⭐ The Outstanding Home Care Provider Award (North)
🌟 Winner: City & County Healthcare Group
Supporting more than 1.5 million care hours every month, CCH Group combines national scale with local accountability to deliver outstanding community care. Through integrated services, workforce development and strong partnerships across health and social care, the organisation continues to shape the future of care while helping people remain independent at home.
⭐ Highly Commended: DS Homecare
DS Homecare consistently demonstrates a commitment to delivering safe, compassionate and person-centred care. By combining professional excellence with genuine community spirit, the organisation has built strong relationships with clients and families while creating a supportive environment where staff feel valued, developed and empowered to deliver exceptional outcomes.
⭐ The Outstanding Home Care Provider Award (South)
🌟 Winner: Steps Ahead Care & Support
Steps Ahead Care & Support is redefining rehabilitation-focused care through innovation, positive risk-taking and a strong belief in what people can achieve. From enabling overseas travel to helping shape national conversations around independence, the organisation empowers individuals to live fuller, more meaningful lives while continually pushing the boundaries of what care can deliver.
⭐ Highly Commended: Cavendish Homecare
For 15 years, Cavendish Homecare has delivered exceptional nurse-led care built around families and individual needs. Through innovative integrated care pathways, strong clinical governance and significant investment in workforce development, the organisation demonstrates how high-quality home care can transform experiences, improve outcomes and support people when they need it most.
⭐ The Start-Up Home Care Employer Award
🌟 Winner: Caremark North Norfolk and Great Yarmouth
Kawan Mirzayi has created a people-first organisation focused on wellbeing, flexibility and career development. Through initiatives including free gym memberships, innovative working patterns and strong community engagement, he has built a supportive workplace where carers feel respected, motivated and proud to deliver outstanding care within their local communities.
⭐ Highly Commended: Heritage Healthcare North Tyneside
Drawing on her extensive experience as a paramedic, Tanya Thompson has built a service recognised for its clinical excellence, compassion and community spirit. Her proactive approach has helped prevent unnecessary hospital admissions, while initiatives such as community events and social activities have strengthened local connections and improved wellbeing for clients.
⭐ The Best Franchisee Award
🌟 Winner: Peter Slough and Tim Rowland-Jones (9 Bluebird Care Franchises)
Peter Slough and Tim Rowland-Jones have demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision and commitment across their Bluebird Care franchises. Through significant investment in people, infrastructure and leadership development, they have created a high-performing culture where staff feel valued and empowered. Their strategic approach, strong values and focus on excellence continue to drive outstanding results across the organisation.
⭐ Highly Commended: CareYourWay Hertfordshire
Sobia Farooq and Shahid Shoeb have built CareYourWayHertfordshire into an outstanding franchise through values-led leadership, clinical expertise and a commitment to excellence. Their impressive growth has never come at the expense of quality. By investing in staff development, community engagement and relationship-centred care, they have created a trusted service that makes a lasting impact.
⭐ The New to Care Award
🌟 Winner: Poppy Sagar – Bluebird Care Solihull
Poppy has demonstrated exceptional commitment, professionalism and compassion since beginning her care career. Embracing every opportunity to learn and develop, she has quickly become a trusted and valued member of the team. Her dedication to delivering high-quality, person-centred care marks her out as one of the sector’s most promising new professionals.
⭐ Highly Commended: Jaspreet Kaur – Acacia Homecare North West Surrey
Jaspreet has been a breath of fresh air since joining Acacia Homecare. Despite having no previous care experience, she has quickly excelled, demonstrating outstanding compassion, professionalism and a willingness to support both clients and colleagues. Her positivity, enthusiasm and natural ability to care have already made a lasting impact.
