A Devon care home group has been crowned as employer of the year at a major national awards. The accolade for Southern Healthcare comes as it was named the winner of five categories across two glittering ceremonies in London and Leicester.
Teams of carers from its care homes in Exeter, Plymouth, Seaton, and Dawlish. attended the National Care Awards at the Excel in London, and the Caring UK Awards in Leicester.
The awards recognised Southern Healthcare’s commitment to training and development, with the firm also taking the prestigious ‘Care Employer of the Year’ title awarded by Caring UK.
Geoffrey Cox, Southern Healthcare’s managing director, said: “A huge thank you to my wife, business partner and co-trainer of more than 20 years, Margot Whittaker, and to our nursing home managers and the teams at Southern Healthcare. For everyone’s effort in exploring new ideas, reflecting and learning from, and supporting each other.
“We are tremendously proud of all of our teams and particularly congratulate the finalists for their dedication to caring for the people living in their homes. We know their daily kindness and commitment to residents and to each other makes our homes vibrant, spontaneous and loving places to live and work.”
Southern Healthcare’s director of nursing and compliance, Margot Whittaker, was also honoured at Caring UK Awards for her commitment to social care. Margot was presented with an award for Outstanding Contribution to Social Care after she developed an advanced diploma in social care nursing.
The diploma has been rolled out with the help of Bolton University and the first cohort of nurses are nearing the end of the pilot.
Southern Healthcare also reached the finals of the Caring UK Awards in two other categories. Sefton Hall in Dawlish was a finalist for both ‘Dementia Care Team of the Year’ and ‘Care Home of the Year (South)’. Andy Cowling from the care team at The Old Rectory in Exeter, was a finalist for ‘Care Employee of the Year’.
Mr Cox said the awards were a “wonderful moment” amid tough times for care providers, who are balancing soaring costs with the rising need for care due to a growing elderly population.
⚠️ Want the latest Devon breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join our WhatsApp group. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice ⚠️