Celebrating Our Sector: Innovation, Collaboration and the Future of Social Care

Norfolk's Social Care Community Shines at 2025 Norfolk Care Awards

Event honours individuals and teams transforming lives across the county’s social care community.

On Wednesday the 15th of October, adult social care providers from across Norfolk came together to celebrate the people and teams making an outstanding contribution to care in our county. The event, hosted by Norfolk Care Association, announced the winners of the Norfolk Care Awards 2025. Attendees also explored how innovation and collaboration can shape the future of social care.

The event could not have taken place without the support of organisations that recognise the importance of social care in our communities, such as Norfolk County Council, and award sponsors Howes Percival and the Norfolk Initiative for Coastal and Rural Health Equalities (NICHE Anchor Institute).

Dr Jane Townson OBE, Chief Executive of the Homecare Association spoke about the complex landscape affecting the delivery of care, offering insights into the impacts of policy, regulation and the economy. She also highlighted future opportunities for the care sector, including the shift to neighbourhood working, the growing role of technology and the government’s commitment to the Casey review and creation of a National Care Service.

Providers also heard about sector innovations, including how ArmsCare is using AI-powered acoustic monitoring to reduce resident falls and improve safety and sleep quality, and how Home Instead Norwich has introduced a simulation manikin to build the confidence and skills of home care workers.

The event culminated in the Norfolk Care Awards ceremony, which was introduced by Chris Scott, Director of Strategic Commissioning at Norfolk County Council. In his opening remarks, Chris reflected on the vital contribution of the care workforce and providers across Norfolk, acknowledged the challenges facing the sector, and highlighted the Council’s commitment to working in partnership with providers to build a sustainable, person-centred care system.

Over 100 nominations were received, with 22 finalists competing across six prestigious categories.

Badgers Wood Care Home scooped two awards for improving quality in social care and collaboration. Cameron Carter won the inspiring individual award and Pedro Campos the outstanding leadership accolade. Home Instead Norwich took home the Innovation award for their introduction of ‘Betty’, a training manikin.

Presented by Councillor Alison Thomas, the Harold Bodmer Lifetime Achievement Award recognises individuals who have made an exceptional and lasting contribution to adult social care in Norfolk.

Angela Herbert, Director of Care at St Martins, received this year’s award for her tireless work supporting Norfolk’s homeless community, while Frances Friday, Operations Manager at Cygnet Care, was highly commended for her outstanding contribution to the sector.
It was an afternoon of inspiring stories, from Pedro Campos’s journey from working in the kitchens of a care home to managing one, to Angela Herbert’s work at St Martin’s, making a significant impact on the county’s homeless community.

Christine Futter MBE, Norfolk Care Association Chair said:

“These awards showcase the exceptional compassion, skill and dedication that drive social care in our county every single day. Norfolk’s care community is full of people who are often overlooked, and today was about recognising their achievements, sharing their stories, and celebrating the profound difference they make to people’s lives.”

Cllr Alison Thomas, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services, Norfolk County Council said:

“It is inspiring to see the sector come together, united in its commitment to deliver high-quality support for the people of Norfolk. We are proud to work in partnership with providers who consistently strive to improve outcomes for our residents.”

Jon Clemo, Norfolk Care Association Director said:

“The innovation and leadership highlighted this afternoon demonstrates just how forward-thinking Norfolk’s care sector is. By embracing new approaches, new technology and new partnerships, we are building a system that can continue to deliver excellent care to the people of Norfolk.”

Chris Scott Director of Strategic Commissioning at Norfolk County Council said:

“Everything we achieve in Norfolk is built on the strength of our relationships with providers. By listening, co-designing solutions and aligning our strategy, we can create a care system that is resilient, innovative and genuinely person-centred.”

Award category and finalists:

Harold Bodmer Lifetime Achievement

• Winner: Angela Herbert – Director of Care, St Martins
• Highly Commended: Frances Friday – Operations Manager, Cygnet Care

Innovation in Social Care

• Winner: Home Instead Norwich – “Betty” the training manikin
• Finalist: Voyage Care – Consolidated Action Plans
• Finalist: Corton House – EDI Working Group

Outstanding Leadership – Award sponsored by Howes Percival

• Winner: Pedro Campos – Home Manager, Cavell Court
• Finalist: Beatrice Nyamande – Co-Founder and CEO, Care Consult ID
• Finalist: Connie Hughes – Home Manager, Walcot Hall, Healthcare Homes
• Finalist: Jessica Lemmon – Home Manager, Liaise

Inspiring Individual

• Winner: Cameron Carter – Registered Manager and QA Lead/DSL, ArmsCare
• Finalist: Jamie Smith – Activity Co-ordinator, Meadow House, Healthcare Homes
• Finalist: Nick Pooley – Operational Manager, Thera East Anglia
• Finalist: Muhammad Haseeb Amjad – Care Worker, Norvic Healthcare

Collaboration in Social Care – Award sponsored by Norfolk Initiative for Coastal and Rural Health Equalities (NICHE Anchor Institute)

• Winner: Badgers Wood Care Home, Saturn Healthcare – Intergenerational Activities
• Finalist: Cavell Court – Improving Care
• Finalist: Training in Healthcare – Hydration Programme

Improving Quality in Social Care

• Winner: Badgers Wood Care Home, Saturn Healthcare
• Finalist: Assist Trust
• Finalist: Nikki Shaw – Bilney Hall, Healthcare Homes