We are delighted that the amazing work of our staff this year has been recognised across a range of social care awards. In 2025, idem living was exceptionally proud to have 17 finalists and 3 award winners across 6 different social care award ceremonies.
Stars of Children & Young People Awards
In May, idem living was a finalist for the ‘Exceptional Employer Award’ (Midlands & South) in the Stars of CYP Awards 2025 at the Manchester Mercure Piccadilly Hotel.
The award recognised “a provider that has continuously showcased excellence through delivery of outstanding, child centred care. A provider that seeks to recruit, retain and train a highly motivated workforce.”
Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards
In July we had three finalists in the Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards 2025 at the ICC in Birmingham.
Our Managing Director, Rob Gillespie, was a finalist for the Outstanding Contribution Award in recognition of people who have “made a long-term outstanding contribution to the lives of people with a learning disability and/or autism.” Rob has worked in the care sector for over four decades, and the industry is unrecognisable to the one he first joined, at just 17, thanks to the principles and dedication of people like him.
Two of our Adult Homes, Team Besford and Team Manor View, were both finalists for the Sporting Chance Award. The category was “looking for a person or team who have worked creatively to develop sporting activities in which people with learning disabilities and/or autism can choose to participate and enjoy” and the team were nominated for using a pool table to smooth the transition of a new person into the home through a communal physical activity.
National Children’s Homes Awards
In July at the inaugural National Children’s Homes Awards 2025, by The CHA at The Belfry Resort and Hotel, our fabulous Barbara Fletcher won the Practitioner of the Year Award!
Her award “recognises a front-line residential practitioner who goes above and beyond in their work with young people. They consistently demonstrate compassion, commitment, and build impactful relationships in their day-to-day practice with children and young people.”
Barbara has worked at idem living for 7 years and has provided outstanding care and support to our young people throughout that time. Rob Gillespie, our Managing Director, commented that “Barbara is a key member of our team at Logwood. Barb and her colleagues set a standard for us all to follow.”
Children & Young People Awards
In October idem living was a finalist for The Employer Award (North) at The National Children & Young People Awards 2025 at The ICC in Birmingham.
We are unbelievably grateful to all our staff who helped us to become a finalist for this award for the second year in a row, as it looked to “acknowledge and celebrate an exceptional employer who is committed to their employees delivering an excellent service to children, young people and families.”
Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care Awards
In December Sophie King was a finalist for the Social Care Superwoman Award, in the Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care Awards 2025, at the Hilton London Bankside.
Sophie is the Registered Manager of our Children’s Home Highview in Devon. This year, the home received its fourth consecutive Good rating from Ofsted, with outstanding in the sub category of ‘Effectiveness of Leaders and Managers’.
The Social Care Superwoman Award looked to recognise “a woman who has achieved outstanding results in the face of adversity” with the judges “looking for examples of going above and beyond to promote positive outcomes for staff, people in receipt of services or their community.”
Starts of Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards
Last but definitely not least, we had 10 finalists and 2 winners in the Stars of Learnings Disabilities & Autism Awards 2025 at the Manchester Mercure Piccadilly Hotel this month.
Our finalists included the wonderful…
- Becky Reavey, our Head of Adult Services, for the Visionary Leadership Award.
- Julie Wright, our Head of Children’s Services, for the Dazzling Director Award.
- David Ogugua for the Joy Maker Award.
- David Sweeney & John Wynne for the Superstar Support Worker Award.
- Natalia Szulc for the Spark of Innovation Award.
- Team Harbour Close for the Superstar Support Worker Award.
- Team Silvester for the Spark of Innovation Award.
- Team Melwood for the Above & Beyond Team Award.
Louise Lawrence, our Head of People, Performance & Culture, won the Head of People Award, which “recognises HR leaders who shape organisational culture, staff wellbeing, and employee experience. Celebrating those who implement effective policies and inclusive practices that create a positive workplace environment. Honouring individuals who lead with integrity, ensuring teams feel valued, supported, and empowered to deliver outstanding care while driving excellence across learning disability and autism support services.”
Gareth Tarpey, our Registered Manager at Melwood, won the Amazing Manager Award! This comes as Melwood received their sixth consecutive ‘Good’ inspection rating from Ofsted in October.
His award “recognises registered managers who transform lives and services through skilled leadership and person-centred approaches. Celebrating those who promote excellence in care, support professional development, and ensure services are effective and inclusive. Honouring managers who balance operational expertise with compassion, providing stability, guidance, and inspiration to their teams and the people they support.”
Thank You!!
A massive congratulations to all our nominees, finalists and winners! We also have to send a huge thank you to all our staff who show up every day, make idem living a fun place to work, and give their all to the people they support. 💙
If you’d like to join the best team in social care, take a look at our Careers page or get in touch! We are always excited to start a conversation with people that are committed to helping others.
Roll on 2026…