⭐ The Inspirational Home Care Worker Award
🌟 Winner: Queen Mahlangu – Cura Care Ltd
Queen has demonstrated exceptional growth, progressing from domiciliary care into a highly skilled live-in care role. She consistently delivers outstanding support, managing complex care packages with professionalism, compassion and confidence. Her calm approach in emergencies, strong communication skills and commitment to achieving positive outcomes have earned the trust of clients, families and colleagues alike. Regularly praised for her attentiveness and personal touch, Queen exemplifies excellence in care.
⭐ Highly Commended: Natalija Andrejuskina – Health Vision
Since joining Health Vision in November 2024, Natalija has become one of the organisation’s most valued and admired care workers. Her warmth, humour and attention to detail help clients feel comfortable, respected and genuinely cared for. Whether supporting complex needs, reassuring families or going the extra mile to make a home feel special, Natalija consistently delivers exceptional, person-centred care with kindness, professionalism and compassion.
⭐ The Inspirational Home Care Manager Award (North)
🌟 Winner: Sophie Bellwood – Bluebird Care Leeds North
Sophie’s passion for delivering exceptional person-centred care shines through everything she does. Balancing quality, safeguarding, complaints and operational responsibilities, she remains approachable, supportive and trusted by both colleagues and clients. Her commitment to doing the very best for people receiving care and those delivering it makes her a truly inspirational leader.
⭐ Highly Commended: Anne-Marie Miles – Age UK York
Anne-Marie’s determination and compassion have changed lives. When a vulnerable older man faced losing a long-awaited operation because he could not afford overnight support after discharge, she found a solution. By arranging and helping secure funding for a night-sit service, she enabled him to receive life-changing treatment and continue living independently.
⭐ The Inspirational Home Care Manager Award (South)
🌟 Winner: Lauren Thomas – Direct Healthcare 24
Lauren leads with empathy, integrity and a strong commitment to person-centred care. She has created a positive, inclusive culture where staff feel supported, valued and motivated to succeed. Through her compassionate leadership, resilience and professionalism, she inspires confidence in colleagues, families and the people she supports every day.
⭐ Highly Commended: Shirley Elaine Coshall – Choice Care 4U Services
Since becoming Registered Manager, Shirley has transformed her service, improving its CQC rating to ‘Good’ across all five domains. Through strong leadership, a person-centred culture and a commitment to staff wellbeing, she has improved outcomes for service users while creating a positive and supportive environment where colleagues can thrive.
⭐ The Fabulous Frontline Leader Award
🌟 Winner: Andrew Murphy – Unity Lives
Andrew Murphy has provided exceptional leadership, stability and reassurance during a period of significant growth and challenge. Combining strategic oversight with a hands-on approach, he supports staff, families and the people receiving care with equal dedication. His calm leadership, commitment to developing others and focus on quality have strengthened Unity Lives and created a culture built on trust, accountability and compassion.
⭐ Highly Commended: David Norris – Constance Care
David is recognised for his commitment to supporting colleagues, building confidence and creating a positive workplace culture. Through mentoring, staff wellbeing initiatives and team celebrations, he has helped colleagues develop and thrive. Always approachable and willing to help, he consistently goes above and beyond to support both his team and the people they care for.
⭐ The Outstanding Director Award
🌟 Winner: Lynn James-Wellings – Care First 24 Ltd
Under Lynn’s leadership, Care First 24 has become a highly respected provider known for its values-driven culture and person-centred care. Combining clinical excellence with a commitment to workforce development, she has built a thriving organisation where compassion, dignity and innovation are embedded in every aspect of service delivery.
⭐ Highly Commended: Nicola Westbury – Pebble Healthcare
Nicola is recognised for her selfless leadership, commitment and dedication to both her organisation and wider community. A leader who consistently puts others before herself, she has built a culture of support, kindness and excellence. Her impact on colleagues, clients and the community makes her truly worthy of recognition.
⭐ The Above & Beyond Team Award (South)
🌟 Winner: All Care Thames Valley
The All Care Thames Valley team impressed judges with its exceptional teamwork, resilience and commitment to delivering outstanding care. Despite increasing pressures and complex care needs, the team has remained united, supporting one another while ensuring clients receive the highest standards of care. Their culture of inclusivity, compassion and professionalism embodies what it means to go above and beyond.
