Southam care home manager wins prestigious national award

Jo-Anne Wilson MBE, the Registered Manager at Galanos House - a Royal British Legion care home – was named winner of the highly coveted Leadership category, at this year’s Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards.

Now in their 12th year, the awards were founded by and organised by Care Management Matters (CMM), and developed in conjunction with the National Care Forum, a not-for-profit organisation offering expert advice in the care sector.

The awards recognise the hard work, dedication, innovation and excellence of everyone working in the not-for-profit sector who is making a positive difference to people’s lives, whether they are supporting children or adults.

Jo-Anne received the accolade in recognition of her outstanding leadership, demonstrated not only within her own service at Galanos House but also across adult social care at both local and national levels.

With a nursing career spanning over 40 years, Jo-Anne serves as co-chair of the Midlands Social Care Nursing Advisory Council and as chair of the South Warwickshire Registered Managers Network (Skills for Care), where she plays a key role in raising the profile of and championing adult social care.

Each month, Jo-Anne regularly speaks at meetings and events, where she shares insights from frontline care and highlights the value of the work being done, advocating for care staff and the people they support – making sure their voices are heard in decision-making spaces.

Jo-Anne is also credited for her strong advocation for those living at Galanos House, with residents hand-selecting everything from the home’s curtains to its team members.

She said: “Winning the Leadership category is a real honour and one I’m very proud of.

"It’s incredibly rewarding to see the work taking place in the not-for-profit care sector and to be recognised alongside so many dedicated people and organisations across the UK.

“This recognition reflects the commitment of everyone involved at Galanos House and the positive difference that can be made when people work together to support others.”

Held at Birmingham Town Hall, the award ceremony was hosted by actress and television presenter, Sally Lindsay MBE, and brought together esteemed leaders in health and social care from across the UK to learn about and applaud the diverse work of the winners and finalists.

Simon Johnston, marketing director UK at Markel, said: “Every year, the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards shine a light on the remarkable work happening across the not-for-profit care sector.

"The dedication, resilience, and compassion demonstrated by individuals and teams continues to be truly inspiring and we are delighted to be giving them the recognition they deserve.

“Jo-Anne stood out to the judging panel for their dedication and the meaningful impact they are making for the people they support.

“As the awards enter their 12th year, we remain proud to work alongside CMM to celebrate the achievements of the sector.

"Keeping the awards free to enter and attend remains a core part of this, ensuring that organisations and individuals from across the sector have the opportunity to take part and be recognised.

“Congratulations to Jo-Anne and all of this year’s finalists.

"Their commitment plays a vital role in improving lives and strengthening communities across the UK.”