Supported Individuals Part of First-Ever Co-Produced Annual Awards

People supported by one of the country’s leading providers of adult social care, National Care Group (NCG), have played a pivotal role in the co-production of an annual social care event.

National Care Group’s Annual Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of colleagues, with over 160 social care professionals from across England and Wales attending the ceremony.

For the first time ever, two people supported by the adult social care provider were involved in the judging process for the awards. Stuart and Anthony, supported by National Care Group’s Affinity Supporting People in the north west, joined the panel of judges and helped to decide on the shortlist.

With more than 375 nominations received for the 10 award categories, National Care Group colleagues created easy-read documents to make the information accessible and easier to understand.

Stuart and Anthony were part of the round-two panel of judges consisting of the company’s executive team. Collaboratively, they reviewed the nominations at National Care Group’s Accrington head office and selected three finalists for each of the award categories.

Stuart and Anthony also attended the awards ceremony, supported by National Care Group colleagues, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, East Midlands Airport, and enjoyed an evening of celebrations.

Stuart said: “I enjoyed the full experience of being a judge on the panel and liked meeting new people. I was excited to be chosen to take part in this and enjoyed narrowing down the votes.

“It’s hard to pick a favourite part of the awards ceremony as I enjoyed getting to know everyone. If I had to choose a favourite part, it would be getting up on the stage and helping to announce the winner.”

Anthony added: “Being on the panel was new to me. I did like narrowing the votes down, it was hard at times. I really enjoyed the awards; it was great to meet new people too. I didn’t realise National Care Group was so big. I don’t have a favourite part as it was fantastic. I would love to go again next year.”

James Allen, CEO of National Care Group, said: “It is the first time that we have co-produced our annual awards. We are incredibly proud to have Stuart and Anthony involved in the judging process. Their unique contributions enriched the selection process and exemplify our commitment to empowering people to achieve their full potential.

“Our annual awards ceremony never fails to inspire and motivate us all, with so many incredible achievements celebrated. It was great to invite Stuart and Anthony for an evening of celebrations too. They haven’t stopped talking about how much they enjoyed their experience.”

National Care Group’s Annual Awards was hosted by Care England’s CEO Professor Martin Green OBE and National Care Group’s Non-Executive Director Edel Harris OBE. The event recognises the hard work and achievements of colleagues.

National Care Group supports more than 1,300 adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health diagnoses, brain injuries, and complex needs across England and Wales, employing more than 2,800 colleagues.

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