Inaugural Oakland Care Awards celebrate outstanding team members

The award ceremony took place at St Ermin’s Hotel in London. There were around 80 finalists contending for 16 award categories, including Carer of the Year, Rising Star Award, and CEO Recognition Award.

On the night, Stuart Wood was named Oakland Care’s ‘Carer of the Year’. Despite joining Oakland Care with no previous experience in social care, Stuart has developed a passion for delivering care at Oakland’s Birchwood Heights care home. 

Michela Volpe, lifestyles manager at Woodland Grove care home, was honoured with the Sustainability Award, which celebrates an individual who has demonstrated an incredible commitment to championing environmental considerations. Michela has introduced activities for residents to reuse and upcycle waste items, and also led her team to plant over 300 trees at a local site in Essex this January.   

Emily Besser was recognised with the ‘Rising Star’ award. While working as a receptionist at Woodland Grove, Emily put herself through the CIPD qualification to develop her understanding of people management processes.

Emily said:  “It meant so much to me to even be invited to the Oakland Care Awards, let alone to win an award! I am truly grateful for the award and recognition I have received. I am proud to be part of such an amazing company.”

Oakland Care CEO Joanne Balmer added: “It was a truly special day where we able to recognise and celebrate our amazing team members and the incredible work they do on a daily basis. It is important to come together as one and celebrate these accomplishments. What we achieve as individuals is only made possible by the support and encouragement that our colleagues provide. So, as well as recognising the outstanding contribution of talented colleagues, it is also reflective of what we have achieved collectively.

“The last 12 months have been truly special, and I am excited to continue our progress and once more exceed expectation in everything we do.”