1st – Gary Fee, CEO, City and County Healthcare
Gary Fee, CEO of City & County Healthcare Group, is driving transformation at scale across the UK’s largest homecare provider. Appointed CEO in 2023 after serving as Chief Operating Officer, Gary Fee brings strategic clarity and commercial insight to a complex, high-impact organisation delivering over 1.5 million hours of care each month. With a background in finance and operations across education, food, and support services, he’s reshaping City & County’s culture, governance, and frontline delivery. Under his leadership, the group is investing in digital innovation, workforce development, and local partnerships to improve outcomes and consistency. Gary’s influence is national — not just in scale, but in setting the pace for modern, people-first homecare.
2nd – Virginia Perkins, CEO, Hesley Group
Virginia Perkins, CEO of Hesley Group, is a transformative leader reshaping specialist care with purpose and precision. Since stepping into the role during a pivotal moment in 2023, Virginia Perkins has led a bold turnaround of Hesley Group, a provider supporting people with learning disabilities and autism. With over 30 years’ experience across health, education, and social care, she brings deep insight and strategic clarity to a once-troubled organisation. Under her leadership, Hesley Group has restructured its senior team, strengthened safeguarding, and renewed its commitment to person-centred care. Virginia’s focus on culture, accountability, and frontline empowerment marks her as a national change-maker in specialist provision.
3rd – Jenny Pattinson, CEO, Nightingale Hammerson
Jenny Patterson, CEO of Nightingale Hammerson, is a bold and compassionate force in social care leadership. Since stepping into the role in July 2022, she has reinvigorated the charity’s commitment to relationship-centred care, staff wellbeing, and sector-wide innovation. Under her guidance, Nightingale Hammerson won the Chief Nursing Officer’s Team Award for Outstanding Services to Social Care and launched pioneering initiatives like the Care Home Research Forum. Jenny’s hands-on approach, deep respect for frontline teams, and unwavering focus on dignity and purpose make her a national influencer. She’s shaping not just homes, but the future of care itself.