Our annual Care Awards & Dinner was held on 13th November 2025, at the East Sussex National Golf and Spa Centre near Uckfield. The evening was an incredible success, bringing together care providers, managers, and the wider social care community to celebrate the outstanding contributions of our amazing workforce.
With 12 award categories, including Care Newcomer of the Year, International Excellence in Social Care and Outstanding Contribution to Social Care, the event highlighted the dedication, compassion, and innovation within the sector.
It was a truly unforgettable evening. Mark Stainton, Director of Adult Social Care and Health at East Sussex County Council, opened the event with an inspiring address celebrating the extraordinary efforts of local providers and care workers, while acknowledging the significant challenges they continue to face.
Our Master of Ceremonies, Joe Fisher, kept the energy high throughout the night. A live DJ and our surprise singing waiters—perfectly disguised among the serving staff—added to the excitement, bursting into an interactive performance that soon had guests singing along before leading a joyful conga procession around the room!
From left to right: Mark Stainton (East Sussex County Council), Elizabeth Mackie (CEO of ESPIC) and Mike Derek (Chair of ESPIC).
Relive the Magic – Awards Highlights Video
Mike Derrick, Chair of East Sussex Partners in Care, reflected on the event:
“It was an honour to host our second annual Care Awards — an evening full of emotion, pride and shared achievement. Thank you to our sponsors for helping us create such a memorable celebration. Your support ensured we could properly recognise the incredible dedication and impact of our social care workforce.”
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all winners and nominees and thank everyone who made this memorable evening possible. Here’s to continuing to celebrate the heroes of social care!
Thank You to Our Valued Sponsors!
Our sincere thanks go to all our incredible sponsors for making this year’s celebration of excellence in care possible.
Your generous support has helped us honour the outstanding individuals and teams who dedicate their lives to providing exceptional care across our community.
Thank you for being an integral part of this memorable event. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Event Sponsors
Titan Workwear – Trophies
Memorandum Office Supplies
– Souvenir programme
Award Category Sponsors
Excellence in Social Care Nursing ~ Sponsored by Unity Care Solutions
Ancillary Support of the Year ~ Sponsored by Buywisegroup
International Excellence in Social Care ~ Sponsored by SESCA
Complex Care Award ~ Sponsored by MG Consulting
Innovation in Care ~ Sponsored by The Digital Care Hub
Hidden Gem ~ Sponsored by BTG Advisory
Outstanding Unpaid Contribution to Care ~ Sponsored by Uckfield and District Chamber of Commerce
Aspiring Talent Through Learning and Development
~ Sponsored by Penguin Training Ltd
Care Newcomer of the Year ~ Sponsored by TL Dallas
Care Worker of the Year ~ Sponsored by AdAlta Consultancy
Care Leadership of the Year ~ Sponsored by Citation
Outstanding Contribution to Social Care ~ Sponsored by Lester Aldridge
Special Recognition Award
~ Healthwatch East Sussex
Presented by Louise Ansari, CEO Healthwatch England
Award Winners and Highly Commended Recipients
1. Excellence in Social Care Nursing Award
- Winner: Rey Quin, Bendigo Nursing Home
- Highly Commended: Dragos (Nick) Stefanescu, Dudwell St Mary (Barchester Group)
2. Ancillary Support of the Year Award
- Winner: Tracie Wilson, Saxonwood Care Home
- Highly Commended: Maria Sinclair & Nicki Hollywood (Activities Team), Bernhard Baron Care Home
- Highly Commended: Sarah Maskell, Oakdown House
- Highly Commended: Ruby Antony (Laundry Team), Woodlands Care Home
