Nominations are open for the 26th National Care Awards organised by Caring Times. This year’s awards celebration will take place at the Platinum Suite, London on 29 November.

Angela Gillespie, distributor channel manager of headline sponsor Ontex, said: “We are extremely proud to announce that Ontex is the headline sponsor for the National Care Awards 2024. Having been an award sponsor over 10 years, it is such an important night to recognise those working in the care sector and the positive impact they have on people’s lives. I look forward to seeing everybody on the night and celebrating those nominated!”

This year’s flagship awards event will be even bigger and better than ever with five new awards:

Domiciliary Carer of the Year  – This award recognises the vital role of the home carer in providing quality care. Evidence of dedication, kindness, sensitive handling of matters of importance to service users and career progress through training will all be taken into account.

Domiciliary Care Provider of the Year – This award will be made to a domiciliary care provider that can demonstrate exceptional quality care across all the services it offers.

Specialist Carer of the Year – This award recognises the vital role of the carer in providing quality care in specialist care, including learning disabilities and autism, brain injury and stroke, Huntington’s disease, mental health, neuro disability, Parkinson’s disease and spinal injury. Evidence of dedication, kindness, sensitive handling of matters of importance to residents, and career progress through training will all be taken into account.

Specialist Care Provider the Year – This award will be made to a care provider that can demonstrate exceptional quality care across specialist care, including learning disabilities and autism, brain injury and stroke, Huntington’s disease, mental health, neuro disability, Parkinson’s disease and spinal injury.

Apprentice of the Year – This award will be made to an outstanding apprentice who has entered the sector in the past 12 months and who has made a significant contribution to their care environment. The judges will be looking for an individual who has impressed their colleagues with their enthusiasm and willingness to take on responsibility as well as exhibiting a natural dedication to care. The winner will be someone who has demonstrated outstanding potential to develop a successful career in care.

Hundreds of care sector colleagues will be attending the glittering evening of celebration which is one of the highlights of the annual social care calendar.

Guests will enjoy an evening of networking, a three-course meal followed by our esteemed awards ceremony hosted by a celebrity guest.

Once the accolades have been handed out, the fun continues with a night of music and dancing.

To learn how to make your nominations, buy tickets or become an event partner, click here.