Social Care Leadership Awards Categories

There are a variety of categories available for nomination that represent areas across leadership in care – all with the common thread of celebrating excellence in this sector.

Executive Care Home Leader (large)

This award will be given to a strong, dynamic and passionate care home leader operating nationwide. Candidates must demonstrate effective organisation, great leadership, and commitment to innovation. This award is open to leaders in a care home / residential setting.

Executive Learning Disabilities & Autism Leader

This award will be given to an impressive care leader in a learning disabilities and autism focused environment. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of expertise, exceptional skills in leadership and management, great support for colleagues and a positive commitment to person centred support. This award is open to leaders from all areas of care and support for people with learning disabilities and autism within the sector.

Dementia Care Leader

This award will be given to a strong, dynamic and passionate care leader in a dementia focused setting. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of expertise in their field as well as exceptional skills in leadership and management. Finalists will be innovators and committed to continually developing care provision to meet the needs and improve the wellbeing of clients with dementia. This award is open to leaders from all areas of care and support for individuals with dementia.

Clinical Nurse Manager

This award will be given to an impressive clinical nurse manager that shows passion, dedication and expertise in their field and leading a team. Candidates must demonstrate an understanding of the importance of promoting the emotional, physical, psychological and social health of the people who they support and how vital effective management is in the provision of this service. This award is open to leaders from all areas of care and support.

Lifetime Achievement

This award will be given to an inspirational person who has clearly demonstrated throughout their career, a passion, expertise and the drive to improve services. This is an opportunity to honour a colleague who has dedicated their life to improving outcomes for people who use social care and leading the sector from the front. This award is open to leaders from all areas of care and support who have spent their working lives dedicated to the sector.

The Entrepreneur Leader of the Year Award

This award recognises a visionary leader who has effectively driven change and innovation within the organisation, resulting in tangible benefits such as enhanced customer outcomes and improved business efficiency. Nominees will exhibit a strong entrepreneurial spirit, making strategic decisions that positively impact the organisation’s growth, while fostering a collaborative and adaptable environment. The award emphasises measurable outcomes, ethical leadership, and industry impact, highlighting the continuous learning and resilience demonstrated by the leader in navigating challenges and shaping a successful entrepreneurial journey.

The ESG Leader Award

This award recognises initiatives that exemplify outstanding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices within the social care sector. Nominees should demonstrate an exceptional commitment to ethical, socially responsible, and sustainable practices, making a positive impact for people who draw on services and their communities.

The Young Leader in Social Care Award

This award celebrates individuals under 30 who have demonstrated exceptional, entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation in social care. A leader that demonstrates exemplary leadership skills, the ability to inspire others, and implementation of innovative approaches to address the challenges of the sector. Candidates should showcase tangible impact resulting from their initiatives, advocacy for social care issues, and effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders. Commitment to ongoing professional development, ethical person centred practice are also key.

Executive Care Home Leader (small to medium)

This award will be given to a strong, dynamic and passionate care home leader operating at a countywide / cross-county level. Candidates must demonstrate effective organisation, great leadership, and commitment to innovation. This award is open to leaders in a care home / residential setting.

Executive Home Care Leader

This award will be given to a strong, dynamic and passionate home care leader. Candidates must demonstrate effective organisation, great leadership, and commitment to innovation. This award is open to leaders in a home care / domiciliary care setting.

Executive Children & Young People Leader

This award will be given to an exceptional care leader in an environment that focuses on either children, young people or families. Candidates must show vision in developing high quality services and supporting staff to meet the ever-changing needs of the children, young people, or families they support. This award is open to leaders from all areas of care and support for children, young people and families.

Workforce Development Leader

This award will be given to an impressive care leader focused on upskilling staff and the professional development of the workforce. Candidates must show themselves to be motivational individuals that inspire and push boundaries to develop a highly motivated, professional and skilled team. This award is open to leaders from all areas of care and support.

Quality Assurance Leader

This award will be given to an exceptional care leader with a passion, dedication and commitment to quality assurance within their service. Candidates must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the policies and procedures relating to quality assurance as well as an innovative approach to ensuring high standards are not only maintained but are ever improving. This award is open to leaders from all areas of care and support.

The Social Value Leader

This award is given to the Leader who passionately drives and achieves tangible outcomes in enhancing the social value embedded in all aspects of their care company’s operations within the communities they serve. In an era where social value is increasingly crucial for council commissions, this award not only recognises but celebrates the exceptional efforts undertaken by the leader in delivering impactful social value through their role.

The Sustainable Living Design Leader Award

This award acknowledges outstanding achievement in developing and designing sustainable living experiences for the future, benefiting both residents and staff. This encompasses innovative approaches, whether in the form of physical buildings or technological solutions, that decrease our carbon footprint, prioritise energy efficiency, and introduce novel living designs. These initiatives aim to enhance the residential living and working experience for a new generation of older and vulnerable individuals.

The Digital Innovator Award

This award celebrates pioneers in social care who demonstrate exceptional advancements in leveraging digital and technological solutions to enhance social care services. This accolade recognises innovators whose creative use of technology has significantly improved the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of complex social care delivery, making a lasting positive impact on individuals and communities.

The Partnership Champion Award

This award acknowledges exemplary collaboration between health, social care, and communities, showcasing initiatives that bridge the gap and foster seamless integration. This award recognised individuals that excel in joined-up working, demonstrating a commitment to effective partnerships that enhance the overall well-being and support systems for individuals within the social care framework.

Research Category

This award will be given to an impressive nurse-led research initiative which demonstrates passion, dedication and expertise in delivering or informing evidence based practice. Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of the importance of promoting opportunities to support, deliver or lead research which benefits those receiving or delivering social care. This award is open to applications from all areas of social care and support.