Care Home Business Woman of the Year Award
Highly Commended:
Ruth French, Operations Director, Stow Healthcare Group Ltd
Having led the turnaround of seven failed care homes, Ruth is clearly an ambitious and skilled businesswoman who leads by example. Ruth has also implemented a Real Living Wage policy this year, further demonstrating her dedication to her colleagues and organisation. Constantly innovating and inspiring, Ruth is a true force to be reckoned with as she leads the way for a brighter future in social care.
Winner:
Sam Hawker, Managing Director, AbleCare Homes
Having dedicated her entire adult life to the social care sector, Sam Hawker is a formidable business woman with great passion and expertise in advocating for those who can’t themselves. Entering the sector at the tender age of 15, Sam has always taken a hands-on approach: rolling up her sleeves and doing what needs to be done. Juggling motherhood and her professional life, Sam bravely took on the responsibility of Managing Director – she hasn’t looked back since then it seems!
The Home Care Business Woman of the Year Award
Highly Commended:
Lucy Campbell, CEO, Right at Home UK
Leading Right at Home to another record-breaking year, Lucy Campbell is a powerful female leader and role model in the sector. Effectively introducing cost-saving measures, Lucy has successfully invested in staffing and quality service provision. A tenacious advocate, Lucy has been vocal in fighting for government action on the cost of living crisis and issues that also effect the sector more broadly.
Winner:
Raina Summerson, CEO, Agincare Group
Raina is a true inspirational leader within the health and social care sector. Her commitment to the delivery of quality services is portrayed in the reputation of Agincare and her staff. But it is Raina’s personally and creative energy that makes her a true woman achieving greatness. She is always at the forefront when it comes to the development of a sector fit for the future, giving her time and energy to share knowledge and expertise with colleagues and strategic influencers to drive sector improvement and recognition.
The Corporate Leader Award
Highly Commended:
Samantha Crawley, COO, Bracebridge Care Group
An open and honest leader, Samantha truly cares and listens to those around her. This emphasis on communication nurtures both a supportive working atmosphere and results, as Samantha and the team consistently achieve good and outstanding CQC ratings. An advocate for women leaders in the sector, Samantha practices what she preaches, flying the flag for women achieving greatness in social care.
Winner:
Ann Holt, Director of Adult Care, Salutem Care & Education
With a career spanning over 20 years, Ann is an outstanding and dedicated social care manager. Her wealth of experience combined with a communicative, supportive, and empathetic approach leads to the best outcomes for her staff and clients alike. A big picture thinker, Ann is an innovative and adaptable corporate leader whose input is vital to both Salutem and the sector as a whole.
The Third Sector Leader Award
Highly Commended:
Zoe Fry, Director, The Outstanding Society
As an owner of a care home and the unpaid Founding Director of the Outstanding Society, Zoe is clearly a dedicated and effective leader in the sector. She is passionate about sharing of best practice in social care, transforming her free-to-access organisation into a Community Interest Company with over 1000 members. Always innovating and evolving, Zoe is a truly inspiring third sector leader.
Winner:
Kari Gerstheimer, CEO and Founder, Access Social Care
Having earned a Masters degree in Human Rights Law in the early 2000s, it is clear that Kari has a long-held passion for people and justice. Since then, she has gone on to work in the charitable sector for over 10 years now, setting up Access Social Care herself in 2020, a service that provides free legal advice to the sector and those that need it most. Determined and compassionate, she is exactly the type of leader the third sector needs.
The Rising Star Award (Care Home)
Highly Commended:
Micheala Russell, Specialist Nurse, PJ Care
Michaela qualified as a nurse 9 years ago before joining PJ Care as a Staff Nurse – since then she has gone from strength to strength, now occupying the position of Lead Nurse having helped PJ Care achieve a Platinum rating for End-of-life care. She is most certainly a rising star in the sector, with an unparalleled knowledge and insatiable desire to continue to learn, grow and improve.
