,

Melrose Harding shines at the Great British Care Awards

Chosen from over 4,500 nominations, Melrose impressed judges with her compassion and excellence in care coordination. They praised her as “an incredible example of compassion in action, setting the standard for care coordination”.

With 23 years in the care sector, Melrose has worked across learning disabilities, special needs, and care homes, rising from team leader to manager before transitioning into domiciliary care eight years ago. As a Care Coordinator, she works closely with families, social workers, and GPs – advocating for those without a voice and ensuring people-first care for individuals of all ages.

Melrose’s passion for care stems from childhood, where she cared for her hearing-impaired grandmother. “I learned sign language and made sure she felt valued and understood,” she recalled.

Winning this award is a milestone for Melrose, who remains humble as she prepares for the national finals in Birmingham in March 2025.

“Whether I win or not, I know I’ve touched lives, and that’s what matters most.”

Melrose, you inspire us all. Good luck in the finals!

/by

Extraordinary Care awards winner Prabhjot Atwal takes next step as Area Manager in Brent

Prabhjot Atwal, the registered manager for Rosemary House, Willow House, and Newcroft House extra care schemes in Brent, has been honoured with the Manager of the Year award at this year’s regional Extraordinary Care Awards in London.

Prabhjot’s leadership across these busy extra care schemes – delivered by our London Care team, part of CCH Group – has earned her recognition for her outstanding contribution to supporting her teams in Brent.

Following her award win, Prabhjot’s successes have led to her promotion to Area Manager, highlighting the unique progression opportunities that we offer as part of our people-first agenda and commitment to developing talent within our organisation. Her team expressed their admiration, saying, “Even though Prabhjot manages three busy extra care schemes, she’s always willing to support in a crisis and get things back on track. She is a huge support to the region, and we are lucky to have her!”

The Extraordinary Care Awards attracted over 2,000 semi-finalists, celebrating the best of the UK care sector. CCH Group’s inaugural ceremonies across the country culminated in a national event in York, where regional winners like Prabhjot were recognised for their exceptional commitment – ensuring they are celebrated for the life-changing work they do each day.

/by

Excellence on display: Eight finalists head to the Great British Care Awards

We’ve always known that CCH Group has the best people in the business – a truly world-class frontline team. Their passion, dedication, and professionalism inspire us daily, and now, the world is taking notice too.

We’re beyond excited to announce that eight of our amazing team members have been shortlisted for the prestigious Great British Care Awards! If they win, they’ll be off to the Nationals. We couldn’t be prouder.

Without further ado, let’s meet our incredible finalists:

Karen Marchington
Barnstaple – Homelife Carers
Home Care Worker Award, South West

DP Care Team
Telford – Complete Care Amegreen
Care Team Award, Wales

Melrose Harding
Southwark – London Care
Home Care Coordinator Award, London

Smith Oshodin
Glasgow – Mochridhe
Care Newcomer Award, North East and Scotland

Emma Dixon
Newcastle – Careline Homecare & North Tyneside – Comfort Call
Home Care Registered Manager, North East and Scotland

Viola Jirira
Finchley Camden – MiHomecare
Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award, London

Jacqueline Woods
Cumbernauld – Constance Care
Home Care Registered Manager, North East and Scotland

Debbie Ross
Whitehaven – Human Support Group
Home Care Registered Manager, North West

We wish you all luck as you take on the regional awards. Everyone at CCH Group will be cheering you all on!

/by

Cutting cancellation costs for commissioners with real-time reporting

In light of growing pressures on public funding, CCH Group is proud to be working closely with local authorities across the UK to enhance how we handle care calls cancelled by clients. Together, we’re exploring new, more efficient ways to report cancellations in real time and monitor the length of care visits as they happen. Using our sector-leading digital care platform, we can share vital data instantly – allowing our local authority partners and frontline teams to make faster, more informed decisions.

These partnerships are already delivering meaningful cost savings for local authorities, helping us to make sure our vital services are directed where they are needed. Sarah Kwofie, our Operations Director for London and the South, explains: “Using real-time data to tackle repeat cancellations means we’re not only saving money for our local authority partners but also making sure our care teams are focused on those who need them most. It’s about being more responsive and more effective with our care.”

