The Executive Care Home Leader (Large) Award
Sophie Betts, Integrum Care Group
The judges were impressed by Sophie and the impact demonstrated through this nomination. Saltwood Care Centre provides high-quality residential and nursing care in a warm, friendly and welcoming environment. Located on Tanners Hill in Hythe, Kent, the home is within easy walking distance of Hythe High Street and Saltwood Village. Originally built more than 100 years ago as a convalescent home for London Transport staff, the building has since been extensively improved and expanded. For these reasons, the judging panel is delighted to recognise Sophie as a deserving winner.
The Executive Care Home Leader (Small to Medium) Award
Aderio Rocha, Hamberley Care Homes
Aderio is a respected leader in adult social care, known for his calm, inclusive and inspiring style. At Hamberley, he has spent the past two years bringing homes together, building unity and collaboration across the group. By encouraging teams to share best practice and lessons learned, he has helped raise standards of care and service delivery. Aderio champions innovation, continuous improvement and high standards, while ensuring people feel supported and valued. He motivates colleagues at every level and treats everyone with the same respect, regardless of role or status. Professional, humble and genuinely appreciative, he leads by example every day.
Anna Jones, Lifeways
Anna is an exceptional leader who has transformed our residential supported living services since joining in 2025. Recognising that a motivated workforce is fundamental to person-centred care, she introduced “social batteries” so colleagues can share their emotional wellbeing throughout the day, alongside weekly wellbeing meetings. She gave team members clearly defined roles and ownership, improved the rota, embedded Nourish, our electronic care system, and strengthened deputy management. Morale, confidence, retention and communication have improved, directly enhancing the quality and consistency of support and helping the people we support enjoy richer, more fulfilling lives. Anna leads with integrity, compassion and vision.
The Executive Home Care Leader Award
Paul Growney, Caring Connections
The judges were impressed by Paul Growney’s exceptional leadership, transforming Caring Connections into a thriving, award-winning social enterprise. His commitment to outstanding care, workforce development and innovative community initiatives demonstrates genuine compassion and vision. Paul’s remarkable achievements and lasting social impact make him a truly deserving winner of this prestigious award.
The Executive Home Care Franchise Leader Award
Wafa Mohbubul, Home Instead Broadstairs, Ramsgate & Margate
The judges were impressed by Wafa and the impact demonstrated through this nomination. At just 23 years old, Wafa made a life-changing decision that would not only shape her own future but positively impact hundreds of people across East Kent. Following her mother’s diagnosis with schizophrenia, Wafa stepped away from a successful career in technology and software engineering to pursue a purpose-driven mission: improving the lives of older adults and strengthening the communities around her. For these reasons, the judging panel is delighted to recognise Wafa as a deserving winner.
The Executive Learning Disabilities and Autism Leader Award
Sara Murphy, Community Integrated Care
The judges were impressed by Sara and the impact demonstrated through this nomination. Sara is a leader who never loses sight of why social care matters – empowering people with learning disabilities and autism to live the best lives possible. As Managing Director at Community Integrated Care, Sara leads 135 services across Scotland, supporting more than 630 people and enabling over 1,700 colleagues. Despite the scale of her role, she remains deeply connected to the people, families and teams she works with. For these reasons, the judging panel is delighted to recognise Sara as a deserving winner.
Alison Bacon, PA Services for You
Alison, Head of Quality & Performance,PA Services for You Ltd Alison has dedicated more than 35 years to improving the lives of autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities, building a career defined by innovation, compassion and an unwavering commitment to person-centred support. Beginning her career in care at just 14 years old, Alison has worked across education, residential care, supported living, respite services, outreach, community development and senior leadership, consistently championing the rights. The judging panel recognises Alison for this meaningful contribution and is pleased to award Highly Commended recognition.
The Executive Children and Young People Leader Award
Holly Longton, Embrace Care
The judges were impressed by Holly and the impact demonstrated through this nomination. Holly is the Registered Manager of Lavender House, an Ofsted-regulated four-bedroom therapeutic children’s home in Preston, Lancashire, where she provides compassionate, specialist care to children with complex needs. As a member of Embrace Care’s leadership team, she plays a pivotal role in creating an environment where children feel safe, secure, valued, and empowered to thrive. For these reasons, the judging panel is delighted to recognise Holly as a deserving winner.
