Leading luxury care provider Berkley Care Group has celebrated staff achievement at its inaugural awards event.

The event at The Chesterton Hotel, Oxfordshire was attended by over 200 guests, including the group’s staff members, suppliers and procurement partners.

There were 14 awards presented at the event with two given in honour of former colleagues, Leona Waugh and Emma Warwick, who passed away in 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Andrew Winstanley, chief executive of Berkley Care Group, said: “I couldn’t be happier with how the day went. It marked a significant milestone in our post-Covid journey with some staff from different parts of the group being able to meet for the first time. It was also hugely satisfying to be able to reward our hard-working staff. I would like to thank all those involved in the event’s organisation, in particular Leah Smith. It was also very touching to mark Leona Waugh and Emma Warwick’s memory, especially in the case of Emma Warwick with her mother and sisters alongside us.

“The event has proven a powerful symbol of the importance of our employees. It came about specifically because of our efforts to listen to our team members and to better understand their needs and aspirations. With the current recruitment challenges the sector is facing, having your finger on the pulse of what your staff need has never been more important. It was through that dialogue we learned that while remuneration is important, recognition ranked higher among our employees’ needs. I can’t wait for next year’s event!”

The winners were:

Leona Waugh Carer of the Year: Sonia Barnes, care assistant, Fernhill House

RGN of the Year: Brigitta Haragos, RGN, Leycester House

Events Person of the Year: Chris Preston, events manager, Blenheim House

Ancillary Person of the Year: Roy Packer, maintenance assistant, Blenheim House

Catering Person of the Year: Melissa Price, head chef, Leycester House

Outstanding Team Member of the Year: Loyce Taylor, dementia lead, Cedar Mews

Team of the Year: Burcot Grange Care Team

Leader of the Year: Clare Hodges, general manager, Blenheim House

Residents and Relatives Choice Award: Victoria Newton-Coombs, care assistant, Burcot Lodge

Making a Difference Award: Shirley Hudson, care assistant, Ryefield Court

New to Care Award: Daisy Barnes, care assistant, Shinfield View

Innovation Award: Abby Evans, head of housekeeping, Blenheim House

Emma Warwick Award: Carly Cook, administrator, Badminton Place

Berkley Star of the Year Award: Ryefield Court Second Floor Team