Rachael wins award for leadership and management

Head of Area Operations in Wales, Rachael Hawkins, scooped a Silver Award at the Wales Care Awards

Organised by Care Forum Wales, the Wales Care Awards recognise the outstanding work of those in the care sector.

Rachael has worked in social care for 24 years, starting as a support worker. She now leads a team of five Regional Managers who collectively manage 34 home managers and 46 homes. One of the criteria for the Leadership and Management in Residental Care category was that nominees should ‘lead their team to deliver best practice using their leadership skills and role modelling to embed citizen led practice’.

Radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad hosted the awards ceremony at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff on Friday, 18 October.

Recognition and honour

Delighted at the result, Rachael said: “I had a fabulous time amongst so many inspiring people at the 2024 Wales Care Awards. I’m grateful for the recognition and nomination, and honoured to receive the Silver Award for Leadership & Management in Residential care.”

Prior to the awards she commented: “I like to complete my role silently, remain humble without looking for personal recognition. I prefer to celebrate the success of my team and reflect privately on my own.

“We do a difficult job, and we try to celebrate every success, no matter how small. I am in a different role to the one I started in, but I’m connected to the homes on a day-to-day basis. It is so important to understand the needs of people we support.

“Initially, working in social care was a temporary decision for me, but I really enjoyed it and thus my career got underway – this is definitely the right one for me.”

Inspiration

Regional Manager Ann-Marie Harris who nominated Rachael, described her as an ‘inspiration’, looked up to by all team members, people we support and the teams she manages. Anne Marie adds: “It’s so hard to encapsulate all of Rachael’s capabilities and contributions but her positive energy and personal touch is apparent across our teams.”

Rachael credits her success with a genuine love of her job. “If you lead with passion, it really helps. My team and I are invested in the job that we do.”

“My daughters are now at the age, where they are making decisions about their future, I would be very pleased if they choose a career in social care, as it’s very rewarding.”

Unsung heroes and heroines

Additionally, Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said: “Our aim is to recognise the unstinting and often remarkable dedication of our unsung heroes and heroines on the front line of social across Wales.

“The care sector is full of wonderful people because it’s not just a job it’s a vocation – these are people who really do have the X Factor.

“We need to do all we can to raise the profile of the care sector workforce – they deserve to be lauded and applauded. It is a pleasure to honour the contribution of all the finalists. Each and every one of them should be very proud of their achievement.”