Winner:
Donna Barks, Registered Manager, Canford Healthcare
Having worked in the sector for many years, Donna Barks is both highly qualified and experienced. Her expertise was especially put to use during the pandemic, where she passionately and effectively led the home through a very difficult time. Under Donna’s leadership, staff feel supported and her calm demeanour ensures the very best for colleagues and service users alike. She will continue to have a positive influence on those around her and the sector as a whole in years to come.
The Rising Star Award (Home Care)
Highly Commended:
Diana Szabo, Registered Manager, Blue Angel Care
Diana first joined Blue Angel Care in 2017 as a Senior Care Giver. Now, she is the Registered Manager for the Reading and Maidenhead locations. Diana’s effective leadership has ensured a Good CQC rating for Blue Angel, as well as growth and expansion of the company. Tireless and passionate, Diana inspires and uplifts those around her.
Winner:
Roberta Chapman, Franchise Owner & Registered Manager, Blossom Home Care
20 months ago Roberta hadn’t ever worked in care– now it is hard to imagine her anywhere else. A strong, communicative leader, Roberta keeps people at the heart of her work and is more than willing to roll her sleeves up and lead by example. Roberta is insightful, knowledgeable and passionate about elevating the status of carers in society – a true rising star.
The Rising Star Award (Learning Disabilities, Autism & Mental Health)
Highly Commended:
Lydia Simpson, Team Manager, Surrey Choices
Managing 3 services which support those with learning disabilities and their employment pathways, Lydia is a personable and positive individual who prioritises maintaining a good rapport with her team and clients. Firm but fair and compassionate in her management style, she has high aspirations for people, and pushes them to achieve their best. An asset to the sector, there is no doubt that she will go far.
Winner:
Margaret Kamara, Assistant Locality Manager, Dimensions
Having juggled the pressures of both professional and academic success, Margaret has excelled not only in the completion of her Masters degree, but in her role of Assistant Locality Manager. Dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate, Margaret puts in the work to get the job done, without asking for thanks or applause despite the fact that her achievements deserve to be shouted about far and wide. She will continue to go far in this sector.
The Rising Star Award (Children & Young People)
Highly Commended:
Sue Harrington, Senior Consultant, Grahams Consultants
During her time as a children’s home manager, Sue was a passionate leader whose mentorship of the workforce nurtured both the personal and professional development of those around her. A strong believer in growth and improvement, Sue continues to share her knowledge within the sector, ensuring that the nation’s children and young people are safe, secure and receiving the highest standard of care.
Winner:
Hayley Bell, Senior Registered Manager, Exceptional Care Ltd
Despite having come from a background completely unrelated to care, Hayley’s natural talent and potential for this sector is palpable. Having risen up the ranks, Hayley is now a Registered Manager, and received an Outstanding rating from the CQC on her first inspection. Motivating, compassionate and empowering, Hayley is a great leader who will continue to do great things.
The Equality & Diversity Award
Highly Commended :
Kat Collins, Regional Day Opportunities Manager, Camphill Village Trust
Kat goes above and beyond for those supported by and who work for the Camphill Village Trust. She leads her team to its fullest potential, constantly striving for development and improvement. Kat places a sincere emphasis on ensuring people’s voices are heard and prioritises co-production and self-advocacy in her work. She is a great asset to the cause of equality & diversity in social care.
Winner:
Tricia Pereira, Team Leader, Skills for Care
Tricia is thoroughly dedicated to the field of equality and diversity in social care, contributing to the Social Care Workforce Race Equality Standard and the BAME Communities Advisory Group within the Care Sector COVID-19 Taskforce. Proficient in British sign language, Tricia is also an advocate for those with disabilities and impairments and has further puts her skills to use in developing safeguarding processes in prison populations. She is more than deserving of this award.
HR & Recruiter Award
Highly Commended:
Angela Brand, Human Resources Business Partner, Barchester Healthcare
Covering a region of 10 homes and over 1000 members of staff, Angela has been a great support to those around her in the last few years. Providing compassion during some of the darkest days of the care sector, Angela has a palpable dedication to the workforce and their wellbeing. She has worked tirelessly to improve staff recruitment & retention and is exceptional at what she does.
