Joanne Balmer BEM, chief executive of Oakland Care, has been named as the ESG (environmental, social and governance) champion at HealthInvestor’s Power 50 Awards.

The awards, which took place on 9 December at the Business Design Centre, brought together leading individuals from across the industry in celebration of their effective and inspiring successes.

Balmer BEM said: “I am extremely honoured to receive this award which represents not only a huge personal success, but is also a testament to the industry-leading efforts of all those I work alongside at Oakland Care.   

“As I reflect on my journey, I am proud we have shown what is possible for care homes across the country. Whether that be for the people who work in social care, residents we support, or even the real contribution we can make towards wider global issues. At Oakland Care we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible on environmental, social and governance issues, and I look forward to maintaining Oakland Care’s position as an influential leader on these topics.”  

Balmer, who features in our December issue, has pioneered Oakland Care’s position as the sector’s sustainability leader, retaining their status as the only carbon neutral care group in the UK for the second year running and achieving Level 3 certification by Green Mark, the highest grade awarded by the sustainability specialists.

Through inclusive and effective green initiatives, Oakland Care has brought team members and residents together for a collaborative cause that creates a long-lasting impact in social care and beyond. This culminated in the successful launch of a new strategy promoting green initiatives across their eight care homes in October.