Amanda-Jane Carey, Thrive Support Services Ltd
Amanda-Jane is an inspirational executive leader whose vision has transformed the lives of some of the country’s most vulnerable children and young people. Over the past 18 months she has successfully designed, developed and led the registration of seven specialist children’s homes, creating therapeutic, trauma-informed environments for children with highly complex needs, including those subject to Deprivation of Liberty authorisations and at significant risk of exploitation, self-harm and placement breakdown. The judging panel recognises Amanda-Jane for this meaningful contribution and is pleased to award Highly Commended recognition.
The Executive Dementia Leader Award
Karen Curtis, Integrum Care Group
The judges were impressed by Karen and the impact demonstrated through this nomination. Hythe View Residential & Nursing Home is located in the beautiful coastal town of Hythe. Karen is an outstanding leader whose determination and passion ensure people living with dementia receive exceptional care and can enjoy fulfilling, meaningful lives. Her commitment to dignity, respect, and person-centered practice sets the standard for the entire clinical team. Karen is currently studying for a master’s degree in Dementia, continually strengthening her knowledge. For these reasons, the judging panel is delighted to recognise Karen as a deserving winner.
Kim Retter, Compton View
Kim is an exceptional Registered Manager whose dementia leadership combines extensive professional expertise with powerful lived experience. Having supported her own father through dementia before his death, she understands both the individual journey and its impact on the whole family. That understanding drives a fierce commitment to advocacy. Kim is particularly passionate about people experiencing early-onset dementia and will challenge assumptions that increasing or changing needs automatically mean someone must move on. The judging panel recognises Kim for this meaningful contribution and is pleased to award Highly Commended recognition.
The Workforce Development Leader Award
Teresa Wilson, Brook Street Social Care
The judges were impressed by Teresa and the impact shown in this nomination. Teresa doesn’t develop people from a distance. She learns what motivates them, gives them room to grow and knows when to challenge them. One colleague had spent 16 years with the same employer and wondered if they had fallen out of love with recruitment. Ten minutes into a call with Teresa, that changed. They found a leader who would develop them and reconnect them with their purpose. For these reasons, the panel is delighted to recognise Teresa Wilson as a deserving winner.
Toni Meadows, Lifeways
Toni is an outstanding workforce development leader whose work across a complex Mental Health portfolio in Merseyside shows the qualities this award recognises. Since taking over the area in April 2025, Toni has led a rapid, sustained transformation through organisational change, regulatory pressure and significant workforce challenges. The panel is pleased to award Toni Meadows Highly Commended recognition for this contribution. Toni’s commitment to raising standards, supporting others and delivering good outcomes reflects the values the panel hopes to celebrate.
The Clinical Nurse Manager Award
Betty Varghese, Macc Care Group
The judges were impressed by Betty and the impact demonstrated through this nomination. Betty’s leadership at Watermead Rose is reflected in the trust she has built with colleagues, residents, families, and external professionals. As Clinical Manager and Deputy Manager, Betty oversees complex care while remaining closely involved in daily practice. She guides nurses through challenging clinical situations, explaining the reasoning behind care decisions, and helping colleagues grow in confidence. For these reasons, the judging panel is delighted to recognise Betty as a deserving winner.
Magdalena Kowal, Barchester Healthcare
Magdalena, Unit Manager at Shelburne Lodge, is an exceptional candidate for Clinical Nurse Manager, embodying compassionate leadership and clinical excellence. Magdalena brings a wealth of expertise to her role, holding a master’s in nursing and leading a dedicated team focused on enhancing patient outcomes. Her specialist role as an End-of-Life Champion demonstrates her deep commitment to providing compassionate, holistic palliative care, ensuring every resident experiences dignity and comfort at the end of life. The judging panel recognises Magdalena for this meaningful contribution and is pleased to award Highly Commended recognition.
The Social Value Leader Award
Kathy Williams, AK Rea Consultancy
Kathy, a director of a Derby city-centre care home, built it around older people the care market rejects: those with histories of homelessness, addiction, abuse and trauma. Residents are living dramatically longer than expected, with improved health and stability. Her 24-hour crisis line lets services place someone at any hour, easing pressure on the NHS and housing. Every resident receives a welcome bag with a handwritten letter, and she and her fellow directors personally visit residents who have no family. She also mentors disadvantaged young people and refugees into social care careers. Her social value is measurable in lives lengthened, and she doesn’t recognise her own impact.
Sue Ann Nnamani, Priscilla Wakefield House
The judges were impressed by Sue Ann and the impact demonstrated through this nomination. Sue Ann Nnamani is an exceptional social care leader whose values-driven approach has transformed the lives of residents, families, staff, and the wider social care community. With over 24 years of experience in health and social care, Sue Ann leads with compassion, integrity, inclusion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As General Manager of Priscilla Wakefield House Nursing Home, she has fostered a culture with dignity. For these reasons, the judging panel is delighted to recognise Sue Ann as a deserving winner.
