Deadline looms for the biggest specialist care awards of 2012

With the closing date for nominations to the second Independent Specialist Care Awards just a fortnight away, host Laing & Buisson is urging providers to act now if they want to be in with a chance of collecting an accolade at what is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year.

After the success of the 2011 event, competition is guaranteed to be tough as companies which offer a wide range of unique and niche services look to become the best examples in the industry.

The Independent Specialist Care Awards recognises the important work and incredible standards being achieved among private and voluntary sector specialist care providers working in areas such as secure accommodation, supported living, autistic spectrum services and brain injury rehabilitation.

In a sign of the increasing importance of independent providers working in specialist services, awards will be made in 20 categories in 2012 – up from the 12 categories which appeared at the first event last year. Judges will look for best practice in business achievements, management and leadership and overall excellence in care services.

The categories at the 2012 event are: Supported living; Autistic spectrum services; Brain injury rehabilitation; Homecare; Care home provider; Care pathways; Training and dissemination of good practice; Special education; Early intervention and prevention; Outcomes; Best use of technology; Best design and construction; Personalisation; Innovation; Legal advisor of the year; Accountancy firm of the year; Best commissioner of the year; Investor of the year; Entrepreneur of the year; and Personality of the year.

The nomination window closes on 31 October 2011.

Nominating parties should visit the Laing & Buisson website where they can choose the category of interest and review the criteria against which all entries will be marked. They must then submit an entry of not more than 400 words arguing why it is that they consider those services to be the best in class.

Esteemed industry professionals who will be working with Laing & Buisson to identify the sector’s best include: Lord Victor Adebowale, head of Turning Point and a unique voice in the sphere of vulnerable people; Dr Chai Patel, head of the newest elderly care provider on the block – HC-One Ltd; Mark Lever, chief executive of the National Autistic Society and Martin Green of the English Community Care Association (ECCA).

Looking forward to the event, Laing & Buisson’s creative director Justin Merritt commented: ‘Some people might feel that business awards ceremonies are ten a penny. The Independent Specialist Care Awards are something special though as they truly reflect the incredible standards that are being met on a daily basis by frontline staff and senior managers alike all of whom are working in a sector upon which so many vulnerable people rely.’

Winners will be announced on 15 March 2012 during a Gala Dinner at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square. Table bookings will open on 2 January 2012. Telephone Laing & Buisson on 020 7923 5390 or visit www.laingbuisson.co.uk for further details.