Care Awards 2026 – Kirklees and Calderdale Care Association

This award will be given to the Care Home Registered Manager who has demonstrated a high level of expertise together with exceptional skills in managing the complex business of running a care home. A Manager who shows vision in developing person centred care and supporting staff to meet the ever changing needs of the residents

Criteria

A manager who demonstrates the ability to change to meet the new social care priorities - can say how they have improved the care
Demonstrates a commitment to dignity and privacy for residents
Can give an example(s) of leadership best practice: induction; supervision and appraisal systems; continuing professional development; qualifications and achievements.
Can give an example of supporting staff
The nominee must be named as the registered manager with CQC at the time of nomination and remain in that role at the time of the awards ceremony.
The nominee must be operating a service rated above inadequate by the CQC; the rating will be considered as part of the nomination assessment.

Each answer must be at least 50 words in length and no more than 200 words in total.

Why are you nominating this person for an award?
(e.g They have improved care in this home by..., they are a good leader because...)

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

Please provide example(s) of how the manager goes above and beyond to support staff.

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

Please give an example of how the manager has improved care in this service.

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

This award will be given to the Registered Manager (Community) who has demonstrated a high level of expertise together with exceptional skills in managing a community care business. A Manager who shows vision in developing person centred care and supporting staff to meet the ever changing needs of the service users.

Criteria

A manager who demonstrates the ability to change to meet the new social care priorities - can say how they have improved the care
Demonstrates a commitment to dignity and privacy for clients
Can give an example(s) of leadership best practice: induction; supervision and appraisal systems; continuing professional development; qualifications and achievements.
Can give an example of supporting staff
The nominee must be named as the registered manager with CQC at the time of nomination and remain in that role at the time of the awards ceremony.
The nominee must be operating a service rated above inadequate by the CQC; the rating will be considered as part of the nomination assessment.

Each answer must be at least 50 words in length and no more than 200 words in total.

Why are you nominating this person for an award?
(e.g They have improved outcomes by..., they are a excellent leader because...)

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

Please provide example(s) of how the manager goes above and beyond to support staff.

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

Please give an example of how the manager has improved care in this service.

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

This award will recognise an excellent, person centred service, demonstrating dignity and respect through ancillary services, (for example, cook, handy persons, cleaners and receptionists). Nominations should include clear examples of the candidate’s achievements and high standards of work, along with evidence of outstanding feedback they have received.

Criteria

Understands and demonstrates treating each person as an individual
Shows respect to clients and treats them with dignity
Takes special pride in their work
Has received praise from clients

Each answer must be at least 50 words in length and no more than 200 words in total.

Why are you nominating this person for an award?
(e.g They treat each person as an individual by..., they show respect by...)

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

Please provide example(s) of how the person takes special pride in their work.

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

Provide examples of any praise the nominee has received from service users/colleagues.

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

This award recognises nursing and clinical professionals who demonstrate exceptional clinical practice within adult social care settings. Nominees should show how they apply professional nursing knowledge and clinical decision-making to deliver safe, person-centred care and improve the emotional, physical, psychological and social health of the people who they support.

Criteria

Demonstrates high standards of clinical practice, professional accountability and evidence-based care
Uses clinical knowledge and assessment skills to support individuals with complex, long-term or changing health needs.
Integrates nursing expertise with person-centred approaches to support wellbeing and independence within social care.
Demonstrates compassion, professionalism and advocacy when supporting individuals and families.

Each answer must be at least 50 words in length and no more than 200 words in total.

Why are you nominating this person for an award?
(e.g They have improved the delivery of care and support in their team by..., they have improved their skills and knowledge by...)

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

Please provide example(s) of how the person is a good role model to others.
(e.g. recognising changes in health needs, supporting complex care, improving outcomes, promoting safe practice)

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

Provide examples of any praise the nominee has received from residents/colleagues.
(e.g. advocacy, emotional support, mentoring colleagues, promoting dignity and independence)

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

This award will be given to the Activity Coordinator who has demonstrated they can provide a ‘needs led’, varied and appropriate programme for residents. Coordinators who show exceptional skills, creativity and responsibilities in arranging activities either alone or in conjunction with a senior care worker.

Criteria

Is able to provide and give examples of an exceptional range of services
Understands individuals needs for different activities and explains why this is
Inclusion for people with a range of mental and physical disabilities (E.g. music)
Examples of how residents have benefited

Each answer must be at least 50 words in length and no more than 200 words in total.

Why are you nominating this person for an award?
(e.g They engage residents in activities by..., they learn about each resident’s needs by...)

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

Please provide example(s) of how the person takes special pride in their work.

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

Provide examples of any praise the nominee has received from residents/colleagues.

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

This award recognises the significant role of the Care Home Worker in consistently providing a high quality standard, for people living in residential care. Evidence of dedication, awareness of colleagues and career development through training will be important elements for the judges.

Criteria

Understands and demonstrates treating each person as an individual by giving a personalised service
Involves residents and their relatives/carers in the development of their care
Has examples of putting in extra effort for residents - ‘going the extra mile’
Working as part of a close team

Each answer must be at least 50 words in length and no more than 200 words in total.

