THE EXECUTIVE CARE HOME LEADER AWARD (LARGE)
Dr Gavin O’Hare-Connolly, Runwood
Dr Gavin O’Hare-Connolly is a visionary health and social care leader, blending clinical expertise, strategic insight, and compassionate leadership. He drives person-centred, trauma-informed care, enhances staff wellbeing, embeds innovation, and champions inclusion, equality, and mental health—shaping sustainable, high-quality services and the future of care in the UK.
THE EXECUTIVE CARE HOME LEADER AWARD (Small to Medium).
Ameet Kotecha, Boutique Care Homes
Ameet Kotecha, Founder and MD of Boutique Care Homes, combines over 20 years’ experience with values-led låeadership, creating award-winning, community-focused care. He has developed exceptional residential, dementia, and short-stay homes, fosters staff wellbeing and retention, champions inclusive, person-centred initiatives, and is expanding BCH while supporting the wider social care sector.
Amanda Smith, Connaught Care Limited
Amanda Smith, Chief Operating Officer at Connaught Care, is a compassionate and visionary leader who has grown the organisation from one to six homes. She drives excellence through innovation, teamwork, and person-centred care, ensuring residents thrive and staff feel valued. Her leadership exemplifies integrity, purpose, and continuous improvement in social care.
THE EXECUTIVE HOME CARE LEADER AWARD
Carla Gama, Trinity Homecare Ltd
Carla combines strategic vision, empathy, and operational expertise. She drives high-quality, person-centred care, enhances compliance and service delivery, empowers teams through mentorship, and fosters a values-driven, resilient culture—transforming operations while prioritising clients, carers, and staff across the organisation.
Mairead Liston, Cavendish Homecare
Mairead, a transformational homecare leader with 40+ years’ experience, founded Cavendish Homecare in 2010 to deliver exceptional, personalised nursing and care at home. Her compassionate leadership, outstanding CQC ratings, strong staff retention, and innovative practices have transformed homecare, ensured clients’ comfort and dignity while empowering her dedicated team and community.
THE EXECUTIVE LEARNING DISABILITIES AND AUTISM LEADER AWAR
Mariam Javed, Cygnet Health Care
Mariam consistently prioritises service users, advocating tirelessly for their care. She ensures appropriate medical support, guides external professionals, supports families, and leads her team with compassion and resilience, all while managing her own health challenges—demonstrating exceptional dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of those in her care.
Richard Grey, Aspens Charities
Richard consistently goes above and beyond, delivering exceptional person-centred care to adults with complex needs and autism at Ellasdale. A dedicated mentor and leader, he inspires his team to excel, shares invaluable experience, promotes wellbeing and skill development, and ensures every individual lives their best, most fulfilling, and independent life.
THE EXECUTIVE DEMENTIA CARE LEADER AWARD.
Louise Ali, Macc Care Group
Louise Ali, Registered Nurse and care home leader, has transformed Wulfrun Rose through compassionate, inclusive leadership. She fosters culturally competent, person-centred care, implements reflective supervisions, staff huddles, and engagement initiatives, promotes retention and morale, and collaborates with communities and authorities—creating a high-performing, respectful, and innovative environment that prioritises residents and staff alike.
Kelly Green, Unity Homes
Kelly is a passionate, dedicated leader with over 22 years in care. Rising from Senior Care Assistant to Residential Manager at Unity Homes, she inspires excellence in dementia care through empathy, innovation, and teamwork. Her person-centred approach ensures residents live with dignity, purpose, and joy, while empowering her staff to excel.
THE EXECUTIVE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE LEADER AWARD
Billy Mulvaney, Care Services North West
Billy, having grown up in care and worked in the sector, is a nurturing, supportive leader, consultant, mentor, and trainer. Passionate about children’s services, he has helped develop specialist provision across the North West and West Midlands, creating outstanding, innovative services that set a benchmark for excellence and positive impact.
Kate Holden, Exceptional care
Kate is an exceptional manager who always puts her team and the young people at Maple House first. Nothing is ever too big or difficult for her. Her dedication, support, and commitment set her apart—she leads with compassion, strength, and positivity, inspiring everyone around her to give their best.
THE CLINICAL NURSE MANAGER AWARD.
Gemma Marston, Milewood
Gemma, a passionate and competent nurse, stepped into a challenging clinical deputy role, addressing poor practices, safeguarding, and staffing issues. Her leadership improved CQC ratings to Good, boosted staff morale, strengthened community engagement, and enhanced service user experiences—demonstrating resilience, dedication, and transformative impact across the 34-bed home she leads.