At CCH Group, we know how important it is to be mindful of the challenges our public partners face. This project not only supports our broader mission to reach everyone in need of care, ensuring no one is left behind, but by empowering our staff and maximising our resources we’re strengthening the vital role of care in our communities.

/by

CCH Group launches sector-leading digital Refer a Friend scheme

In a bold step towards our vision of becoming the best place to work in care, CCH Group has unveiled an innovative Refer a Friend (RAF) scheme, revolutionising the way our employees recommend friends and colleagues to join the organisation.

Recognising the need for smoother, more efficient processes, teams from across the Group came together to transform the RAF experience into a streamlined, digital solution. “As a People First company, we weren’t satisfied with the previous process,” explained Michael Barrie, Head of Transformation. “So, we worked with different teams to create a solution that puts our people at the centre.”

Our new RAF scheme promises to deliver a seamless experience, ensuring employees are updated at every stage. David Leese, Care Professional Recruitment Manager, emphasised the significance of the digital overhaul: “Before, the RAF process was handled manually, which could cause delays due to the sheer volume of referrals. Now, with our new system through our CCH Connect staff app, everything is faster, more transparent, and no referral gets overlooked.”

“It’s simple, fast, and designed with our teams in mind,” added David.

This cutting-edge RAF scheme is more than just a tool for referrals – it’s a key element of CCH Group’s ongoing mission to create a supportive and growth-driven workplace. By making it easier for our employees to bring in people they trust, we are building a sense of community while rewarding our workforce.

With the revamped RAF programme now live, employees have the perfect opportunity to refer friends, enjoy bonus payments, and play a role in building an even stronger, more connected CCH family.

/by

London Care joins forces with London Borough of Southwark to support local health through Community Health Ambassadors Network

In an inspiring new partnership, Bunmi Johnson, one of our Regional Managers, and his team of dedicated care professionals in Southwark have teamed up with the London Borough of Southwark to empower the community through the Community Health Ambassadors Network. This initiative, designed to improve local health and wellbeing, aligns with our core values of courage, community, and heart.

As part of this collaboration, care professionals in Southwark will serve as Community Health Ambassadors, providing essential, accurate information on public health issues, vaccines, mental health, and wellbeing to their networks. By acting as trusted sources within their communities, these ambassadors will help to dispel myths, break down barriers to healthcare, and ensure that the experience of local residents are shared.

In support of this initiative, we are opening two of our extra care schemes – Tayo Situ House and Lime Tree House – as spaces for hosting health events and discussions. These spaces will become hubs for engagement, helping our teams build a stronger sense of community and shared responsibility for health and wellbeing in Southwark.

Bunmi commented, “We are proud to be part of a project that embodies our values and makes a tangible difference in the lives of people in Southwark. By partnering with Southwark Council, we are not only supporting our community but also providing our experienced Care Professionals with the opportunity to lead and inspire. This initiative brings us one step closer to our vision of creating the best place to work in care, where compassion and leadership go hand in hand.”

This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to courageously tackling health challenges, building meaningful connections within the communities we support, and ensures that every action we take is driven by heart. Together, CCH Group and London Borough of Southwark are making a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of communities in London.

/by

People-first leadership: Gbemisola Akinyemi and Ross McCrann earn prestigious Mary Seacole Award

Our leadership credentials as a people-first care company continue to grow with the recent achievements of both Ross McCrann and Gbemisola Akinyemi, who have each been recognised for their outstanding leadership.

Our Preston branch has long thrived under the impressive leadership of Ross McCrann. Always driven by a passion for growth, Ross embarked on a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, further cementing his expertise. He was then specially invited to join the prestigious Mary Seacole Award for Leadership Programme, a remarkable feat typically reserved for NHS leaders. Despite the programme’s intense demands – lasting an additional six months, requiring online studies, all-day workshops, 24 contribution assignments, and a significant final paper – Ross excelled, emerging with the coveted award. “Although intense, it was an opportunity for me to develop my leadership skills further that I could not pass. Being the best leader possible for my team will ensure that they always get the support they need,” Ross said, reflecting on his journey.

