On Saturday 28th October the Imperial War Museum, Duxford provided a spectacular backdrop for the finals of this the second Great East of England Care Awards, where the twenty category winners were announced.
The Great East of England Care Awards, who’s principal sponsor is h.e.t. software are supported by the Department of Health. The awards are part of the Great British Care Awards, a series of regional awards which celebrates excellence in social care and pay tribute to those who work in the sector throughout England. The awards are all inclusive, bringing together the statutory, independent and voluntary sectors, as well as unpaid carers; promoting joint working.
The Great East of England Care Awards have received nominations and support from all corners of the sector. Sector support includes the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), the National Skills Academy for Social Care, Skills for Care, Ceretas and the English Community Care Association. Local Authority support and commercial organisations are also supporting the awards. Care Talk magazine is the media partner.
There were a total of twenty award categories available for nomination, which represent all areas of the care sector,whether it be older people or specialist services and from frontline staff such as care workers and care managers to people who have made an impact in other ways such as training, specialist care in areas such as dementia and innovation.
Nominations came in from all corners of the sector and the region and successful candidates invited for interview for infront of a panel of sector experts. Thegala award evening started in style with a champagne reception, followed by a superb gourmet dinner and the awards presentation with Andrew Castle, entertainment from all girl group electric string quartet Asteria and dancing into the night.
Winners from the awards will be invited to attend the national finals for either the home care or care home sector which will take place in May and June 2012 at a prestigious venue in London.
The awards support a chosen charity, The Care Professionals Benevolent Fund is the registered charity for the Care Sector and are here to support current, former and retired care professionals, by providing assistance to relieve financial hardship or sickness.
Lisa Carr, Director of the Great British Care Awards said,
“We are delighted to be staging the Great East of England Care Awards for the second time. The care awards are going from strength to strength with this year’s regional events. The support from sector partners has been overwhelming and the quality and sheer nominations has been astounding.
These awards recognise and pay tribute to the efforts and dedication of all those who work tirelessly to ensure that so many people are able to live independent lives in their own home. They are the perfect showcase to reflect on best practice in the social care sector. A sector where people truly dedicate themselves to their work and take pride in their achievements.
The people of the East of England are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated people caring for the vulnerable and elderly members of their communities. Congratulations to everyone this evening – everyone here is a winner!”
The winners of the Great East of England Care Awards, together with the judges comments are detailed below:
The Care Employer Award More Than 250 employees
David Parry
Runwood Homes Ltd, Hadleigh, Essex
An impressive family run business who understands the real value of being involved and involving their staff.
The Care Employer Award Less Than 250 Employees
Marc & Nicola Rowland
Ultimare Care UK Ltd, Stutton, Ipswich
They place their staff at the centre of providing care and support to people in rural areas. Staff retention is clearly a very high priority and part of the company ethos. They support their staff both in and out of work.
The Care Home Worker Award
Cheryl Jeeves
Runwood Homes Ltd, Basildon, Essex
Cheryl oozes infectious enthusiasm for the care and the residents she supports. She demonstrates an amazing understanding of promoting dignity and independence Cheryl’s aim each day is to put a smile on someone’s face!
The Home Care Worker Award
Tony Lasham
Extra Hands of Heacham Ltd, Heacham, Norfolk
Proud to wear his care uniform and clearly passionate about caring full the elderly and helping them enjoy their day. A personal person who thinks his job is amazing.
The Care Newcomer Award
Kayleigh Edevane
Anglia Case Management Ltd, Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk
A self-effacing individual who demonstrated a real passion for care and who is dedicated to improving the quality of life of the young person she supports.
The Care Home Registered Manager Award
Joanna Smith
Runwood Homes Ltd, Rochford, Essex
Taking on a home that had 7 managers in 5 years, Johanna used her natural management skill to develop a sustainable team, she impressed as being a strong leader.
The Home Care Registered Manager Award
Nicci Shrimpton
Carewatch Central Norfolk, Dereham
Nicci demonstrated her ability to adapt to the rapidly changing surroundings. Her use of service user forums within a domiciliary care setting shows her innovative skills.
The Dignity in Care Award
Ann Le Lievre
Anglia Case Management Ltd, Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk
Ann revealed a total respect for her service users’ space, needs, wishes and property. Their relationship, while professional, is also one of friendship. Ann dignity comes naturally!!
The Dementia Carer Award
Lynda Oates
Home Instead Senior Care, Ipswich
Lynda demonstrated a real passion and enthusiasm in her work. She illustrated very clearly how she takes the time trouble and effect in getting to know them as individuals. She is open and versatile to peoples situations and adapts accordingly
The Care Team Award
Stephen Bunford, Tara Egan, Sam Crawford & Wesley Jarvis
Essex County Council, Chelmsford, Essex
Essex County Council stood out for their understanding of true teamwork and partnership working. It was obvious they supported each other even though their roles were diverse. They are a team in the full sense of the word, dedicated and proud of the work they do. They all work so well together for the benefit of the LA and for anyone using services.
The Care Home Activity Organiser Award
Carl Martin
Anchor
Carl came in and wowed the judges with his passion, commitment and ideas for supporting every person he comes into contact with in order to maximise their potential.
The Ancillary Worker Award
Richard Wright
Norse Care Ltd, Norwich, Norfolk
Richard demonstrated his commitment to his job role as a site support assistant for three residential homes. He seems unaware of the impact his role has on the staff and residents. He feels his job role is purely to support the important care providers to carry out their role. Richard has shown initiative, empathy and compassion to all the different residents needs.
The Putting People First Award
Ian Hillsden
Luton Borough Council, Luton
Being interviewed over an Iphone could prove a challenge for some, but not this superhero! Obstacles large or small tackled were overcome in order to provide truly personalised services.
The Care Trainer Award
Chelsey Cookson
Nayland Care Agency Ltd, Ipswich, Suffolk
Against very strong competition, Chelsey showed her commitment, understanding and knowledge of workforce development – Well Done!!
The Care Innovator Award
Jane McSweeney
Elbow Grease, Harlow Essex
Inspired by Essex CC Elbow grease has created personal self worth among 33 people with LD, overcoming prejudice and delivering services to local community and recipients of the services.
The Frontline Leaders Award
Neil Evans
Essex County Council, Colchester
Neil displayed all the skills expected from an excellent frontline leader. He was clear about the importance of staff within the process of change management and the impact on customer service. He came across as a supportive, inspirational leader often looking for solutions outside the box, with the right people in the right place.
The Carer’s Award
Alvin Gumbo, Royston
Alvin has cared for his wife during very difficult personal circumstances whilst also holding down full time employment as a carer himself. John is a selfless, caring and compassionate person who is well deserving of this award
The Outstanding Contribution Award
John Butler,
Norse Care, Norwich
John Butler started his career in care over 40 years ago. His passion and commitment to promoting the well-being of vulnerable individuals is second to none. At the end of his career he has steered a major change within social care. All of Norfolk County Council care housing has transferred to a council owned company Norse Care. It was this vision that will secure high quality care for vulnerable older people in the future.