Molly Paul, Priscilla Wakefield House
Molly embodies clinical excellence, compassion, and patient-centred care. She consistently goes beyond expectations, improving outcomes, mentoring colleagues, and enhancing care standards. Her empathy and expertise make patients feel valued and supported. A calm, innovative leader, Molly drives positive change, inspiring her team and elevating care quality across the entire healthcare environment.
THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT LEADER AWARD.
Laurence Feather, Connaught Care Limited
Laurence is a visionary workforce development leader, empowering staff through coaching, Deputy Development Days, and strategic upskilling. His transformative, supportive approach nurtures emerging leaders, builds confidence, and fosters resilience, creating a capable, future-ready workforce. Laurence’s dedication, foresight, and inspirational leadership drive lasting impact across the care sector.
Phillippa Lunn, Blue Sunrise care ltd
Phillippa is an inspirational Operations Manager who builds people, not just services. She fosters leadership, growth, and excellence across her teams. Through mentoring, development, and innovation, she empowers staff to thrive, driving exceptional care, strong morale, and the future of social care.
THE SOCIAL VALUE LEADER AWARD
Sue Ann Nnamani, Priscilla Wakefield House
Sue Ann exemplifies visionary leadership, embedding social value into every aspect of care delivery. She drives inclusive hiring, community outreach, and partnerships, reducing isolation, supporting vulnerable populations, and creating opportunities. Her transformative approach improves wellbeing, inspires teams, and sets a benchmark for meaningful, measurable impact across communities—truly deserving recognition.
Damian Taylor-Martinez, EarlyBird Lifestyle Support Ltd
Damian is an inspiring leader dedicated to transforming social care through innovation, research, and compassion. His visionary, person-centred approach empowers teams, drives meaningful change, and improves lives—making him a truly deserving candidate for this recognition.
THE SOCIAL CARE RESEARCH AWARD
Lianne Ford, Exemplar Health Care Services Limited
The judges were unanimous in their decision that Lianne was a deserving winner of this award in recognition of her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to affect positive change for those delivering and receiving social care. Her influence in embedding research in her organisation is multi-dimensional, from supporting implementation of VIVALDI in her organisation, to her use of research and inclusion to develop the workforce and change perceptions about the often-unrecognised needs of service users, regarding sexuality, intimacy and relationships. Critical to this is Lianne’s person-centred approach and passion to focus on the voice and needs of service users to improve their quality of life and wellbeing…truly inspiring!!!’
Caring Connections
Creating a research rich environment and improving opportunities for developing
research relevant to those delivering and receiving social care is a silver thread that Paul is embedding throughout Caring Connections and the wider community, through the promotion of research literacy, inclusion, participation and co-production to inform evidence-based practice, commissioning and service delivery. Critical to this is his leadership and desire to improve outcomes and the quality of life for those delivering and receiving social care, including those who are often underrepresented and underserved in research and service provision for example those experiencing homelessness and declining cognitive health. A great example of how research can be done ‘by’ and ‘for’ social care not just ‘done to’ social care.
THE ESG LEADER AWARD
Hannah Montgomery, Grace Cares
Hannah transforms ESG in social care through a circular, community-powered model. By rescuing and redistributing thousands of care items, reducing carbon emissions, and reinvesting profits into wellbeing initiatives, they deliver measurable environmental, social, and economic impact—driving sustainability, social justice, and sector-wide change.
Caring Connections
Caring connections focus on empowering frontline staff, creating jobs, and innovating wellbeing, training, and community services, supporting disadvantaged communities.
THE DIGITAL INNOVATOR AWARD
Desley Beaman, My Choice Healthcare Ltd
Desley has transformed My Choice Healthcare through innovative technology systems, improving care planning, communication, training, and record-keeping. Her dedication and support empower staff development, enhance service user experiences, and foster confidence among new managers. Hardworking, inspiring, and commercially astute, Desley combines operational expertise with mentorship, problem-solving, and a commitment to best practices.
Bupa Care Services
Bupa demonstrates outstanding digital innovation in care homes, integrating eCare, e-Assurance, eMAR, and advanced data dashboards across 125 sites. Its immersive VR training facility and interactive platforms enhance staff competency, clinical governance, and operational efficiency, while improving resident safety, wellbeing, and outcomes—setting a benchmark for excellence in technology-driven long-term care.
THE PARTNERSHIP AWARD
Jessica Wray, Hightown Housing Association
Jessica exemplifies exceptional leadership in learning disabilities and autism. Her expertise, dedication, and person-centred approach empower teams, inspire trust, and enhance care outcomes. Through mentorship, clear communication, and innovation, she drives professional growth and delivers outstanding support to both colleagues and the people she serves.