The Social Care Research Award
Zoe Shears, Exemplar
The judges were impressed by Zoe’s enthusiasm and passion for using research as a mechanism to improve outcomes for those delivering and receiving care. Her determination to ensure research is seen as business as usual, influenced by her involvement with the Vivaldi study, has led to the development of research champions and the inclusion of research awareness in staff induction. This has fostered an environment where service users’ voices are included, heard and valued, and where colleagues have the opportunity to influence the research agenda through participation.
Dr Muhammad Quereshi, Comfort Care Services
The judges also wanted to acknowledge Dr Quereshi for his commitment to research, both within his organisation and across the social care sector. Acting as a conduit between research and practice, he has driven a cultural shift to improve practice and outcomes and has co-produced research-informed resources with care staff. His work was highly commended and is a great example of knowledge mobilisation to inform social care practice and outcomes.
The ESG Leader
Ravi Sodha, ACI Care
The judges were particularly impressed by Ravi Sodha’s commitment to embedding sustainability, social responsibility and strong governance throughout ACI Care. His innovative approach to reducing environmental impact, supporting staff and enriching residents’ lives demonstrates exceptional leadership. Ravi’s dedication to meaningful, measurable change makes him a truly deserving ESG Leader Award winner.
The Digital Innovator Award
Lorenzo Cincora, Choice Care Group
The judges were impressed by Lorenzo and the impact demonstrated through this nomination. Lorenzo, Digital Trainer at Choice Care Group, has become the driving force behind a digital transformation that is improving the way care is delivered across more than 100 services. Lorenzo has led the rollout and adoption of key digital systems including the company’s HR system, QFM maintenance reporting, the learning portal, the migration of server-based document storage to SharePoint and, most significantly, the organisation-wide rollout of Nourish. For these reasons, the judging panel is delighted to recognise Lorenzo as a deserving winner.
Andy Ferrington, Lifeways
The tool assesses support plans against defined standards, generates quality scores, identifies gaps, and provides targeted recommendations. Integrated into operational workflows and Power BI dashboards, it gives managers real-time visibility of quality, safety, risk and performance across services. Crucially, technology enhances rather than replaces professional judgement. It identifies areas for improvement whilst preserving person-centered care, enabling managers to focus on their expertise where it has the greatest impact. The judging panel recognises Andy for this meaningful contribution and is pleased to award Highly Commended recognition.
The Partnership Champion Award
The Leading Care Company
The judges were impressed by The Leading Care Company and the impact demonstrated through this nomination. The Leading Care Company consistently demonstrates the true meaning of partnership working by building and maintaining strong relationships across a wide range of services. Their collaborative approach extends beyond routine working hours, ensuring seamless communication and coordination not only with Clients, family and local Social Care teams during Office hours but also with Out of Hours services, healthcare professionals, care providers, and private clients. For these reasons, the judging panel is delighted to recognise The Leading Care Company as a deserving winner.
Victoria Newton- Cutler, The Care Workers’ Charity
Launched in April 2025, this partnership is not a conventional sponsorship or one-off donation. It is a structural, self-sustaining giving mechanism built directly into Nationwide’s commercial activity: a percentage of the arrangement fee on all new and renewed lending is donated automatically, meaning every loan generates direct support for the care workforce. No other partnership in the sector operates on this model, and its design means the giving continues and grows, without relying on repeated fundraising asks. The judging panel recognises Victoria for this meaningful contribution and is pleased to award Highly Commended recognition.
The Entrepreneur Leader of the Year Award
Josiah Millar, Brighter Living Care
The judges were impressed by Josiah and the impact demonstrated through this nomination. Josiah Millar is a visionary entrepreneur who founded Brighter Living in 2019 with just five services. By 2025, under his leadership, the organisation has grown to 29 services, delivering outstanding outcomes for the people supported and operational excellence across all services. He fosters a collaborative and supportive culture where teams feel valued, empowered, and inspired to innovate. For these reasons, the judging panel is delighted to recognise Josiah as a deserving winner.
Ashleigh Jarvis, Housing 21
Ashleigh is an inspirational and visionary leader whose career reflects a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of residents and colleagues. Having progressed from a frontline care role to Head of London and a member of the Executive Board, she brings a unique combination of operational expertise, strategic thinking, and genuine compassion to her leadership. The judging panel recognises Ashleigh for this meaningful contribution and is pleased to award Highly Commended recognition. Their dedication to improving standards, supporting others and delivering positive outcomes reflects the values the judging panel seeks to celebrate.