Why are you nominating this person for an award?
(e.g They offer a personalised service by..., they involve residents/staff in the development of resident's care by...)

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

Please provide example(s) of how the person gives an excellent service to residents.

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

Provide examples of any praise the nominee has received from residents/colleagues.

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

This award recognises the significant role of the Home Care Worker in consistently providing a high standard of care, for people living in their own homes. Evidence of dedication, awareness of colleagues and career development through training will be important elements for the judges.

Criteria

Allows the person to make their own decisions and stay in control of their own lives
Gives an excellent and dignified service to clients
Respects people’s right to privacy (example)
Has examples of putting in extra effort for clients - ‘going the extra mile’

Each answer must be at least 50 words in length and no more than 200 words in total.

Why are you nominating this person for an award?
(e.g They offer a personalised service by..., they involve service users in the development of their care by...)

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

Please provide example(s) of how the person provides an excellent service to service users.

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

Provide examples of any praise the nominee has received from service users/colleagues.

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

This award recognises an individual who has demonstrated strong, compassionate and effective leadership within a care setting in the role of Deputy Manager, Senior Care Worker, Team Leader or similar role.

Criteria

Supports and motivates team members to deliver high-quality, person-centred care
Demonstrates good communication skills with staff, residents/clients and families
Contributes to a positive, inclusive and supportive team culture

Each answer must be at least 50 words in length and no more than 200 words in total.

1. Why are you nominating this person for an award?
(e.g They have improved the delivery of care and support in their team by..., they have improved their skills and knowledge by...)

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

2. Please provide example(s) of how the person is a good role model to others
(e.g They have shown good leadership qualities by...)

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

3. Provide examples of any additional responsibilities the person has taken on
(e.g Training responsibilities, Nutrition and Hydration champion)

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

This award recognises an individual who has demonstrated strong, compassionate and effective leadership within a care setting in the role of Deputy Manager, Senior Care Worker, Team Leader or similar role.

Criteria

Demonstrates clear leadership qualities and acts as a positive role model for others
Supports and motivates team members to deliver high-quality, person-centred care
Shows commitment to dignity, respect and person-centred practice
Can provide examples of how they have supported staff wellbeing, development or confidence
Demonstrates good communication skills with staff, residents/clients and families
Shows adaptability and problem-solving skills in a challenging care environment
Contributes to a positive, inclusive and supportive team culture
Can demonstrate how their leadership has had a positive impact on care outcomes, staff morale or service quality

Each answer must be at least 50 words in length and no more than 200 words in total.

1. Why are you nominating this person for an award?
(e.g They have improved the delivery of care and support in their team by..., they have improved their own skills and knowledge by...)

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

2. Please provide example(s) of how the person is a good role model to others
(e.g They have shown good leadership qualities by...)

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

3. Provide examples of any additional responsibilities the person has taken on
(e.g Training responsibilities, Nutrition and Hydration champion.)

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

This award celebrates someone who has joined the care sector within the last 12 months and has already shown exceptional commitment and potential.

Criteria

Has worked in the care sector for 12 months or less
Treats people with dignity, respect and kindness
Works well as part of a team and follows good practice
Takes initiative and goes the extra mile
Has made a positive impression on residents/clients, families or colleagues

Each answer must be at least 50 words in length and no more than 200 words in total.

1. Why are you nominating this person for this award?
(e.g. They have made a positive impact by..., they demonstrate compassion and professionalism through..., they make a difference to others by...)

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

2. Please provide specific examples that show how this person has gone above and beyond in their role.
(e.g. e.g. They take initiative by..., they provide personalised support through..., they have received positive feedback for...)

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

3. How has this person shown commitment to learning, development and teamwork?
(e.g. They have developed new skills through..., they support colleagues by..., they demonstrate a positive attitude through...)

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

This award recognises an individual delivering outstanding end of life care,
demonstrating compassion, dignity and person-centred support for people approaching the end of life,
as well as their families and loved ones. Evidence of making a meaningful difference, working collaboratively
and striving for continuous improvement will be important elements for the judges.

Criteria

Provides compassionate, person-centred care that enhances quality of life at the end of life
Treats people with dignity and respect, including their right to privacy and personal choice
Has examples of going above and beyond to personalise support through illness, dying, death or bereavement
Demonstrates innovation or creative approaches to improving end of life care
Works collaboratively across teams, services or organisations to improve end of life care

Each answer must be at least 50 words in length and no more than 200 words in total.

1. Why are you nominating this person for this award?
(e.g. They have delivered exceptional end of life care by..., they have supported dignity, comfort and respect by..., they have improved the end of life experience by...)

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

2. Please provide clear examples of how this person has delivered high-quality, person-centred end of life care.
(e.g. personalised care, emotional or cultural support, support for families, feedback or outcomes showing impact)

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

3. How has this person contributed to improving end of life care practice?
(e.g. working with other professionals, improving processes or practice, reflection or training, introducing new approaches, sharing learning with others)

50 words minimum. 0 words used

Maximum number of words left: 200

Kirklees and Calderdale Care Awards 2026

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