Christies Care
Christies Care exemplifies partnership in action, connecting with communities to enhance lives. Through initiatives like free “Stretch, Strengthen and Relax” sessions for family carers and collaboration with the Rural Coffee Caravan, they tackle isolation, promote wellbeing, and provide support. Their commitment makes them a true champion of community partnership and care.
THE ENTREPRENEUR LEADER OF THE YEAR
Joe Guishard, Right at Home
Under Joe Guishard’s visionary, values-driven leadership, the organisation has transformed care delivery and workforce culture. Through rigorous recruitment, staff development, wellbeing initiatives, and community engagement, Joe has improved retention, satisfaction, and performance, earning multiple awards and consistently high ratings. His ethical, innovative approach fosters a resilient, compassionate, and high-performing team.
Nitesh Somani, Kara Healthcare
Nitesh Somani transformed Kara Healthcare from a single care home into a thriving 10-home, values-driven group supporting 400+ residents and 500+ staff. Through strategic acquisitions, innovation, and compassionate leadership, he safeguards jobs, improves care quality, drives staff development, and redefines social care entrepreneurship with purpose, vision, and impact.
THE YOUNG LEADER IN SOCIAL CARE AWARD
Casey Miles, Steps Ahead Care & Support Ltd
Casey, with nearly four years’ experience, champions positive risk-taking to improve client outcomes. Her innovative approach has impressed CQC, contributed to the 2025 State of Care Report, and inspired sector-wide webinars. Through training and mentorship, Casey empowers teams, fosters confidence, and drives a culture that enables clients to live their best lives.
Rebecca Coles, Away Day Care
At 28, Rebecca Coles has already achieved remarkable social care leadership. Starting at 15, she became a Registered Manager at 22, opening a service during COVID-19. Her resilience, compassion, and person-centred approach empower service users with disabilities, inspire her team, and set a benchmark for excellence in care.
THE QUALITY ASSURANCE LEADER AWARD
Sheela Antony Samy, Chosen Care Group Limited
Sheela is a transformational leader blending clinical expertise, innovation, and strategic vision. At Chosen Care Group, she has redefined quality assurance through tools like the ‘Outcome Wheel’ and Compatible Scheduling, improving client outcomes, staff wellbeing, and retention. Her compassionate, data-driven approach sets a sector-leading standard for personalised, forward-thinking care.
Mandy Lanceley, My Choice Healthcare Ltd
Mandy’s unwavering dedication, compassionate leadership, and meticulous focus on person-centred care have transformed multiple homes, empowered staff, and driven continuous improvement, making her an inspirational and invaluable leader within My Choice Healthcare.
THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (Learning disabilities and Autism)
Claire Taylor, Choices Housing Association
Claire Taylor has devoted over 30 years to enriching residents’ lives, combining exceptional care with joy, independence, and inclusion. A compassionate leader, she inspires staff, creates meaningful opportunities—such as accessible gardens and personalised experiences—and ensures dignity is maintained in all circumstances, reflecting unwavering dedication and profound respect for those she supports
Andrea Abbotts, Wrekin Housing Group
Andrea Abbots has devoted over 30 years to social care, progressing from staff nurse to regional manager. Renowned for her compassion, expertise, and hands-on leadership, she inspires staff, empowers service users, and drives excellence across diverse services.
THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (Home Care)
Annie Essiben Kelleher, Right at Home Bridgend and the Vale
Annie is an inspirational, compassionate leader dedicated to transforming lives through person-centred care. She drives innovation, mentors’ future leaders, and champions high standards, consistently improving services and outcomes. Her integrity, dedication, and impact are reflected in outstanding reviews, strong relationships, and a lifelong commitment to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (Residential and Nursing Homes)
Kevin Hewlett, Hale Place Care Homes Ltd
Kevin Hewlett, Owner of Hale Place Care Homes, has devoted over 37 years to transforming dementia care. His visionary leadership, pioneering practices, and lifelong commitment have earned national awards, double Outstanding CQC ratings, and an MBE. Kevin’s passion, expertise, and dedication continue to improve lives and set sector-wide benchmarks.
Paul Hayes, Cornerstone Healthcare Group
Paul exemplifies authentic leadership, combining 30 years in social care with compassion, reflection, and inclusivity. From starting as a care assistant to leading Cornerstone Healthcare, he empowers staff, drives high-quality, person-centred care for complex needs, inspiring teams and setting a benchmark for excellence in the sector.
Jaggit Sandher, Unity Homes
Jagjit has dedicated over three decades to social care, creating homes, community, and opportunity. Renowned for compassionate, hands-on leadership, he values staff, drives excellence, and inspires others. His lifelong commitment to quality, innovation, and person-centred care is amazing.