⭐ Highly Commended: Bluebird Care Greenwich
Bluebird Care Greenwich was highly commended for its commitment to person-centred care, teamwork and community support. The team consistently goes the extra mile to ensure people remain independent, connected and supported while delivering care with compassion, professionalism and dignity. Their dedication continues to make a meaningful difference every day.
⭐ The Above & Beyond Team Award (North)
🌟 Winner: SureCare Central Cheshire
SureCare Central Cheshire consistently demonstrates what it means to go above and beyond. Through creativity, compassion and a deeply person-centred approach, the team supports people to live independently while maintaining dignity, choice and safety. Their commitment to community inclusion, teamwork and exceptional care has transformed lives and earned the trust of families across the region.
⭐ Highly Commended: Care at Home Team – Age UK York
When others had given up, the Care at Home Team saw potential. Supporting a gentleman with a brain injury who had experienced abuse and rejection from previous services, they helped rebuild his confidence, health and independence. Even during his final days, they remained by his side, providing support to both him and his family.
⭐ The Mental Health Specialist Award
🌟 Winner: Leighann Williams – Active Care Group
Leighann combines extensive clinical knowledge with genuine compassion to support children with complex mental health needs. Her expertise in neurodiversity, autism and behaviours of concern has helped shape highly effective care packages and improve outcomes for families. A respected mentor and leader, she continually promotes best practice and person-centred support across the workforce.
⭐ Highly Commended: Amie Leicester – Alternative Futures Group
Amie is recognised for her commitment to supporting people with complex mental health needs through compassionate, person-centred care. Her professionalism, understanding and dedication help individuals achieve greater stability, confidence and independence. Through her positive influence and specialist expertise, she consistently improves outcomes for the people she supports.
⭐ The Dementia Specialist Award
🌟 Winner: Magdalena Zieba & Team – Visiting Angels West London
Magdalena’s expertise, leadership and passion have made her a true champion for dementia care. As a Dementia Champion and trainer, she shares her knowledge across the workforce, ensuring carers deliver consistently high standards of support. Through memory cafés, community education and family outreach, she has improved understanding of dementia and helped countless people access the guidance and support they need.
⭐ Highly Commended: Alison Bouchard – Bluebird Care Waltham Forest
Alison is recognised for her outstanding commitment to supporting people living with dementia and their families. Combining expertise, compassion and advocacy, she works tirelessly to improve understanding, raise standards and ensure individuals receive person-centred support. Her dedication has made a meaningful difference to both colleagues and the wider community.
⭐ The Complex Care at Home Award
🌟 Winner: Team at Southport Road – Alternative Futures Group
The Southport Road Team has demonstrated outstanding commitment to empowering people with complex needs to live fuller, more independent lives. Through creativity, positive risk-taking and person-centred support, they have created opportunities that many thought impossible, helping individuals achieve ambitious goals while maintaining dignity, choice and control over their lives.
⭐ Highly Commended: Clinical Services Team – Radis Community Care
The Clinical Services Team has transformed lives through an innovative nurse-led approach to complex care. Supporting Darren following a life-changing stroke, they helped reduce his care package from 24-hour support to just 28.5 hours a week while rebuilding his confidence and independence. Through proactive clinical oversight and multidisciplinary working, they have enabled him to live safely, pursue his interests and regain control of his life.
⭐ The Exceptional Home Care Nurse Award
🌟 Winner: Letwin Majero-Mugomba – NurtureCare
Letwin’s exceptional nursing care has transformed the life of a young boy once expected not to survive infancy. For more than three years, she has delivered complex clinical care with outstanding professionalism, compassion and dedication. Through her expertise and steadfast support, she has helped turn uncertainty into hope, enabling a child once facing end-of-life care to prepare for school and a brighter future.
