes above and beyond. Her resilience shines through as she not only returns to work but also dedicates herself to delivering her best. It was truly a pleasure for me to interview Sharon.
Highly Commended: Damoya Chewe, Heron Hill Care Home
Damoya, a stellar addition to Heron Hill since August 2020, shines on night shifts from a residential care background. Colleagues and residents alike admire his excellence and conscientiousness. His compassionate approach to individualized resident care makes him an invaluable asset.
The Home Care Worker Award
Winner: Sanju Varghese, Caremark Liverpool
Sanju has not only established great relationships but has also demonstrated remarkable sensitivity and compassion. His ability to build trust with those under his care reflects his genuine and caring nature, ensuring that he can provide them with the utmost support.
Highly Commended: Flaka Salihu, KTG Recruitment Ltd
Her selfless approach prioritizes their needs, demonstrating a calming and consistent presence, especially with complex cases. Committed to personal development, she actively seeks learning opportunities through mandatory and specialist training, workshops, and e-learning, ensuring top-notch care.
The Support Worker Award
Winner: Philip Gahan, Community Integrated Care, Holmdale
Philips’s dedication goes above and beyond, evident in crafting custom guitars for all. Phil’s creative touch extends to capturing cherished moments and creating unforgettable videos for all.
Highly Commended: Vicky Battersby, Community Integrated Care
Vicky Battersby’s exceptional commitment to Stephen’s happiness is truly remarkable. In less than two years, she has transformed his life, orchestrating unique experiences.
The Care Newcomer Award
Winner: Rebecca Heywood, Bridgewater Day Care
Rebecca exudes a genuine passion for her role, revelling in the positive impact she brings to her clients’ lives. Her ability to provide concrete examples of person-centred care reflects her commitment. Overflowing with positivity and passion, she expresses gratitude to her team and managers for the fulfilling career she unequivocally loves.
Highly Commended: Talia Murphy, Carefound Homecare
Talia radiates love for her role, illustrating it through vivid examples of creating special moments for her clients each day. Her passion and genuine care shine through as she goes the extra mile to ensure personalized care is at the forefront of her service to all under her care.
The Care Home Registered Manager Award (Children, Young People & Families)
Winner: Stephen Doody, Londsdale Care
Stephen left a lasting impression with his fervent dedication to uplifting children and others. He’s on a mission to make a positive impact on every individual and family he encounters. His passion shines through every word he utters, and meeting Stephen was an absolute delight.
Highly Commended: Emma Smith, ROC Northwest
The passion and care for the boys and dedication to improving the quality of life and showing the boys what love is was beautiful to see. Interviewing from the pumpkin patch rather than stopping the day shows just how important it was for you for the boys to have fun.
The Care Home Registered Manager Award
Winner: Claire Callaghan, Knoll Care
Claire’s service is top-notch, earning an Outstanding rating from CQC. Beyond excellence, she goes the extra mile, running a menopause clinic and offering mental health support for her staff. Claire’s commitment to both service and well-being sets an inspiring standard in her field. Kudos to her outstanding achievements!
Highly Commended: Sue Ravenhall, Danforth
Sue spoke with great passion about her newly commissioned home and how she has created a supportive and skilled workforce. She leads her team with conviction.
The Home Care Registered Manager Award
Winner: Sarah Crease, Care Mark Liverpool
She infuses her work with genuine values, wholeheartedly believing in her mission, and radiating passion. A truly inspirational woman and a genuine winner—her commitment to excellence is truly commendable. Keep up the amazing work!
Highly Commended: Johanna Dunning, Right at Home, Mid Cheshire
An amazing woman who shone throughout. Her own daily battles have made her the amazing caring and compassionate manager is. Her emotion and passion showed throughout. Keep being you and doing the amazing job you are doing
The Supported Living Manager Award
Winner: Nicola Johnstone, Belong
Nicola and her team embody genuine dedication to inclusive and blended living. They strive to make the community a lifelong home where everyone feels not just included but truly part of a unified whole. Their innovative initiatives transcend expectations, going above and beyond to enrich and enhance the community experience.
Highly Commended: Katie Martin, Stepping Stones Services
Katie exemplifies unwavering dedication to the service, its users, and the staff. Committed to staying informed and providing top-notch support, even during maternity leave, she goes above and beyond by actively engaging with the service twice weekly to offer continuous support.
The Dignity in Care Award
Winner: Kate Tiffin, Kendal Care home, Abbey Health Care Ltd
Her unwavering commitment extends beyond standard caregiving, dedicating significant time daily to connect personally with residents. Kate’s empathetic approach addresses emotional well-being, fostering trust and companionship. Tailored interactions empower residents, promoting a dignified and respectful environment. Her dedication sets her apart, making a profound positive impact.
Highly Commended: Diane Springall, Bridgewater Day Care
Diane effortlessly articulates her profound understanding and unwavering commitment to upholding dignity in her service. Her vivid examples of supported individuals reflect a deep pride in the impactful assistance they provide
The Dementia Carer Award
Winner: Theresa Abraham, Anchor
Theresea’s true passion shone through, and she demonstrated true person-centred care. Theresa is a strong mentor and excels in dementia care.