3. International Excellence in Social Care Award
- Winner: Bridget Kativu, Radfield Home Care
- Highly Commended: Deshika Jayasundara, Oakdown House
- Highly Commended: Dilani Meepanalage, Oakdown House
4. Complex Care Award
- Winner: Tom Derrick, Oakdown House
- Highly Commended: Unity Care Solutions Team – Cindy Little, Georgia Slowey, Rebecca Taylor
- Highly Commended: Oakdown House Care Coordinators – Adam Roberts, Rhianna Earley, Siobhan Cannon, Jon Brunner, Paloma Corke
- Highly Commended: Bernadene Williams, Radfield Home Care
5. Innovation in Care Award
- Winner: The Gables Residential Care Home – Dean Hollobone, Grace Walker, Amanda Laurence
- Highly Commended: Abbey House Residential Care Home – Jenny Miles, Lou Rumble, Jasmine James
- Highly Commended: Chené Jones, Bernhard Baron Care Home
6. Hidden Gem Award
- Winner: Paul McKeown, Bernhard Baron Care Home
- Highly Commended: Christine Dawson, Webb House
- Highly Commended: Ian Schlieder, Vernon Close
- Highly Commended: Martina Zizkova, My Homecare Crowborough
- Highly Commended: Caroline Foord, Saxonwood Care Home
7. Outstanding Unpaid Contribution to Social Care Award
- Winner: Manal Ahmed
- Highly Commended: Yvonne Wiggan
- Highly Commended: Chi Ling Chan
- Highly Commended: Kelly Dawnhall
8. Aspiring Talent Through Learning & Development Award
- Winners: Liz Tehrani, Claire Wheeler & Stuart Drapper, Coastal Homecare
- Highly Commended: Annie Parker, Elizabeth Court Rest Home
- Highly Commended: Chona Chatfield, Baronsmede Family Homes
9. Care Newcomer of the Year Award
- Winner: Maise O’Donnell, Baronsmede Support Services
- Highly Commended: Charlotte Anderson, Bernhard Baron Care Home
- Highly Commended: Bartek Romanowski, SDR Care
10. Care Worker of the Year Award
- Winner: Victoria Gallagher, Saxonwood Care Home
- Highly Commended: Paul Barrett, SDR Care
- Highly Commended: Jhazmin Cabrera, Frinton House
- Highly Commended: Megan Jackson, Woodlands Care Home
11. Care Leadership of the Year Award
- Winner: Madel Wrobel, Ashley Gardens
- Highly Commended: Carl Gibson, Aspens
- Highly Commended: Ray Quin, Bendigo Nursing Home
12. Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award
- Winner: Marian Philipova, Bendigo Nursing Home
- Highly Commended: Charlene O’Toole, Bourne Support
- Highly Commended: Emma Louise Rich-Spice, Dudwell St Mary (Barchester Group)
13. Special Recognition Award
- Winner: Healthwatch East Sussex
Charity Raffle – £875 Raised for Age UK East Sussex
We’re delighted to share that the charity raffle raised £875 for Age UK East Sussex. Thank you to everyone who took part so generously.
Pictured: Steve Hare (CEO) and Carys Williams (Chair of Trustees), Age UK East Sussex, announcing the lucky winners.
Guest Feedback
Tina O’Callaghan, Registered Manager at Oakdown House
Highly Commended – Care Leadership of the Year Award
“What a great night, everything about it was fantastic.
It made me feel so proud. I have worked in the Health and Social Care industry since I was 14, so for over 30 years, and to be recognised for all the work we do was an amazing feeling.
It made our team feel proud too; lots of my staff team have congratulated me. This award was for us.”
Marta Kazmierczak, Deputy Manager at St Saviours
Winner – Care Leadership of the Year Award
“I have attended other awards but found the East Sussex Care Awards very person-centred, focusing on the finalists.
It was a privilege to come to the stage and hear all the nomination quotes being read by the sponsors…
Thank you again for allowing me to be part of it; it was an experience I will treasure for life.”
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Zoe Kendal, Registered Manager at Edendale Lodge
“Can I say what a wonderful evening—great venue and lovely food. Well done, and I hope to join you again next year.”