⭐ Highly Commended: Abbie Cliffe – Cavalry Health Care
Abbie combines clinical excellence with genuine compassion, making a profound difference to the people she supports and the colleagues she leads. A trusted source of comfort, guidance and reassurance, she brings dignity, warmth and humanity into every home. Her leadership, kindness and dedication embody the very best of home care nursing.
⭐ The Joy Maker Award
🌟 Winner: Corina Croitoru – Marcus and Marcus
For more than 12 years, Corina has brought positivity, reassurance and encouragement to the people she supports, their families and her colleagues. Through patience, warmth and person-centred support, she has helped individuals rebuild confidence and reconnect with life. Her leadership, compassion and ability to inspire others make her a truly deserving Joy Maker.
⭐ Highly Commended: Colette – Blossom Home Care Dorset
Although only recently joining the organisation, Colette has already made an extraordinary impact. Her warmth, positivity and willingness to go above and beyond have earned praise from clients and colleagues alike. Whether supporting teammates or creating special moments for clients, she brings joy, kindness and enthusiasm to every aspect of her role.
⭐ The Head of People Award
🌟 Winner: Chris James – Visiting Angels North Surrey
Chris has created a truly people-centred culture focused on wellbeing, engagement and development. Through educational partnerships, workforce initiatives and innovative wellbeing programmes, he has strengthened recruitment, retention and career progression. His influence extends beyond his organisation, helping shape best practice across the wider sector while ensuring staff feel valued, supported and empowered.
⭐ Highly Commended: Natasha Schnieder – Bluebird Care Mid Essex
Natasha is the embodiment of compassionate leadership. Whether checking in on colleagues outside working hours, supporting staff wellbeing or personally covering end-of-life care shifts, she consistently puts people first. Her dedication, flexibility and genuine care have built a culture of trust and support, strengthening both the workforce and the quality of care delivered.
⭐ The Learning & Development Award
🌟 Winner: Clare Lawrence – Home Instead Wembley
Clare is recognised for her commitment to education, learning and community engagement. Through innovative training programmes and initiatives that support both care professionals and family carers, she has helped improve knowledge, confidence and understanding across her community, demonstrating the powerful role learning and development can play in improving care outcomes.
⭐ Highly Commended: Raj Gill – Orbis Care
Raj has transformed training from a compliance exercise into a genuine development journey. Through funded qualifications, specialist learning opportunities and innovative initiatives such as dementia simulation training, she has created a culture of continuous improvement. Her commitment to professional development has strengthened skills, confidence and quality across the workforce.
⭐ The Dedicated Home Care Co-ordinator Award
🌟 Winner: Gabriela Klucikova – Fields Care
Gaby embodies everything a dedicated care co-ordinator should be. As Senior Care Co-ordinator, she goes far beyond scheduling care, acting as a passionate advocate for clients and ensuring they receive the support they truly need. Whether sourcing specialist services, connecting people with community resources or championing their best interests, Gaby consistently puts people first and works tirelessly to improve quality of life.
⭐ Highly Commended: Mahsa Salehi – Ashbourne Healthcare Services
Mahsa is highly commended for her dedication, professionalism and commitment to delivering exceptional support to clients and colleagues. Her calm approach, attention to detail and ability to coordinate complex care arrangements ensure people receive safe, compassionate and responsive support. She consistently goes beyond expectations to improve outcomes and experiences.
⭐ The Awesome Administrator Award
🌟 Winner: Heidi Paget – Dedicated Care East Anglia
Heidi is the heartbeat of Dedicated Care East Anglia. Overseeing HR, recruitment and compliance with exceptional skill, she combines professionalism with genuine care for those around her. A champion of wellbeing, personal development and teamwork, Heidi inspires others to succeed while creating a positive, supportive culture that benefits staff and clients alike.