Highly Commend Joanne Hemsley, Bridgewater Day Care
Joanne communicates with exceptional skill, treating each client personally and compassionately. Joanne’s inclusive ideas and activities cater to all levels, fostering new friendships while rekindling past hobbies. Passionate about creating a home away from home, Joanne expertly connects with clients across varying stages of dementia.
The Ancillary Worker Award
Winner: Cameron Rowen, Keate House
Radiating passion for making a difference, he goes the extra mile, exuding a presence that lights up any room. A joy to work with and remarkably humble. Without a doubt, a thoroughly deserving winner. Keep up the exceptional work!
Highly Commended: Gary Richardson, Abbey healthcare
An extraordinary individual, he dedicates 110% to his work, joyously making a profound impact on residents. Caring and naturally lovely, his empathy shines through. A truly well-deserved acknowledgement. Keep excelling and being your authentic, exceptional self!
The Care Home Activity Co-ordinator Award
Winner: Louise, Joanne and Sheila, Lifeways
What an incredible trio! Their stories captivated me so much that I almost forgot to take notes. They embody a true sense of family and independence, granting complete freedom and choice to the ladies they support. A clear winner —never change a thing!
Highly Commended: Liam Brown, The Abbeyfield Society
An imaginative soul, Liam infuses creativity and challenges into the lives of his residents, transforming their homes. A lady returns for respite solely for his engaging activities. Liam, a kind and thoughtful individual, leaves a profound impact on the sector and vulnerable adults, driven by genuine passion, often volunteering his efforts.
The Home Care Co-ordinator Award
Winner: Rebecca Williams, May Day Home Care Service
Rebecca an inspiring force at Mayday Homecare for over four years, ascended from Care Worker to Care Coordinator. Passionate, proactive, and unceasingly positive, Rebecca embodies excellence, driving both her team and the sector forward.
Highly Commended: Nafisat Ebune, KTG Recruitment Ltd.
Nafisat is a dynamic and approachable Care Coordinator, who passionately ensures optimal client outcomes. Committed to developing her team, she upholds high-quality, reliable, person-centered services. Nicola’s empathetic nature, hands-on approach, and readiness to go the extra mile show what a great coordinator she is.
The Care Home Chef Award
Winner: Sylvia Keir, Barton Brook Care Home, We Care Group
Sylvia, a caring and dedicated chef, elevates resident well-being in a 120-bed care home. Collaborating with the activities team, she tailors meals to home events, introducing variety and combating menu fatigue. Sylvia’s nutritional expertise, innovative menus, and inclusive approach contributed to a 5 Star Food Hygiene Rating in 2011.
Highly Commended: John Wilson, Creative Support
John surpasses expectations with his culinary prowess, creating personalized cakes for special occasions. As a linchpin for The Laurels, his unwavering dedication to residents’ well-being is evident in every culinary masterpiece he crafts.
The Care Home Team Award
Winner: Team Maple, Exceptional Care
The Lovely team exuded genuine care and passion for the children under their watch, offering unwavering support and compassion.
Highly Commended: Heron Hill Care Home
Heron Hill embodies a passionate team that collaborates seamlessly, valuing each other’s strengths, acknowledging weaknesses, and embracing a rich cultural tapestry. Meeting them was truly delightful.
The Home Care Team Award
Winner: Gillian Holden, AStar Homecare Services
A responsive and dedicated team committed to delivering exceptional care. The leadership’s genuine concern for everyone fosters a positive work environment that resonates with colleagues. This innovative and passionate team not only provides outstanding care within their service but also extends their impact beyond, actively engaging in the local community.
Highly Commended: Sharon Hoyle, A Chance for Life Ltd
An exceptionally caring and compassionate team, led by individuals with strong values. Meeting them revealed an outstanding dedication to embodying these values, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, personalized support.
The Supported Living Team Award
Winner: Raven House, Blue Ribbon
The team’s unwavering passion and tireless dedication shone through in the interview which creates an empowering environment, promoting independence, daily living skills, and a rich array of engaging community activities.
Highly Commended: Brook House Team, Active Pathways
With a diverse skill set, it is clear that they handle challenges collaboratively, ensuring positive outcomes. Their commitment to personalised care, perpetual learning, and setting the standard for excellence makes them deserving of recognition
The Care Innovator Award
Winner: Roxie Taj, Visiting Angels
An emerging business, yet strikingly remarkable for its profound commitment to adopting a holistic, person-centred methodology in providing unwavering support to both individuals and their families.
Highly Commended:
Manchester 2023 Allianz Para Swimming World Championships and Sport England – Community Integrated Care
The team at CIC have developed a truly innovative approach to engaging people with sporting events and volunteering opportunities. Through collaboration with Sports England and the Manchester Para Swimming World Championships, the team supported a group of 30 individuals to engage with their interests, through a range of activities in preparation for the Championships.
The Frontline Leaders Award
Winner: Mandy Williams-Vance, Komplex Care
Mandy isn’t just a front-runner; she leads with both determination and compassion. As an exceptional frontline leader, she strides alongside her team, extracting their very best. Mandy’s fervour to establish a positive and secure learning space for her team is truly noteworthy.
