THE EXECUTIVE CARE HOME LEADER AWARD (LARGE).
Kier Dungo, Gold Care Homes
Kier Dungo has earned the Care Home Leader Award for his exceptional leadership, dedication, and innovation in social care. As one of the youngest leaders in the field, Kier has inspired colleagues with his passion for improving care standards. His advocacy for diversity, community service, and mentorship, particularly within the Filipino social care community, sets him apart. Kier’s commitment to excellence and his compassionate approach have made a lasting impact on both his peers and service users.
THE EXECUTIVE CARE HOME LEADER AWARD (MEDIUM and SMALL).
Andrew Winstanley, Connaught Care Group
Andrews’s visionary leadership has transformed Connaught Care Group, setting new standards in the luxury care home sector. Andrew’s innovations in pricing, staff recruitment, and customer experience have redefined excellence, making a lasting impact on the adult social care industry.
THE EXECUTIVE HOME CARE LEADER AWARD.
Francis Zvoma, Hightown Housing Association
Francis Zvoma, at Hightown for 21 years, is a standout leader known for his impact on staff and service users. His open communication and mentorship foster growth, empowering staff to deliver exceptional care. Recently completing a Level 7 in Health and Social Care, Francis exemplifies dedication, resilience, and lifelong learning
THE EXECUTIVE HOME CARE FRANCHISE LEADER AWARD
Shilpi Verma, Walfinch Harrow & Brent
Shilpi consistently delivers exceptional, person-centred care within the community, embodying the core values of the Franchise. Initiatives such as Carer Connect—monthly drop-ins for staff—volunteer opportunities, and mental health support programs enhance both carer wellbeing and community involvement. Their innovative approach to care extends to dental health, digital inclusion for elderly clients, and tailored training programs, driving exceptional client satisfaction and staff pride.
THE EXECUTIVE LEARNING DISABILITIES AND AUTISM LEADER AWARD.
Hazel Nicholas, Partners in Support
Hazel is an exceptional leader known for her expertise, compassion, and dedication. A certified autism and PROACT SCIPr trainer, she constantly upskills. She has successfully led initiatives like the “Iplanit” digital care planning system and transitions from hospital to home, always ensuring individuals’ voices are at the heart of decisions. Hazel’s dedication to advocating for those she supports and fostering a positive, respectful environment makes her a worthy recipient of this award.
THE DEMENTIA CARE LEADER AWARD.
Charlotte May Wood, Langdale Care Homes Group
Charlotte has transformed dementia care within the care homes, through innovative programs like sensory therapy videos and regular music therapy sessions. Her expertise and passion have improved residents’ well-being, creating a calming, joyful environment. Charlotte’s dedication sets a new standard for dementia care excellence
THE EXECUTIVE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE LEADER AWARD.
Joy Lees, Kidz Inc Residential Services Ltd
Joy is an outstanding leader, dedicated to supporting children and young people with learning disabilities and autism. Her nurturing leadership creates tailored care where children thrive. Rising from Care Worker to Responsible Individual, Joy leads by example, empowering her team to deliver high-quality care and develop as future leaders
THE CLINICAL NURSE MANAGER AWARD.
Julia Atherton, Barchester Healthcare Ltd
Julia, Director of Nursing at Barchester Healthcare, oversees care across 250 homes, ensuring high standards of clinical, psychological, and social well-being for service users. A passionate and approachable leader, she ensures policy implementation, promotes equality and diversity, and serves as a role model for nurses company-wide.
THE SUSTAINABLE LIVING DESIGN AWARD
Andrew Donnelly, React Support Services
Andrew Donnelly and React won the Sustainable Living Design in Care Award for their innovative 4 Stage Recovery Pathway, which supports transitions from shared housing to independent living. Prioritising adaptable, high-quality designs over bed numbers, React’s services promote independence and well-being while maintaining environmental responsibility. Their services, rated “Excellent” by CIW, set a new standard for sustainable care by blending community-focused design with safety, fostering long-term positive outcomes for both residents and the environment.
THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT LEADER AWARD.
Louise Giles, Fieldbay ivolve
Louise, Head of Learning and Development at Fieldbay, has 35 years of NHS experience and three years in higher education. She prioritises comprehensive training to elevate care quality. Her innovative initiatives, including the Nursing Academy, Housekeeping Academy, and Chefs Academy, empower staff, enhance retention, and ensure compassionate, person-centred care.
