2024 Accolades winners announced

A Caernarfon-based social enterprise that supports people with learning disabilities, a care worker from Lampeter and an innovative partnership between Newport City Council and Barnardo’s are among the winners of this year’s Accolades awards.

The Accolades, which are organised by Social Care Wales, recognise, celebrate and share excellent social care and childcare, play and early years work in Wales.

Six winners were presented with their awards at this year’s ceremony, which was held at Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel on Thursday, 25 April.

The awards, which were sponsored by Hugh James, Life Sciences Hub Wales and BASW Cymru, were hosted by well-known broadcaster Garry Owen and Social Care Wales’s Chief Executive Sue Evans.

More than 90 projects and care workers from across Wales entered or were nominated for this year’s awards.They were then whittled down to a final shortlist of eight projects and 10 workers or teams by a panel of expert judges.

The judges included members of Social Care Wales’s Board, representatives from organisations across social care and childcare, play and early years, and people with experience of using care and support.

Mick Giannasi CBE, Social Care Wales’s Chair, said: “The people and organisations who provide social care and childcare, play and early years in Wales are truly invaluable. We know that despite the significant challenges they face, they continue to provide excellent care and support.

“The people and projects we’re celebrating give us a glimpse into some of the many remarkable achievements of the sectors.”

Sue Evans added: “This year, we were delighted to receive the second highest number of entries and nominations in the awards’ 19-year history!

“We’re grateful to everyone who entered or nominated teams or workers because it means we can continue this hugely important job of recognising, celebrating and sharing excellence in care. Only by raising the profile of the sector and showcasing the fantastic people who work in it can we hope to attract more people to take up a career in care.

“Congratulations to all our deserving winners. It’s so important we take this time to recognise, celebrate and share your achievements, and crucially – to say thank you for all that you do. So diolch yn fawr!”

Building bright futures for children and families award

Winner: Born into Care, Swansea Council

Looking after and improving workforce well-being award

Winner: Antur Waunfawr

Working in partnership award

Winner: Newport Strategic Partnership

Effective leadership award

Winner: Sandra Stacey, Residential Care Home Manager at Flintshire County Council

Working to the principles of strengths-based practice award

Winner: Becky Evans, Powys Team Leader at Credu

WeCare Wales award

Winner: Linda Campbell, Care Worker for Cerecare N&DS Ltd in Lampeter

Hugh James

Main sponsor

Hugh James is a top 100, full-service law firm headquartered in Cardiff.

Their team has now grown to more than 700 lawyers and support staff and over 90 partners, covering a diverse range of legal specialisms, but they have maintained a very active presence in the care sector in Wales.

The firm’s work in the sector includes:

• providing advice and representation to public authorities throughout Wales in Children Act and Court of Protection proceedings
• advising public authorities, sports bodies and many other organisations on safeguarding
• acting for care providers in property, corporate, commercial and regulatory matters
• acting for the sectors regulators, including Social Care Wales.

BASW Cymru

Sponsor of ‘Looking after and improving workforce well-being’ category

The British Association of Social Work (Cymru) is THE professional association for social workers in Wales.

As a membership organisation, their role is to support members in their day-to-day practice, campaign on key issues relating to social work and to influence government policy and legislation across Wales. They are the professional association for social work and social workers.

Life Sciences Hub Wales

Sponsor of ‘Working in Partnership’ category

Life Sciences Hub Wales drive the development and adoption of life science innovation in health and social care in Wales. 

They act as a dynamic interface, connecting life science innovators with research partners, funding opportunities and ultimately with the front-line health and social care, the end users. And because they’re in continual dialogue with all of these groups, they’re able to make sure that they make the biggest impact by supporting innovations that address the most vital needs.

Ultimately, their work helps not only with the mental and physical well-being of people living in Wales, propelling new innovations into mainstream use, but it also generates growth, jobs, and prosperity across our nation.