CUK Awards nominations set to open

fee increases did not cover those rising costs. Financial and workforce pressures had forced 42 per cent of respondents to close parts of their organisation or hand back contracts

Mike added: This is an excellent, timely report and we congratulate Hft and Care England on its publication and stand firm with them in calling for the Government to get round the table with providers and find some solutions. If, as is being reported, a settlement has been reached to give nurses and ambulance workers a well-deserved pay boost, we have to ask, what about care staff?

“They fought side by side with NHS workers during the pandemic and, like them, were clapped on the doorsteps. But there is little sign of social care being funded sufficiently well for anything like the pay rise afforded to their NHS counterparts.

“Better funding for social care would enable local authorities to pay a price that better matches the true cost of delivering care.

“That would in turn enable providers to pay their staff better, tackle the disparity that exists between them and their NHS colleagues and ease some of the financial and recruitment nightmares that are outlined in the Sector Pulse Check report.”

A National Care Group registered manager has received her MBE from HRH Princess Anne as part of The Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2022 for her outstanding services to social care. Julie Shield, registered manager at Abbeyvale Care Centre – part of National Care Group’s Essential Care and Support services in County Durham – attended the ceremony at Windsor Castle. The MBE reflects her dedicated service to the residents at Abbeyvale Care Centre and the social care sector as a whole, in which she has worked since 2000. In particular, Julie’s efforts during the pandemic ensured her service was kept completely Covid-19 free, selflessly putting the health and wellbeing of the people she supports above her own. Julie won Employer of the Year at the Caring UK Awards in 2021.

OPERATORS wanting to put themselves forward for recognition have been urged to enter the Caring UK Awards in partnership with Virgin Money when nominations open next month. Nominations for this year’s event will open at www.caringukawards. co.uk on Monday, April 17. The deadline for nominations will be Monday, August 28.

The awards, organised by Script Events in partnership with Caring UK, recognise excellence and achievement in all corners of the care industry.

And with more than 20 categories up for grabs, there’s something to suit every type of care business. These include everything from Quality in Housekeeping and Catering Team of the Year to Best Outdoor Environment and End of Life Team of the Year.

Caring UK Awards director Dominic Musgrave said: “We’re extremely proud that the Caring UK Awards are for every business – our awards are free to enter and our judging criteria means that it’s not down to the size of your facility but how you run it.

“Our main aim is to recognise and honour the best in our wonderful sector and showcase the innovation and dedication that goes on every day so please share your successes and tell us about your hard work and initiatives by sending in your nominations.” Trophies will be handed out at a ceremony on Thursday, December 7 at the Athena in Leicester.