Bashir Jamal, group commissioning manager at Oakland Care, scooped the Lifetime Achievement in Care Award at this year’s National Care Awards.

A healthcare stalwart with over 42 years of experience, including in the NHS, private hospitals, and Armed Forces Hospitals, Jamal was recognised for his incredible commitment to care and the substantial difference he has made to the quality of countless lives.

Jamal said: “It is a huge honour to receive this Lifetime Achievement in Care Award. As I reflect on my journey during the last four decades in care, I am extremely proud of my achievements and the impact I have been able to have on people’s lives. I look forward to building on this success at Oakland Care and continuing to foster the highest quality of care for others.”

Joanne Balmer, chief operating officer of Oakland Care, said: “Bashir is a true professional and gentleman. He always has a can-do attitude, and nothing is too much trouble for him. He has a vast amount of knowledge in social care and a brilliant sense of humour. He has an incredible ability to motivate and engage teams and to inspire people to do better.

“He does a lot for charity in his own time and is always putting other people before himself. He is loyal, thoughtful, kind and respectful. He has given his entire working career to hospital clinical care, health and social care, with a large portion of that being in social care. He has successfully commissioned over 40 care homes in the UK and the sector has a lot to owe him thanks for.”