Margaret McDonald, Regional Manager, commended Ross: “I’m proud of Ross’s drive to continually reach new heights. Leaders like Ross are the reason we are the number one care company in the sector.”

In addition, Gbemisola Akinyemi, our Regional Manager in London, recently joined Ross in earning the prestigious Mary Seacole Award for Leadership. Reflecting on this significant milestone, Gbemisola shared, “Graduating from the Mary Seacole NHS Leadership Programme in healthcare is the start of a new chapter in compassionate, resilient, and purposeful leadership. It shows my dedication to growth and my future as a leader who is ready to help my teams and individuals succeed in healthcare and beyond.” Her words resonate with the essence of our company vision – building the best place to work in care. Gbemisola’s success adds to our leadership foundation, driving home our commitment to nurturing compassionate leaders who prioritise the well-being of both their teams and the people we care for.

Together, Gbemisola and Ross represent the strength of our leadership and embody the passion that thrives in a company that truly puts people first. Their achievements reflect our continued dedication to growth, leadership, and providing exceptional care while building a culture where our employees can grow into the best versions of themselves.

/by

Welcome aboard: New leadership in the North West

We are thrilled to welcome three exceptional regional leaders to CCH Group, each bringing a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to our vision of building the best place to work in care.

Haroon Sajid joined us on Monday, 19th August, as our new Regional Operations Director for the North West. Haroon is set to bring his extensive operational expertise and dedication to enhancing our services across the region. His leadership will be key in building a culture where our teams are empowered and supported to deliver the very best care.

Samantha Quinn, who is already a vital part of our family, has been promoted to Area Manager for the North West and started in her new role on 12th August. Reporting to Haroon, Samantha’s journey with us has been marked by her commitment to our values and ‘people first’ ethos. We are excited to see Samantha continue to inspire her teams and contribute to our shared mission.

Finally, Jenny Booth joined us as Area Manager for the North West on Monday, 12th August. Jenny is already making a positive impact. Her focus on nurturing our teams and ensuring the highest standards of care will be invaluable as we continue to grow.

Together, Haroon, Samantha, and Jenny will play a crucial role in driving our vision forward and growing our services across the North West of England. Welcome to the team – we’re all excited to be on this journey with you.

/by

Thelma Akpakpa’s impact at Bristol Court

 

We’re proud to shine a spotlight on the outstanding leadership of Thelma Akpakpa, the manager at Bristol Court Extra Care scheme in London. Her dedication to putting people first is making a significant impact to life at the scheme, and her efforts are being rightfully recognised.

When Thelma stepped into her role at Bristol Court, she brought a passion for change and an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of our tenants. In just a few short months, she has led with both courage and compassion that has not gone unnoticed – the team at the local authority sharing these kind words that highlight Thelma’s impact:

“We would like to acknowledge that Thelma has been an exceptional interim manager at Bristol Court, bringing about noticeable positive changes in just a few months. Thank you for your hard work and for supporting the scheme so effectively.”

We’re incredibly proud of the work Thelma has done, and it’s clear that her efforts are reinforcing Bristol Court’s reputation as a place where care and compassion thrive.

It’s dedicated individuals like Thelma, along with the entire team at Bristol Court, who truly make a difference at CCH Group. They embody our values, drive our mission, and help us build something truly special: the best place to work in care.

/by

Julie Hunter joins CQC Advisory Group

We’re thrilled to share that our very own Chief Quality Officer, Julie Hunter, has recently joined the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) Regulatory Advisory Group. Julie’s involvement is part of our commitment to quality of care and a fantastic reflection of our passion for putting people first in everything we do.

The CQC is rolling out major changes to how they regulate health and social care providers, and Julie will be right in the middle of those important conversations. From new ways of registering and assessing providers to updating how quality is reported, the CQC’s new framework is all about making sure care standards are top-notch across the board.

Joining this advisory group means that CCH Group will have a direct hand in shaping these new regulations. Julie’s voice will help ensure that the changes are not only effective but also practical for providers like us who are dedicated to delivering the best care possible.

Julie’s involvement shows that we’re not just keeping up with industry standards – we’re helping to set them. Julie’s proud to be representing us, and we know she’ll bring her passion for quality care to the table, making a real difference for the entire sector.

/by