Care UK recognised for excellence at Leaders in Care Awards

Care UK colleagues are celebrating after winning two awards at the 2025 Leaders in Care awards ceremony, which was held in Birmingham on Tuesday 7^th October.

Care UK’s Wildlife Gardens initiative won the Sustainability in Care Homes Award, with judges praising the project as a way to prioritise outdoor spaces and celebrate biodiversity in the provider’s homes.

Homes were given the opportunity to create birdboxes and feeding stations, sew wildflowers for insects to pollinate, and work together to make bug hotels.

The award celebrates sustainability, but it is also a testament to the hard work of the homes to create special ways to get involved in the initiative.

For example, Invicta Court care home in Weavering had their garden championed  by the local community.  College carpentry students donated a handmade and bespoke bird box and feeder, alongside the local primary academy, who also created their own bird feeders for the home.

At Tor-Na-Dee in Milltimber, relatives donated benches and plants, whilst residents researched flowers that might be best to attract bees and butterflies, assisting colleagues at garden centres to pick them out.

Valentin Catanescu, Operations Support Manager at Care UK, was named Leader of the Future at the ceremony.

Valentin was recognised for his visionary leadership, unwavering dedication and innovative approach to his work at Care UK.

He has supported his home teams to ensure they are equipped to deliver the best care possible , including guiding one home through a CQC inspection, which saw it gain two ‘Outstandings’.

Valentin is passionate about care and has been a vital lead on care planning for each resident choosing a Care UK home.  He has guided his teams to create tailored care plans for every resident, so that it is a positive experience for both them and their families on moving into the care home.

Valentin’s commitment to care and excellence comes from his experience as a registered nurse, and since joining Care UK, he has been able to further develop his leadership and teamwork skills

He said, “Since joining Care UK I have been able to grow beyond my clinical skills through interaction with colleagues who have a wealth of experience and who as committed to outstanding care and best practice as I am. Their guidance and unique perspectives have shaped who I am today.”