Winner:
Claire Leake, People Director, National Care Group
Having joined National Care Group in 2021, Claire has since proved herself an integral member of the team, nurturing National Care Group to become the fastest-growing social care provider in the UK. Claire was instrumental in the organisation’s MenoHub initiative which provides dedicated tools and guidance to colleagues. She has shown a dedication to staff recruitment and wellbeing, heading a successful overhaul of the onboarding process and encouraging the development of female talent through internal promotion opportunities. The result is a reduction in onboarding time and workforce leavers and an increase in quality recruitment. She is well deserving of this accolade.
The Communications Guru Award
Highly Commended:
Hannah Montgomery, Lead Marketing Consultant, Golddust Marketing
Hannah is a marketing professional with a true passion for social care. Pioneer of The Social Care Debate, Hannah brought together over 60 representatives from all levels of social care to discuss the most challenging problems facing the sector. Collating these opinions, Hannah created a 360 white paper, which serves as an invaluable communication resource for the sector going forward.
Winner:
Philippa Stannard, Head of Fundraising & Communications, Autism at Kingwood
Launching the #BetterPay4SocialCare campaign in 2020, Philippa deployed exceptional communication strategies to ensure this campaign was a great success. Liaising with over 25 organisations, local and national Government, Philippa is more than deserving of the title ‘Communications Guru’ and others in the sector can learn much from her example.
The Girl Power Award
Highly Commended:
Naznene Hussain, Business Development Manager, Rehability UK
Since joining Rehability 10 years ago, Naznene has always kept career progression sharply in her focus. Rising the ranks, Naznene has maintained an emphasis on compassion making her an empathetic and effective leader. She has worked with clients with physical and learning disabilities, completely redesigning the service to suit their additional sensory needs. She is now a truly effective Business Development Manager, and deserving of high commendation for her work.
Winner:
Karen Cooper, Manager, Greensleeves Homes Trust Lavender Fields
Previously a nurse, now a manager, Karen is a passionate and tenacious leader who keeps the importance of a person-centred approach at the core of her work. She is regularly on the ground with staff and residents, doing her bit to ensure the best possible outcomes for residents and staff. Having rehabilitated a home is crisis and established a new 75 bed home, her efforts exemplify the
The Girl Power Team Award
Highly Commended:
The Dying to Talk Project Team, MacIntyre
The MacIntyre Dying to Talk Project Team engage with the crucial, but difficult task of supporting those with learning difficulties in talking about death. Their innovative approach empowers their clients and encourages a sense of choice and control in times of bereavement. This all female team are the definition of ‘girl power’ and should be very proud of each other and their work.
Winner:
The People Team, Majesticare
With staff wellbeing at the core of their work, the People Team at Majesticare go above and beyond to promote wellness and diversity in their teams. The Continue Being Me initiative clearly emphasises the need for individuality and self-expression in the workforce and the Lets Talk About Menopause scheme also demonstrates a commitment to their female employees.
The Outstanding Partner Award
Highly Commended:
Laura Guntrip, Partner, Lester Aldridge LLP
Leading a team of solicitors who provide support to colleagues in the social care sector, Laura is a truly outstanding partner. With a distinct focus on justice and good practice, Laura goes above and beyond the call of duty, helping clients navigate legislation and statutory changes in an ever evolving sector. Well known for both her success and personable demeanour, Laura is an asset not only to Lester Aldridge but the care sector as a whole.
Winner:
Mei-Ling Huang, Partner, RWK Goodman
Professional and practical, Mei is an expert in her field, providing support to care providers in traversing contentious legal situations. With an encyclopaedic knowledge of social care law, she is passionate in the pursuit of justice and fairness and does her upmost for her clients. Always there when she is needed most, Mei is a pillar of support for those in the sector, an outstanding partner who is much deserving of this accolade.
The Social Care Change Agent Award
Highly Commended:
Ingrid Tennessee, Chief Executive, Quo Vadis Trust
With 23 years in social care to her name, Ingrid has influenced the lives of many during her career. Now the CEO of QVT, she dedicates her time to helping vulnerable adults in South-East London and specialises in mental health. Forward thinking, she has also successfully transformed QVT as an enterprise and accrued an excellent reputation for the company. Not just a CEO, she is a true agent of change in social care.
