Proud to Care Awards 2025

This award recognises an individual who has recently started their career in adult social care (within the last two years) and has demonstrated outstanding commitment, enthusiasm, and potential. The nominee should have:

• Quickly adapted to their role, showing dedication and passion for providing high-quality care.
• Made a significant impact in their workplace, going above and beyond expectations.
• A willingness to learn, develop skills, and embrace the values of social care.

This category honours an exceptional care worker in a residential or nursing home setting who consistently provides compassionate and person-centred care. The nominee should:

• Demonstrate outstanding commitment to residents’ well-being, dignity, and independence.
• Go the extra mile to create a warm, supportive, and homely environment.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, families, and health professionals to enhance the lives of those they care for.

This award recognises a care worker who supports individuals to live independently in their own homes or communities. The nominee should:

• Provide exceptional care and support that promotes independence, dignity, and choice.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with those they care for and their families.
• Show dedication and reliability in delivering high-quality, person-centred care.

This category celebrates an outstanding support worker who empowers people with additional needs, disabilities, or mental health conditions. The nominee should:

• Foster independence, confidence, and choice in those they support.
• Demonstrate patience, empathy, and a commitment to enhancing quality of life.
• Provide tailored, person-centred support that enables individuals to achieve their goals.

This special award recognises an unsung hero working behind the scenes in social care, such as an administrator, domestic worker, kitchen staff, or maintenance team member. The nominee should:

• Make a significant impact through their dedication and hard work.
• Contribute to a positive and supportive care environment.
• Go above and beyond in their role, ensuring the smooth running of care services.

This award celebrates a nurse working in adult social care who provides exceptional clinical care and leadership. The nominee should:

• Demonstrate outstanding dedication to delivering safe, compassionate nursing care.
• Support and mentor colleagues to enhance care quality.
• Advocate for individuals, ensuring their health and well-being needs are met with professionalism and kindness.

This category recognises an individual who is passionate about learning and development in social care, whether through formal training, mentoring, or personal growth. The nominee should:

• Champion continuous learning and development within the workforce.
• Demonstrate a commitment to improving skills and knowledge, either personally or by supporting others.
• Inspire and encourage colleagues to strive for excellence in their roles.

This award celebrates an exceptional registered manager who leads by example and ensures high-quality care standards within their service. The nominee should:

• Demonstrate outstanding leadership, inspiring and supporting their team.
• Drive improvements in care quality, safety, and well-being.
• Show a strong commitment to person-centred care and workforce development.

This category recognises an individual or organisation that has introduced an innovative approach to improve the quality of care. The nominee should:

• Implement creative and effective solutions that enhance care delivery.
• Demonstrate measurable improvements in service user outcomes.
• Inspire others to adopt innovative practices within the sector.

This award honours a care organisation, department, or team that has demonstrated excellence in delivering care and working together to improve lives. The nominee should:

• Work collaboratively to achieve outstanding care outcomes.
• Foster a positive, supportive workplace culture.
• Show commitment to best practices, continuous improvement, and person-centred care.