The Young Leader in Social Care Award
Casey Miles, Steps Ahead Care & Support Ltd
The judges were impressed by Casey and the impact demonstrated through this nomination. Casey took an active interest in how incorporating positive-risk taking into person centred care, can improve client experiences and outcomes. This includes providing oversight, support, supervision and debrief to the staff as well as curating and delivering bespoke training to the team on positive risk-taking. For these reasons, the judging panel is delighted to recognise Casey as a deserving winner.
Maia Bowring, CAS Care Solutions
Maia began her career in care as a carer in a residential home, where she developed a strong foundation in compassion, responsibility, and person-centred practice. Although she later moved into recruitment within a large corporate environment, she quickly realised her true vocation lay in care. In 2022, she joined CAS Care Solutions as a Recruitment Officer, bringing both her sector knowledge and corporate experience with her. The judging panel recognises Maia for this meaningful contribution and is pleased to award Highly Commended recognition. Their dedication to improving standards, supporting others and delivering positive outcomes reflects the values the judging panel seeks to celebrate.
The Quality Assurance Leader Award
Jacqui Ferguson, Parklands Care Homes
Jacqui Ferguson has spent around 30 years in social care, beginning in nursing, then managing care homes and working at the Care Inspectorate. As Operations Director at Parklands, she oversees 13 care homes across the north of Scotland, previously Quality Improvement Lead. Jacqui supports home managers and their teams to embed high standards and a culture of continuous improvement. Eleven homes are now rated Very Good for leadership. Parklands has introduced electronic medication records and trialled PainChek, which uses AI-powered facial analysis to identify pain in residents who cannot communicate it. She believes good care should never stand still.
Joanna Mosses, My Choice Healthcare
Her unwavering focus ensures that residents’ needs, wishes and lived experiences guide both everyday practice and continuous improvement. Creating a culture in which quality, dignity, compassion and respect are embedded in everyday practice, Joanna enables teams to provide exceptional, meaningful and person-centred care. Joanna’s leadership style is driven by residents, recognising the importance of making the last chapter of their lives as fulfilling, comfortable, and meaningful as possible. The judging panel recognises Joanna for this meaningful contribution and is pleased to award Highly Commended recognition
The Mentoring Leader Award
Lisa Jordaan, My Choice Healthcare
The judges were impressed by Lisa and the impact demonstrated through this nomination. While relatively new to the care sector, she brings more than 20 years’ experience delivering high-quality operational support across fast-paced, highly regulated environments, equipping her to provide calm, considered guidance, while recognising individual strengths and supporting colleagues to build their confidence and capabilities. Her ability to get to the heart of the issue is a key part of her success in mentoring others. For these reasons, the judging panel is delighted to recognise Lisa as a deserving winner.
Nicola Gibson, Swanton Community Services
Nicola is the best Operations Manager our company Swanton has, she has worked for 10 years with them and in this time has climbed up the ladder to the position she is now in. Nicola has a big heart, knows all our clients inside and out, gets to know our staff but doing this in an approachable manner. The judging panel recognises Nicola for this meaningful contribution and is pleased to award Highly Commended recognition. Their dedication to improving standards, supporting others and delivering positive outcomes reflects the values the judging panel seeks to celebrate.
The Lifetime Achievement in Social Care Award
Peter Kinsey, Iris Care Group
The judges were impressed by Peter and the impact demonstrated through this nomination. Peter has devoted his career to improving social care, but his commitment began even earlier, volunteering with disabled people from the age of 16. He began working in 1985 and, by 1988, was helping people with autism move from long-stay hospitals into community services. Over 40 years, Peter has worked as a local authority commissioner, NHS Director of Mental Health Services and Chief Executive of National. For these reasons, the judging panel is delighted to recognise Peter as a deserving winner.
Ron Taylor, Parklands Care Homes
Ron’s 30-plus-year contribution to social care was inspired by personal experience. As a young man, he helped care for his ailing grandfather at a time when suitable local care was unavailable, convincing him that people should be able to receive high-quality care close to home. In 1993, Ron turned that conviction into reality, establishing Parklands Care Homes and opening his first purpose-built care home in Buckie. The judging panel recognises Ron for this meaningful contribution and is pleased to award Highly Commended recognition. Their dedication to improving standards, supporting others, and delivering positive outcomes reflects the values the judging panel seeks to celebrate.