Fifteen individuals working in adult social care across Leicester and Leicestershire have been recognised for their outstanding contributions at the 2025 Care Professional of the Year Awards.
The annual event, held at Winstanley House in Leicester, was organised by Inspired to Care, a workforce development project led by Leicestershire County Council, with support from Leicester City Council. The initiative aims to promote adult social care as a career and improve staff recruitment and retention across the region.
Picture credit: Leicestershire County Council
This year’s top award, Care Professional of the Year, was presented to James Hopkins from Kara Healthcare, who was also named Operational Staff Member of the Year. He was recognised for his efforts in improving staff morale, enhancing family satisfaction, and contributing to staff retention.
Speaking after receiving his award, Hopkins said care professionals play a key role in supporting people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
“We are asked to help and support people in what could be the last few days, weeks, months or years of their life, and it’s for us to make those moments the most memorable we possibly can,” he said.
The awards were based on nominations from colleagues, service users, and families across the region, recognising a range of roles within the adult social care sector, including care homes, home care, supported living, and office-based staff.
Among the other winners was Victoria Abel of Radfield Home Care, who received two awards: Care Leader of the Year and Outstanding Contribution to Social Care, for what organisers described as “unwavering dedication, compassion and professionalism.”
Cllr Carl Abbott, Leicestershire County Council’s cabinet member for adult social care, said the event was a chance to highlight the commitment of the social care workforce.
“The stories I heard during the afternoon really highlighted the need to celebrate this special group of people,” he said.
“These awards are a reminder that compassion and dedication in social care makes great things happen.”
Cllr Mohammed Dawood, Assistant City Mayor for Adult Social Care at Leicester City Council, also acknowledged the contribution of care workers: “Adult social care is a huge responsibility for councils and one we take very seriously. We’re determined to invest in high-quality, well-trained staff and support their professional development throughout their careers.”
Full List of Award Winners
- Care Home Professional of the Year – Jill Natasha Odhiambo (Everdale Grange Care Home)
- Home Care Professional of the Year – Catrina Guest (Bosworth Homecare)
- Supported Living Professional of the Year – Mandy Simpson-Lee (Creative Support)
- Support Professional of the Year – Rarida McLoughlin (Kara Healthcare)
- Learning Disabilities, Mental Health or Autism Professional of the Year – Liam Staples (Enable Inclusive Support Ltd)
- Office Staff Member of the Year – Leanna Pearson (Prestige Nursing and Care)
- Operational Staff Member of the Year – James Hopkins (Kara Healthcare)
- HR/Recruiter of the Year – Zishan Nandjy (Langdale Care Homes)
- Trainer of the Year – Amaan Sadiq (Langdale Care Homes)
- Care Leader of the Year – Victoria Abel (Radfield Home Care)
- Activities Co-ordinator of the Year – Georgie Bailey (Midlands Care)
- Personal Assistant of the Year – Amisha Rana
- Best Newcomer of the Year – Veticana Gitau (Bluebird Care)
- Outstanding Contribution to Social Care – Victoria Abel (Radfield Home Care)
- Care Professional of the Year 2025 – James Hopkins (Kara Healthcare)
