National home care provider Right at Home has announced the winners of its annual Celebration Awards, which recognises achievements from across its network.

The ceremony to recognise its franchise offices and staff took place on 14 September, the second day of its annual Right at Home conference.

The winners were announced during a black-tie gala dinner, attended by the Right at Home network, at St George’s Park in Burton upon Trent.

Right at Home Cardiff and Newport was crowned the winner of the ‘Overall Business of the Year’ award for demonstrating excellence across all aspects of the business over the past year, from management and training to customer service and community engagement work. This has resulted in multiple external awards, including a Great British Care Award and a Social Care Wales accolade.

The judges were particularly impressed with business owner, Joe Guishard, who lobbied a successful campaign against rising fuel prices with his local MP last year. His work was discussed in Parliament and helped lead to a fuel supplement of 20p for nine months. 

Guishard said: “It’s overwhelming to have won this award. The competition was tough because the network is fantastic. Everyone has had a fantastic year and so when I saw that our name came out on top, it was a shock. It really makes me appreciate and realise why we do what we do.

“This isn’t about me as an owner or individual, it’s about us as a team, and every single person in my team deserves this. They’ve worked so hard to make us the business of the year, we’ve all come together.”

‘Caregiver of the Year’ was Steffan Thomas, also from Right at Home Cardiff and Newport

Right at Home stated that: “Steffan has worked tirelessly over the past 12 months to ensure his clients get the best possible service and quality of care. He is also highly respected by his colleagues, due to his passion and professionalism.”

Thomas said: “I feel absolutely amazing. My hard work over the last year has paid off and to be recognised by the company is just brilliant. I’m so chuffed.”

Georgie Lewin, senior caregiver and training and quality co-ordinator at Right at Home Maidenhead, was named ‘Young Ambassador of the Year’, which recognises young newcomers.

Lewin, 22, impressed the judges with her drive to progress her career, completing several courses to improve her skills, and taking responsibility for overseeing compliance and training, and constantly thinking of new ways to grow the business. 

During her four years at Right at Home, Lewin has cared for clients with severe dementia, schizophrenia, motor neuron disease and depression, treating them all with great respect and sensitivity.

Scott MacRae, owner of Right at Home Maidenhead, said: “Seeing how Georgie has grown over the past three years fills me with pride. She is a credit to Right at Home and our values of trust, quality, compassion and respect. Her clients love her visits and she inspires her colleagues. Georgie is a joy to work with and truly deserves her recognition.”

Lewin commented: “This award is something I did not expect to receive. Success for me is making a positive difference every day to others, so this recognition feels very special. I would like to thank our caregivers and colleagues in the office who make the good days better and the more challenging ones easier.

“I would like to thank Scott for the opportunities he has given me, I could not make the impact I have without his on-going support and drive. Finally, for someone who started their career in care with no experience and little idea what to expect, it has been the most rewarding decision I have made, and I am excited for the future of positive change within care.”

Other Right at Home award winners were: 

‘Registered Manager of the Year’: Alison Taylor, Right at Home Bristol. This award recognises RMs who have excelled in operational management and driven up standards of care by demonstrating the Right at Home values.

‘RightStart of the Year’: Right at Home Camden and Hampstead. This award recognises the impact Right at Home’s newest network members have made and how successfully they have built their business foundations.

‘Community Impact’: Right at Home Isle of Wight. This award acknowledges the importance of giving back to local communities and how Right at Home players have made a positive impact on theirs.

‘Marketing Excellence’: Right at Home Guildford and Farnham. Awarded to Franchises who are using a blended marketing strategy and consistently maintaining Right at Home brand standards to build their brand presence and reflect company values.

‘Employer of the Year’: Awarded to the management teams that has successfully balanced meeting the needs of their workers with growing their business: 

‘Fewer than 50 Staff’: Right at Home Isle of Wight.

‘More than 50 Staff’: Right at Home Solent.

Right at Home’s judging panel comprised Pip Wilkins, chief executive of the British Franchise Association; Gillian Morris, head of franchising at HSBC; and Lucy Campbell, Right at Home UK chief executive. 

Campbell said: “We are fortunate to have the most incredible network of franchise owners, who truly live and breathe the Right at Home values, whilst making the most wonderful difference every day – so it’s brilliant to be able to recognise some of the exceptional efforts from across the network.

“In my eyes they are all worthy award winners and regardless of who takes home the glassware- the evening never fails to have a really special feeling about it, where everyone is ultimately recognised and valued for their part in making our brand what it is today.”