We love celebrating the people who make Exemplar Health Care what it is. The ones who go the extra mile, lift others up, and make a big difference every day.
That’s why we’re incredibly proud to be celebrating seven regional winners at the Great British Care Awards, across four regions.
These awards celebrate excellence across the social care sector, and shine a light on outstanding people who work in it.
Our regional winners
This year’s regional winners are:
Alison Lancaster, Home Manager at Cheshire Springs, who won The Care Innovator Award
Amanda Murphy, Clinical Nurse Manager at Woodside Place, who won The Social Care Nurse Award
Dawn Mitchell, Activities Coordinator at Greenside Court, who won The Co-Production Award
Dawn Williams, Head Housekeeper at Scotia Heights, who won The Ancillary Worker Award
Matthew Berrisford, Unit Manager at Adswood Lodge, who won The Dementia Carer Award
Naomi Jones, Home Manager at Otterburn, who won The Care Home Registered Manager Award
Tammy Wilson, Senior Health Care Assistant at Bennett Court, who won The Dementia Carer Award
We’re also proud to have five colleagues highly commended across the Yorkshire and Humber and East Midlands regions: Phil Bulpin, Tracy Kemp, Tshewang Yuden, Susan Mujahid, and Salv Tuzze.
Together, they represent everything we value: compassion, leadership, creativity, teamwork, and a focus on the people we support.
Why they were nominated
Our finalists were nominated for a range of reasons, but the same themes came up again and again: strong leadership, genuine compassion, and a commitment to the highest standards of care.
Several nominations highlighted outstanding leadership.
Home Managers Naomi Jones and Alison Lancaster were recognised for creating positive, high-performing homes where people feel supported to grow.
Naomi’s hands-on approach at Otterburn has strengthened person-centred care and team development, while Alison’s innovative leadership has helped Cheshire Springs become a model of best practice, supporting people to achieve outcomes once thought impossible.
Exceptional nursing and dementia care also stood out.
Clinical Nurse Manager Amanda Murphy was nominated for combining clinical expertise with warmth and advocacy, making a meaningful impact at Woodside Place.
Dementia Carer Award winners Tammy Wilson and Matthew Berrisford were recognised for their deep understanding of dementia and their focus on improving quality of life.
Tammy’s compassion and advocacy shine in the moments that matter most, while Matthew’s leadership and training continue to raise standards across his home and beyond.
Another strong theme was co-production and inclusion.
Dawn Mitchell was nominated for working alongside Regional Service User Ambassador, Adam, ensuring the people we support have real influence in shaping decisions across the organisation.
Finally, nominations celebrated the vital roles that keep homes running.
Dawn Williams was recognised for the pride and professionalism she brings to Scotia Heights, alongside her work as a Training Champion supporting colleagues and creating a welcoming, homely environment.
Together, these nominations show the many ways our colleagues make a difference, every single day.
Looking ahead
Our seven regional winners will now go on to compete at the national finals on Friday 27 February 2026, at the ICC in Birmingham.
We’ll be cheering them on every step of the way.
