Right at Home UK Celebrates Outstanding Network Achievements at 2023 Conference

The national homecare provider honoured its entire workforce at a special awards ceremony in Burton upon Trent

Published: 21/09/2023

Right at Home has announced the winners of its annual Celebration Awards, which recognise the outstanding achievements from across its network. 

The ceremony took place on Thursday 14 September, the second day of the annual Right at Home conference, to celebrate the work of franchise offices and staff who go the extra mile to support their Clients and make a difference in their local communities.

The winners, selected by an esteemed panel of judges, were announced during a black-tie gala dinner, attended by the Right at Home network, at St George’s Park in Burton upon Trent.

We are delighted to share our winners below:

Joe Guishard, owner of RaH Cardiff and Newport, picked up the Overall Business of the Year award

Overall Business of the Year: Right at Home Cardiff and Newport

Right at Home Cardiff and Newport was crowned the winner of the Overall Business of the Year award for demonstrating excellence across all aspects of the business over the last year, from management and training to customer service and community engagement work. This has resulted in multiple external awards, including a Great British Care Award and a Social Care Wales accolade. 

The judges were particularly impressed with business owner, Joe Guishard, who lobbied a successful campaign against rising fuel prices with his local MP last year. His work was discussed in the Houses of Parliament and led to a fuel supplement of 20p for nine months.

Joe said: “It’s overwhelming to have won this award. The competition was tough because the network is fantastic. Everyone has had a fantastic year and so when I saw that our name came out on top, it was a shock. It really makes me appreciate and realise why we do what we do.

“This isn’t about me as an owner or individual, it’s about us as a team, and every single person in my team deserves this. They’ve worked so hard to make us the business of the year, we’ve all come together.”

CareGiver of the Year: Steffan Thomas, Right at Home Cardiff and Newport 

There was another big win for Right at Home Cardiff and Newport this year, as Steffan Thomas picked up one of the most highly anticipated awards of the night, CareGiver of the Year. 

This accolade recognises the network’s fantastic CareGivers who have excelled in service delivery and are a shining example of the Right at Home values.  

Steffan has worked tirelessly over the past 12 months to ensure his Clients get the best possible service and quality of care. He is also highly respected by his colleagues, due to his passion and professionalism.

Commenting on his award win, Steffan said: “I feel absolutely amazing. My hard work over the last year has paid off and to be recognised by the company is just brilliant. I’m so chuffed.” 

Steffan Thomas from Right at Home Cardiff and Newport was crowned CareGiver of the Year
Alison Taylor from Right at Home Bristol secured the Registered Manager of the Year Award

Registered Manager of the Year: Alison Taylor, Right at Home Bristol

This award recognises Registered Managers who have excelled in operational management and driven up standards of care by demonstrating the Right at Home values.

Alison Taylor was chosen as a stand-out winner in this category after taking on a business facing challenges with compliance and downward trends in recruitment, retention, client satisfaction and profitability.

Over the past 12 months, her work in addressing these challenges has resulted in Client satisfaction scores increasing by 54% and employee scores increasing by 23% in surveys conducted by independent employee engagement expert, Workbuzz.

Under Alison’s leadership, Right at Home Bristol has also improved its rating on the UK’s leading independent review site homecare.co.uk from 7.8 to 9.8/10.

Collecting her award, Alison said: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed. To win an award for a job I love is just brilliant. The team have been sending me messages of congratulations and it’s really an achievement for them too because we have all worked so hard. It’s just fantastic.”

Young Ambassador of the Year: Georgie Lewin, Right at Home Maidenhead 

Georgie Lewin, Senior CareGiver and Training and Quality Co-Ordinator at Right at Home Maidenhead, pipped her peers to the post to win the Young Ambassador of the Year Award, an accolade that celebrates young newcomers who exemplify the Right at Home values and passion for care.

Georgie, 22, impressed the judges with her drive to progress her career at Right at Home, completing several courses to improve her skills, and taking responsibility for overseeing Compliance and Training, and constantly thinking of new ways to grow the business.  

During her four years at Right at Home, Georgie has cared for Clients with severe dementia, Schizophrenia, motor neuron disease and depression, treating them all with great respect and sensitivity.  

Scott MacRae, owner of Right at Home Maidenhead, said: “Seeing how Georgie has grown over the past three years fills me with pride. She is a credit to Right at Home and our values of trust, quality, compassion and respect. Her Clients love her visits and she inspires her colleagues. Georgie is a joy to work with and truly deserves her recognition.” 

Georgie commented: “This award is something I did not expect to receive. Success for me is making a positive difference every day to others, so this recognition feels very special. I would like to thank our CareGivers and colleagues in the office who make the good days better and the more challenging ones easier. 

“I would like to thank Scott for the opportunities he has given me, I could not make the impact I have without his on-going support and drive. Finally, for someone who started their career in care with no experience and little idea what to expect, it has been the most rewarding decision I have made, and I am excited for the future of positive change within care.” 

Georgie Lewin from Right at Home Maidenhead was crowned the Young Ambassador of the Year

More Right at Home Celebration Award Winners include:  

  • RightStart of the Year: Right at Home Camden and Hampstead. This award recognises the impact Right at Home’s newest network members have made and how successfully they have built their business foundations 
  • Community Impact: Right at Home Isle of Wight. This award acknowledges the importance of giving back to local communities and how Right at Home players have made a positive impact on theirs 
  • Marketing Excellence: Right at Home Guildford and Farnham. Awarded to Franchises who are using a blended marketing strategy and consistently maintaining Right at Home brand standards to build their brand presence and reflect company values 
  • Employer of the Year: Awarded to the management teams that has successfully balanced meeting the needs of their workers with growing their business:  
  • (<50 Staff): Right at Home Isle of Wight
  • (>50 Staff): Right at Home Solent

 

Right at Home’s judging panel of industry experts comprised Pip Wilkins, CEO of the British Franchise Association; Gillian Morris, Head of Franchising at HSBC; & Lucy Campbell, Right at Home UK Chief Executive Officer.  

Speaking on the awards, Right at Home CEO Lucy Campbell said: “We are fortunate to have the most incredible network of Franchise Owners, who truly live and breathe the Right at Home values, whilst making the most wonderful difference every day – so it’s brilliant to be able to recognise some of the exceptional efforts from across the network.

“In my eyes they are all worthy award winners- and regardless of who takes home the glassware- the evening never fails to have a really special feeling about it, where everyone is ultimately recognised and valued for their part in making our brand what it is today.” 

Right at Home is one of the UK’s leading homecare providers. Boasting a 9.8/10 rating from more than 3,000 reviews on homecare.co.uk, Right at Home is the most highly rated national homecare agency on the independent review site.  

For more information on Right at Home’s homecare services or career opportunities visit www.rightathome.co.uk