Winner:
Belinda Schwer, CEO, Centre for Adults’ Social Care Advice, Information and Dispute Resolution
Working on a voluntary basis, Belinda founded the online charity CASCAIDr to give people advice and information to access the social care they are entitled to. With a distinct emphasis on justice, Belinda shares her immense knowledge and legal literacy with those who need it most. She is also committed to workforce development and trains many to the highest standard. Belinda is much deserving of this award.
The Social Care Superwoman Award (Care Home)
Highly Commended:
Louise Atherton, Head of Quality & Risk, Berkley Care Group
As Head of Quality & Risk, Louise supports care home managers with clinical governance whilst also coaching the team to identify and mitigate clinical risk. She is a keen leader who shares her expertise for the greater good of social care. Standing strong under much pressure, she remains warm and supportive to those who seek her help. She is well deserving of high commendation for her work.
Winner:
Helen Rushton, Home Director, Lexicon Healthcare
Throughout the pandemic and beyond, Helen has led her home with wisdom and strength, keeping client and staff wellbeing as a central priority at all times. Occupying a role that necessarily entails having to make difficult decisions, Helen has stood strong in the face of this immense pressure and produced remarkable results in spite of the circumstances. She is not only an inspiration but the definition of a Social Care Superwoman!
The Social Care Superwoman Award (Home Care)
Highly Commended:
Kim Nicholson, Regional Support Manager, Sage City & County Healthcare
Kim’s contagious positivity is what sets her apart as a manager, as she always makes sure to remind her colleagues to ‘be positive and smile’ in the face of adversity. A young school leaver, then care worker and now manager, her career pathway is a testament to what can be done with drive and determination. Passionate and determined she is well deserving of this prestigious accolade.
Winner:
Rachael Benn, Head of Care, Blue Bird Care, Newforest, Portsmouth and Southampton
Having worked in a variety of areas in the care sector, Rachael joined Blue Bird Care during the first year of Covid. Her expertise in assessing & mentorship make her an effective manager. Big on family, this person-centred approach finds its way into her work – she is a social care superwoman without a doubt.
The Social Care Superwoman Award (Learning Disabilities, Autism & Mental Health
Highly Commended:
Tracy Long, Regional Manager, Kent Autistic Trust
Tracy has dedicated over 20 years to the charity and has put her all into her work. Resilient and focused, she is also kind and empathetic and takes the time to recognise the efforts of those around her. It’s about time her work is also recognised: she is very deserving of high commendation.
Winner:
Amanda Morgan, Registered Home Manager, Accomplish Group
Having recently been diagnosed with Autism herself, Amanda has worked in social care for Autistic adults for over 14 years. Achieving National Autistic Society Accreditation twice, her own experiences have informed her work as a manager and advocate. Placing a focus on personalised care, Amanda takes a highly effective person-centred and inclusive approach.
The Social Care Superwoman Award (Children & Young People)
Highly Commended:
Lucy Whiting, Senior Registered Manager, Kisimul
With an emphasis on a person-centred approach, Lucy is a manager who keeps the wellbeing of her team at the top of her priorities. She has organised team charity challenges and team building exercises involving both staff and the young people they support. Effectively managing her professional life whilst also looking after two young boys at home, Lucy is an inspiration to those around her.
Winner:
Linzi Sim, Managing Director/Registered Manager, Vals Place Ltd
Having relocated all the way from Doncaster to Wales as part of her consultancy role, Linzi is clearly committed to and excels in turning around failing services. What should have been a week long visit has developed into and 18 month long development project. Able to effectively and compassionately nurture development in weaker areas, Linzi is an effective and thoughtful manager who is much appreciated by those around her
The Talent Development Award
Highly Commended:
Alex Ball, Operations Manager, Stow Healthcare Group Ltd
From Kitchen Assistant to Operations Manager, Alex’s passion to and commitment to the sector has remained unparalleled. An advocate for elevating the status of carers in society, Alex is innovative and forward thinking when it comes to talent development, with her ‘Career Café’, ‘Step into Social Care’ and other training schemes proving remarkably successful. She should be proud of her contribution to the sector.
