Joanne Balmer, chief executive officer at Oakland Care, has been named ESG Champion at HealthInvestor’s Power Fifty Awards for the second year in a row.

The HealthInvestor Power Fifty brings together leading individuals from across the health and social care sector to celebrate their inspiring successes.

Balmer has driven Oakland Care’s environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) strategy since joining the luxury care home provider in August 2019. The organisation was named Employer of The Year in the Gold category at the Investors in People Awards. It has undertaken a range of green initiatives including the planting of hundreds of trees, creation of wildlife gardens, and activities which boost biodiversity, reduce waste, and offset long-term emissions.

Balmer said: “I am delighted to receive this prestigious award for a second year in a row. At Oakland Care, we are committed to continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible on environmental, social and governance issues in social care and beyond.”

She added:  “Whether it be our sustainability strategy, cultivation of inclusive and open environments for our team members, efforts to deliver outstanding care to the residents we support, and approach to wider global issues, we are leading the way. I look forward to continuing to maintain our position as an influential leader on these topics.”