Highly Commended: Nicky Pickersgill, Home Instead (Southport and Formby)
Nicky emerges as an inspirational Care Professional, propelling her service forward with unwavering dedication to quality delivery. A true delight to witness her growth in confidence amidst challenges, always prioritizing best practices. Nicky places service users, colleagues, and her team at the core of her role, exemplifying excellence.
The Care Assessor Award
Winner: Sandra Lawrence, Heron Hill Care Home
It was such a delight talking with Sandra who was clearly speaking from the heart with passion for the work she does. Our conversations vividly illuminated the personalised nature of her work, finely tuned to the unique needs of each individual she collaborates with.
Highly Commended: Charlotte Baines, Home Instead Southport/ Formby
Engaging with Charlotte was truly refreshing. She skillfully showcased the personalized approach woven into her work with individuals. Sharing recent client and family feedback, the near-perfect overall results reflect the team’s dedication to delivering a service of unparalleled prestige.
The 3 R’s Award
Winner: Alternative Futures
The team has played a pivotal role in shaping achievements in recruitment and retention, contributing significantly to their success.
Highly Commended: Teresa Hoy, Your Chapter
Teresa’s substantial support for the staff, in every aspect, has successfully transformed the service’s recruitment approach, truly crediting the company.
The Workforce Development Award
Winner: Paul Blane, Care Business Associates Training
His distinctive approach to problem-solving has not only allowed him to assemble a team of highly skilled individuals but has also empowered them to collaborate with Paul in shaping and delivering training products and solutions that are unequivocally centred on people. Paul’s business is a beacon of impact.
Highly Commended: Tim Linford, Cornerstone Care Solutions
Tim and his dedicated team confront fresh challenges on a daily basis. Many of these challenges stem from the absence of sufficient training, support, or developmental resources. It is Tim’s meticulously structured approach to comprehending and addressing the unique training requirements at every organizational level that truly distinguishes him as an exceptional manager.
The Putting People First Award
Winner: Mary Jordan, Home Instead, Wirral
Mary exudes an unwavering passion for prioritizing people, epitomized by a heartwarming instance where she facilitated a gentleman’s final journey to his family’s holiday retreat, allowing him to cherish precious moments with his loved ones. She is truly a remarkable and compassionate individual.
Highly Commended: April Hay, Stepping Stones Services
April was absolutely amazing in the interview, demonstrating a genuine commitment to exploring solutions that empower individuals to attain their life aspirations.
The Palliative Carer Award
Winner: Julie Shaw & Jamie Chacko, Heron Hill Home Care
They both go above and beyond to ensure the best for the residents. They are committed to ensuring that there is compassionate care and support for all those involved during the toughest times.
Highly Commended: Charlotte Malpas, New Milton House – Minster Care Group
Charlotte’s commitment ensures consistent high-quality care and compassionate support for all involved during this challenging time.
The Social Care Nurse Award
Winner: Jane Lockwood, Edgewater part of Exemplar Health Care
Jane embodies person-centred practices with a foundation rooted in sound nursing values, leaving a profoundly positive impact on both residents and their families. Her role is not just a job; it’s a source of great pride for her. Jane goes above and beyond every single day.
Highly Commended: Justina Adu, Abbeyhealthcare Ltd
Justina showcased profound compassion and genuine empathy in her dedicated care for individuals, meticulously attending to the unique needs of each resident and vigilantly monitoring any shifts in their condition. Her unwavering commitment revolves around a true dedication to delivering personalized care and support.
The Housing with Care Award
Winner: Preston Women’s Service
The team’s exceptional accomplishments with the three women under their care are nothing short of remarkable. Achieving a one hundred per cent success rate is an accomplishment beyond anyone’s expectations. Undoubtedly, they stand out as the top team in this category, showcasing unparalleled excellence.
The Co-production Award
Winner: Kings Hill
Kingshill thrives on 24/7 personal support with co-production at its core. Residents lead decision-making, ensuring inclusion, empowerment, and value. From care plans to decor choices, their voices shape it all. Their testimonials echo gratitude for feeling heard, supported, and empowered in their unique journeys.
The Unpaid Carer Award
Winner: Pauline Stringer, Belong Limited
Pauline’s unwavering commitment to her father, a resident with advanced dementia, extends to the entire community. Her inclusive, tenacious advocacy not only enhances her father’s life but also serves as an inspiration to fellow caregivers, making her a deserving award recipient.
The Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award
Winner: Michelle Thompson, Unique Homecare
Michelle’s unwavering passion radiates through every facet of her work, leaving no room for doubt. Her relentless drive and ambition to explore, research, and pioneer new, innovative approaches, all with the utmost dedication to the well-being of those she serves, are truly commendable.
Highly Commended: Cath and Mike Chalton, Home Instead, Wirral
Cath and Mike have indisputably set a remarkable standard through their operational excellence and innovative practices, not only for the benefit of their clients and staff but also for their company and the larger organization within the sector.