THE SOCIAL VALUE LEADER AWARD.
Ruth Scalise, Dimensions Care
Ruth is dedicated to advancing Dimension’s mission for children and young people. She has led impactful collaboration with Thrive, measuring social value that has surpassed £1.5 million. Ruth’s passion and commitment drive positive change in the community, ensuring opportunities for growth and support for those in need.
THE ESG LEADER AWARD.
Hannah Montgomery, Grace Cares
Hannah, co-founder of Grace Cares, is committed to reducing care equipment waste by saving it from landfills and offering it to the public and health providers at reduced prices. The profits support grants for health workers and local initiatives, including sustainable activities like companionship tea parties and kindness rock painting. Currently studying sustainability at Aston University, Hannah has led Grace Cares to win awards for environmental action and establish partnerships with NHS trusts to promote recycling and sustainability in care.
THE DIGITAL INNOVATOR AWARD.
Leyla Hyda, Verve Homecare Ltd
Leyla is a deserving candidate for the Wellbeing Innovations award due to its transformative approach in enhancing the wellbeing of clients and staff. The company invests in transparent systems for real-time patient monitoring, fostering trust and enabling timely interventions. Its person-centered care philosophy tailors care plans to individual needs, particularly vital in mental health. With a focus on staff training and collaboration with external professionals, Verve Homecare continuously improves care standards and reduces incidents, ultimately enhancing the overall wellbeing and independence of clients.
THE PARTNERSHIP CHAMPION AWARD.
Safeguarding Families Together, Dorset Council Children Services
Safeguarding Families Together (SFT) enhances outcomes for at-risk families impacted by substance misuse, mental health issues, and domestic abuse. By integrating multidisciplinary teams, including children’s social workers and adult specialists, SFT delivers holistic support. This approach fosters trusting relationships, reduces reliance on protective services, and empowers families to thrive.
THE ENTREPRENEUR LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD.
Gillian Ashcroft, Exceptional Care
Gillian Ashcroft is a transformative force in the social care sector, exemplifying innovation and compassion throughout her career. As the founder of Exceptional Care and Think Tank Academy, she has set new standards in residential childcare and provided high-quality training for care professionals. Her initiatives, including the “See It Through the Eyes of a Child” conference, highlight her commitment to policy change and advocacy for vulnerable individuals. Gill’s dedication to community engagement and continuous improvement makes her a deserving recipient of the Entrepreneur for Social Care Award.
THE YOUNG LEADER IN SOCIAL CARE.
Lauren Mann, Farrow Friends
At just 28, Lauren, a former young carer, founded a home help and befriending company through the Prince’s Trust. With over six years of experience, she also launched the charity “Be the Silver Lining,” tackling loneliness among the elderly. Lauren exemplifies excellence in social care, passionately supporting her clients and staff.
THE QUALITY ASSURANCE LEADER AWARD
Janine Graham, Four Seasons Health Care Group
As the National Head of Quality and Governance for Four Seasons Health Care Group, Janine exemplifies passion and leadership in driving continuous improvement across the organisation. Her innovative initiatives, such as the Care Quality dashboard and engaging awareness campaigns, have significantly enhanced resident safety and care quality, resulting in substantial reductions in serious falls and weight loss incidents. Under her guidance, audit compliance has improved dramatically, with 83% of care quality ratings meeting or exceeding industry standards, making her a deserving candidate for the Quality Assurance Leader Award.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN LEARNING DISAB ILITIES & AUTISM SERVICES
Natarajan P Bala, Chosen Care Group Limited
Pakkirisamy Bhoopalan Natarajan, known as Bala, is awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary dedication to improving social care services. As director of Chosen Care Group, he has transformed care delivery across East London, providing over 20,000 hours weekly while implementing innovative solutions like the Outcome Wheel and affordable Bionic Arm. His commitment to holistic well-being, workforce development, and community health has set new benchmarks in the sector, leaving a lasting legacy that inspires future generations.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN ADULT SOCIAL CARE SERVICES
Jean Gordon, Vcare
Jean is a deserving recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children. As a registered social worker, she has tirelessly advocated for their rights and well-being, ensuring their voices are heard and valued. Through her efforts in safeguarding and education, Jean has empowered countless young people to make safer choices, providing them with hope and a brighter future. Her legacy of compassion and transformative impact continues to inspire generations within the sector.