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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. 

    Nominations are now closed

    Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination. We have received an incredible response from across Bury's adult social care sector.

    Our independent judging process is now underway, and shortlisted finalists will be contacted before Christmas and formally announced in the new year.

    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.  

    • young care worker photographed smiling and chatting to elderly resident

      Young Person of the Year

      For under-25s whose compassion, dedication and commitment are already making a difference.

      We're looking for:

      • Positive impact on the people they support and their colleagues
        • A caring, person-centred approach
          • Someone who consistently goes above and beyond

            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
                • 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 in care who is already making a positive difference.

                  We're looking for:

                  • Kindness, empathy and respect
                    • A person-centred approach
                      • Enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment to care

                        Eligibility

                        • Has completed probation and, if frontline, the Care Certificate
                          • Actively participates in their own learning and development
                          • Senior care staff member pictured smiling behind a desk

                            Emerging Leader

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

                            We're looking for:

                            • Leadership demonstrated through everyday actions
                              • A positive impact on colleagues and team culture
                                • Initiative, creativity and problem-solving

                                  Eligibility:

                                  • Has completed probation
                                    • Care Certificate completed (if required for their role)
                                      • Actively supports their own learning and development
                                      • 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
                                              • 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
                                                      • 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
                                                              • 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
                                                                      • 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

                                                                              What's Happening Next?

                                                                              Nominations for the Heart of Bury Care Awards 2027 have now closed, and our judging panel is currently reviewing all submissions.

                                                                              Tickets for the Heart of Bury Care Awards will go on sale in early 2027.

                                                                              Please check back regularly for the latest updates or contact Bury Care Academy if you would like to learn more about the awards.

                                                                              Have a question? We'd love to hear from you.