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    The Heart of Bury Care Awards

    An incredible evening recognising the incredible people who go above and beyond every day. 

    About the Awards

    The Heart of Bury Care Awards celebrate the people and teams who make Bury's adult social care exceptional, from the carers building trust with the people they support, to the leaders, innovators and unsung heroes working quietly behind the scenes. 

    Run by Bury Care Academy, the awards exist to say a heartfelt thank you to a workforce that rarely gets one, and to shine a light on the compassion, skill and dedication that often goes unseen. 

    Join us for an evening of celebration on 18 March 2027 at the Village Hotel, Bury, as we come together to recognise the very best of care in our borough. 

    care worker sat smiling and talking to elderly resident in a care home

    Award Categories

    Eight categories, one incredible night

    Every award celebrates a different way people show up for Bury's care sector. Tap a category to see who's eligible and what the judges are looking for. 

    • young care worker photographed smiling and chatting to elderly resident

      Young Person of the Year

      For under- 25s whose compassion is already shaping the sector. 

      What we're looking for

      • Evidence of the positive impact they've had on the people they support and their colleagues since starting the role.
        • Support for meaningful activities and experiences, going above standard duties, and dedication to understanding what matters most to individuals and families.

          Eligibility

          • Aged 24 or under, and has completed probation
            • Completed the Care Certificate (if in a frontline role)
              • Consistently exceeds expectations and acts as a role model
                Nominate Now
              • young care worker looking at a medication sheet with a senior member of staff and taking notes on their phone

                New to Care Award

                For anyone in their first year who's already making a difference. 

                What we're looking for

                • Consistent Kindness, empathy and respect when supporting others
                  • A person-centred approach, genuine enthusiasm for the sector, and professionalism under pressure

                    Eligibility

                    • Less than 1 year in Adult Social Care, and has completed probation
                      • Completed the Care Certificate (in a frontline role)
                        • Consistently exceeds expectations
                          Nominate Now
                        • Senior care staff member pictured smiling behind a desk

                          Emerging Leader

                          For natural leaders, with or without a title to match. 

                          What we're looking for

                          • Clear examples of leadership through everyday actions and behaviours
                            • Positive influence on team culture and initiative or creativity used to solve problems or support colleagues through change.

                              Eligibility

                              • Has completed probation and, if frontline, the Care Certificate
                                • Actively participates in their own learning and development
                                  Nominate Now
                                • a group of young care workers together stood around a table collaborating on a task

                                  Innovation Award

                                  For individuals or teams doing care differently, and better

                                  What we're looking for 

                                  • A new idea, service or approach that's been developed or implemented within the last 12 months
                                    • Improved (or clearly expected to improve) outcomes, with evidence of progress against its objectives

                                      Eligibility

                                      • Open to individuals and teams
                                        • Demonstrates positive impact on service delivery, quality or outcomes
                                          Nominate Now
                                        • Picture of a housekeeper smiling next to a washing machine with her arms crossed

                                          Unsung Hero

                                          For the people working tirelessly behind the scenes. 

                                          What we're looking for

                                          • Reliability and resilience, often without seeking recognition
                                            • A positive difference made through everyday actions, and initiative taken to improve things for others

                                              Eligibiltiy 

                                              • Open to direct care and non-care support roles alike
                                                • Has completed probation and can evidence going above and beyond
                                                  Nominate Now
                                                • group of care leaders photographed smiling holding up certificates after completing a training programme

                                                  Workforce Development Award

                                                  For whoever is building the skills of Bury's care workforce. 

                                                  What we're looking for

                                                  • Leadership or support of training, mentoring or career progression initiatives
                                                    • Creative approaches that adapt to different learning needs and open up real career progression

                                                      Eligibility 

                                                      • Open to individuals and teams
                                                        • Evidence of improved engagement, skills or workforce outcomes
                                                          Nominate Now
                                                        • care worker photographed, smiling at the camera with someone they support who is cuddling a dog at a community event

                                                          Community Partnership Award

                                                          For partnerships that connect care with the wider community 

                                                          What we're looking for

                                                          • Partnerships leading to measurable improvements for people receiving care and support
                                                            • Co-production with people, carers and families, and collaboration that's sustainable and embedded in ongoing practice

                                                              Eligibility

                                                              • Open to individuals and teams
                                                                • Evidence of collaborative working with external organisations or community groups
                                                                  Nominate Now
                                                                • Care worker speaking to resident, both smiling in mid conversation

                                                                  Lifetime Achievement

                                                                  For a career that embodies everything these awards stand for

                                                                  What we're looking for

                                                                  • Long-term dedication to Adult Social Care, acting as a role model, mentor or champion for the sector.
                                                                    • Consistently improved lives and outcomes, promoting dignity, independence, choice and person-centred care throughout their career

                                                                      Eligibility

                                                                      • 20+ years in the care service
                                                                        • Sustained commitment to high quality, person centred care
                                                                          Nominate Now

                                                                        More to come as March gets closer

                                                                        Once judging is complete, finalists for every category will be revealed right here. Check back in early 2027 to see who has made the shortlist. Additional tickets for the awards evening will also go on sale nearer the date. Sponsors and finalists will be contacted directly ahead of general release. 

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