Find out about the finalists of the Inspirational Leadership award and vote for the winner.
The 2026 Accolades will be held at the Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff on Thursday 2 July.
This year, the winners of three categories will be decided by public vote. These are:
- Inspirational Leadership
- Learner of the Year
- WeCare Wales.
Three workers from across the social care and childcare, play and early years sectors were chosen as finalists for the Inspirational Leadership award.
Voting is open until 5pm, 30 March.
Gareth ‘Melvin’ Jones, Service Manager, Regulated Services for Children at Flintshire County Council
Gareth, or Mel, as he’s also known, was nominated by Abigail Pattullo, Registered Residential Children’s Home Manager at Flintshire County Council.
Mel has transformed Flintshire County Council’s approach to residential children’s homes by developing an in-house residential provision for the community’s most vulnerable children.
This means children who are looked after don’t need to move away and can stay in their community.
Mel’s strategic vision is rooted in practical, compassionate leadership. In building a supportive environment for children and young people, Mel started with his team.
Abigail describes Mel as “a leader who listens, includes and empowers – someone who always brings out the best in people.”
Another staff member says: “Melvin has an exceptional ability to see potential in people before they see it in themselves.”
The children and young people who use the service experience the same person-centred approach: “Mel’s sound. He has a kind personality; he’s made time for me, taking me out to go to the shop and to go for cake and he’s a really good listener.”
Under Mel’s guidance, all Flintshire County Council children’s homes have achieved excellent ratings from Care Inspectorate Wales. Now, he and his team share good practice and their new ways of working with other local authorities.
According to his colleagues, “Mel embodies the very best of social care leadership: forward-thinking, people-centred and unwaveringly committed to doing what’s right for children and families.”
Mel has recently started a new role as Operational Director for Children's Services at Action for Children.
Jenna Bennett, Practice Lead at Swansea Council
Jenna was nominated by Michaela Reynolds, Child and Family Support Officer at Swansea Council.
As Practice Lead for her team of social workers, Jenna takes every opportunity to create an empowering and supportive culture for her colleagues.
According to Michaela, “Jenna doesn’t just lead; she lifts others up, creating ripples of impact that extend far beyond her immediate role.”
When there’s a problem to solve, Jenna’s always the first to offer help. But she also makes sure everyone’s voice is heard and valued when searching for solutions.
She leads by empowering her colleagues, building “trust, collaboration, and continuous growth”. For Jenna, leadership means taking every opportunity to grow her team, build their skills and lead by example.
Michaela says: “Jenna has a unique talent for identifying strengths in others and nurturing them, helping team members grow in confidence and capability.”
She gives thoughtful and constructive feedback, always creating opportunities for reflection and learning. Another team member describes Jenna as “always calm, always fair, never judgmental... always with care and purpose”.
Encouraging and developing her team is at the heart of Jenna’s work: “She challenges me, encourages me to think differently, and always pushes me to be the best I can be.”
Jenna also knows the importance of celebrating every success, no matter how small. She works to create a positive environment that motivates the team to do their best.
“Jenna’s passion for improving lives is contagious” says Michaela, “she reminds us daily why our work matters.”
Letitia Deeble, Mental Health Lead at Mirus in Port Talbot
Letitia was nominated by Melissa Murray, Mental Health Team Leader and Sara Davies, Director of Support at Mirus.
Letitia’s approach to leadership is built around creating excellent outcomes for the people her team supports. She’s created a culture focused on empathy, collaboration and continuous learning.
Letitia is described as “someone who brings out the best in others – someone who sees potential where others might see limitation.”
She sees every challenge as an opportunity to learn. By encouraging accountability in an empathetic way, Letitia helps her team learn and grow. As one colleague put it, “I’ve learned more under Letitia’s leadership than I ever expected. She believes in you, even when you don’t believe in yourself.”
Another colleague says: “People feel supported and motivated, and that shows in the way we care for others.”
Letitia prioritises listening when it comes to people who use care and support, as well as staff. She’s an advocate of co-production. This means listening to what the person using support says they need and giving them a role in shaping their care and support plan.
One person receiving support says: “Letitia always listens. She makes sure I’m part of every decision about my care. It feels like I’m in control of my life again.”
Letitia also works with partner organisations, stakeholders and members of the local community, making sure the voices of people using care and support are heard in wider discussions and decision making.
Melissa says: “Her compassionate, person-centred leadership has transformed not only the way we work, but the way people experience care.”