The 2009 Accolades are launched – celebrate your excellent work
11/3/2009

Nominations are now open for the Accolades 2009 which celebrate the achievements of the best of the best social care employers, training providers and workers. The deadline for nominations is the 1^st May 2009.

Last year we were delighted to celebrate two North West winners, including the Winners of Winners!! Watch this short Accolade film to find out more (via You Tube).

In the North West we are running four drop in sessions at the Skills for Care offices in Leyland. A Sub-regional Coordinator will be on hand at these sessions to go through the nomination process and answer any questions you may have. If you are unable to attend the sessions please feel free to contact the office on 01772 459401 and advice can be given over the phone.

The drop in sessions will take place on:

• 10th March
• 12th March
• 18th March
• 24th March

The Accolades are seen as the Oscars of the social care world rewarding outstanding social care provision for millions of people who use services in their local communities. The awards are a partnership ourselves and the Department of Health, and entries are invited from local authorities, private care homes, training providers, local colleges and individuals who provide high quality care or training.

There are 10 Accolades categories covering the work of all 38,000 social care employers and 1.5 million workers so anyone who wants to enter can download an entry form . You can now complete the nomination form electronically (click on the pink bar at the top of the PDF), save the document and then email it to accolades@skillsforcare.org.uk

"It's a sad fact that we all too often only hear about social care when things go wrong but the Accolades are designed to celebrate the outstanding work done by employers and their staff day in and day out that is never properly recognised," says Skills for Care CEO Andrea Rowe.

Social Care Minister Phil Hope MP presented the Winners of Winners award at last year's Accolades awards and is in no doubt of the value of the awards event.

"It was a real pleasure to meet the winners and entrants at the Accolades Awards last year who all do a fantastic job providing high quality care for some of the most vulnerable people in society. The Awards give people the chance to celebrate excellence in social care and share their experiences with other people in the sector.

"That's why the Department of Health has joined forces with Skills for Care again this year. I would urge every employer or training provider to enter the Accolades so their hard work is recognised and rewarded."

Accolades 2008 North West winners (PDF)