⭐ Highly Commended: Nigel McCurdy – Platinum Support & Care Services
For seven years, Nigel has been the dependable force behind Platinum Support & Care Services. Known for his professionalism, patience and dedication, he is often the last person to leave the office, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Respected by colleagues, families and professionals alike, Nigel’s compassion and commitment make him truly exceptional.
⭐ The Reducing Social Isolation Award
🌟 Winner: Discharge Outreach Recovery Service – Venture People
The Discharge Outreach Recovery Service has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to helping people reconnect with their communities following periods of illness, crisis or hospitalisation. Through practical support, encouragement and relationship-building, the team helps individuals rebuild confidence, reduce isolation and regain independence during critical stages of recovery.
⭐ Highly Commended: Nova Care’s NitWits – Nova Care North Yorkshire
What began as a fundraising event has grown into a thriving community movement tackling loneliness and isolation. Through social gatherings, a pen-pal scheme, local partnerships and intergenerational connections, NitWits has created lasting friendships, strengthened community bonds and brought joy to hundreds of older people across the region.
⭐ The Best Head Office Award
🌟 Winner: Head Office Team – CCS Homecare Services
The CCS Homecare Services Head Office Team has demonstrated exceptional dedication to supporting both staff and service users. Through strong leadership, effective systems and a commitment to continuous improvement, the team provides the foundation for high-quality care delivery. Their professionalism, innovation and ongoing support make them worthy winners of this award.
⭐ Highly Commended: Unity Lives Ltd Head Office Team
The Unity Lives Head Office Team was highly commended for its commitment to supporting frontline colleagues, fostering a positive workplace culture and ensuring operational excellence. Through collaboration, responsiveness and a people-first approach, the team plays a vital role in enabling high-quality care and outstanding outcomes across the organisation.
⭐ The Great Marketeer Award
🌟 Winner: Neighbourhood Care
Neighbourhood Care impressed judges with a marketing approach that successfully combines authenticity, community engagement and strong storytelling. By raising awareness of care services and strengthening local connections, the organisation has demonstrated how effective marketing can build trust, increase visibility and showcase the positive impact of care within communities.
⭐ Highly Commended: Anna Potgieter – CareYourWayFranchising
Anna has transformed CareYourWay’s brand presence through creativity, innovation and strategic leadership. Rising from Media & Marketing Assistant to Head of Brand & Marketing in just a few years, she has driven significant growth, strengthened franchise recruitment and expanded digital engagement. Combining commercial impact with hands-on support for franchise partners, she is helping redefine modern marketing within the care sector.
⭐ The Recruitment & Retention Award
🌟 Winner: Raja Lohia – Right at Home Bromley
Raja has championed workforce development through innovative training, clear progression routes and an inclusive learning culture. By investing in qualifications, specialist skills and staff wellbeing, he has strengthened recruitment, retention and career development while creating opportunities for people to grow, succeed and deliver exceptional care.
⭐ Highly Commended: GoodOaks Homecare Aylesbury
GoodOaks Homecare Aylesbury has built a supportive culture centred on wellbeing, development and inclusion. Through comprehensive training, flexible policies, mental health support and a genuine commitment to staff welfare, the organisation has achieved strong retention rates and created an environment where carers feel valued, respected and motivated to stay.
⭐ The Outstanding Contribution to Home Care Award
🌟 Winner: Patricia McDermott – Direct Independent Care
For more than two decades, Patricia has dedicated her life to supporting vulnerable people to live safely and independently at home. Building her service from a single caring relationship, she has created a culture rooted in kindness, dignity and trust. Her commitment to mentoring others and supporting families has transformed countless lives.
⭐ Highly Commended: Sonia Thapa – Home Instead Greenwich
Celebrating 30 years in home care, Sonia’s journey from care worker to franchise owner has been defined by innovation, leadership and compassion. Alongside building outstanding services, she has established charitable initiatives supporting vulnerable communities and continues to champion new ideas that improve care, independence and community wellbeing.