Winner:
Marisa Spice, Learning & Development Manager, Nellsar
In her 9 years at Nellsar, Marisa has enjoyed a variety of roles, now specialising in the learning and development of staff teams. Some of her achievements include pioneering a university scheme to nurture nurse training, and implementing online learning management systems to help staff meet CQC compliance. All in all, Marisa is great coach and mentor who is passionate about and skilled in developing talent within the sector. She is much deserving of this accolade!
The Wellbeing at Work Award
Highly Commended:
Rachel Munn, Head of Psychological Wellbeing Services, Making Space
Rachel is a compassionate and driven individual whose focus on improvement and growth is admirable. She truly cares for those she works with and nurtures a positive and productive workplace environment for the benefit of not only the staff, but the clients they serve. Her passion for this role is not only infectious and exciting, but much deserving of high commendation. Well done Rachel!
Winner:
Jade Vallance, Director of Care, Active Prospects
In spite of some difficult personal circumstances in recent years, Jade has been a beacon of support and leadership for her colleagues at Active Prospects. During the pandemic, she established The Well-being Forum – a vital project that pooled together support resources to help people get through some of the most challenging times in recent years. Always putting others wellbeing first, Jade is an inspiration and true asset to the sector.
The Woman in Tech Award
Highly Commended:
Amanda Rae, Quality & Compliance Manager, Canford Healthcare
Despite having no budget or previous IT experience, Amanda built an intranet system to monitor Canford Healthcare’s 11 homes during the pandemic. This system proved to be incredibly successful navigating such a tough time, and Amanda has since innovated and adapted it to suit the ever changing demands of the sector. Being noted by Care England and Microsoft, her work is truly exceptional.
Winner:
Katie Thorn, Project Lead, Digital Social Care
An expert in cyber security and data a protection, Katie has made a tremendous impact to the sector in her 3 and half years at Digital Social Care. Heading schemes around education, digital solutions, and the roll out of iPad technology to care homes, she is keenly aware of the importance of technology to care work. She is one to watch in the sector, and admirable woman in tech.
Inspirational Volunteer Award
Highly Commended:
Oona- Mai Sharp, Customer Relations Officer, Bluebird Care Leeds North
Having recently taken on a role at Bluebird Care as a Customer Relations Officer, Oona still finds the time to volunteer at the nursing home which she previously worked at. Be it taking residents out for walks, to a café or offering physiotherapy sessions, Oona goes out of her way to improve resident wellbeing in a multitude of ways. People are at the heart of Oona’s volunteering work and she should be proud of the great impact she has on those she cares for.
Winner:
Chloe Liddle, Volunteer, Making Space
At only 15 years old, Chloe not only studies Health & Social Care at school, but also dedicates her free time to organising activities for differently abled service users. Enthusiastic and naturally talented, she instinctively prioritises a person-centred approach and is able to anticipate and plan activities service users enjoy and benefit from. With such a natural understanding of the importance of wellbeing, she will go far in this industry. Her contribution to social care can only be described as inspirational.
The Lifetime Achievement Award
Highly Commended:
Sam Perry, Head of Children’s Services, Jubilee House Care Trust
Having spent 27 years at Jubilee House Care Trust since starting as a Support Worker in 1995, Sam has gone on to care for countless young people and their families. Her motto is “if we can – we will” and this tenacious and passionate attitude has served her well. A tireless agent for change and improvement she is much deserving of high commendation.
Winner:
Melanie Weatherley MBE, Chair, Lincolnshire Care Association
A dedicated and passionate individual, Melanie has spent her working life improving the state of Adult Social Care and the lives of the most vulnerable in society. With a particular emphasis on the Digital Awareness agenda, she is also clearly committed to a forward thinking and innovative approach to the sector’s challenges. Her contribution to Social Care can be described as nothing short of exceptional.
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