Posted on Friday 18th July 2025
Martin Rogerson presenting the Unpaid Carer Award to Valerie Gough
Francesca Parsons, a Field Care Supervisor from Platinum Community Care Ltd, is celebrating after being crowned as Newcomer to Care Dignity Champion at this year’s Staffordshire Dignity in Care Awards.
Francesca was one of seventeen carers from across the county who received an award at the event held at the Staffordshire County Showground on Thursday 17 July. Winners were joined by their colleagues, family members, community groups and care organisations.
The Dignity in Care Awards held by Staffordshire County Council is now in their eleventh year and celebrate individuals who make sure adults in care services are treated with dignity and respect.
Francesca, who started her care career last year, was nominated by a colleague and was recognised for her remarkable maturity, skill, and dedication to hearing and valuing every person she cares for. Samantha Simpson, from Home Instead, picked up Highly Commended in the Newcomer to Care category.
The Community Service Award for maintaining dignity by ensuring that people are active members of their local community went to Sandra Rawlings from Home Instead, with Patrick Aitanke from Daniel’s Special Care earning Highly Commended.
New for this year, the Long Service award was given to Karen Allen from Horninglow Bungalows (Staffordshire County Council), who was recognized for her years of service in the care sector. Karen has dedicated her entire working life to adult social care, boosting confidence and self-esteem in others by actively listening and helping them to achieve their aspirations. Karen has taken individuals to concerts featuring their favourite music and even helped one person to fulfil their dream of flying a plane. Alison Lloyd, from Futures2gether, picked up Highly Commended for her dedication to the sector, specifically her work in setting up activities and opportunities for adults with Learning Disabilities and Autism.
Rebecca Redfern from Woodview Care Home scooped the Palliative Care or End of Life Dignity Champion award. Rebecca has introduced new processes to make sure that a resident's end-of-life journey is both dignified and as comfortable as possible. The judges were so moved by her dedication, compassion, and the positive impact she makes on the lives of others, she was also awarded the Special Recognition Dignity award at the end of the evening. Naline Lee and Emma Taylor were awarded highly commended in this category for their collaborative approach to end-of-life care.
Martin Rogerson, Cabinet Member for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“It was a privilege to meet and present these inspiring people with their awards at what was our eleventh anniversary celebration. Carers do a truly wonderful job in caring for some of the most vulnerable people in our society and it’s important we recognise the vital work they do.
There are thousands of carers across Staffordshire who put dignity at the heart of everything they do. Congratulations to all the winners, runners up and to everyone who was nominated this year.”
Other winners included Michelle Wooding, from Bradwell Hall Nursing Home, who won the Care Home Dignity Champion award with Anna Majkut from Lake View Nursing Home being highly commended. Sarah-Jane Harrison from Independence at Home (Staffordshire County Council) scooped the Registered Manager Dignity Champion award, with Jomy Joy from Tudor House Care Home taking Highly Commended.
The Unpaid Carer Award went to Valerie Gough for her unwavering support caring for her grandmother, her parents, and more recently her husband. Valerie was nominated by her family, who wished to say thank you for being their anchor for over fifty years.
This year the Specialist category focused on celebrating the role of Clinical Skills in maintaining dignity. The winner was Andy Fairman, Positive Behaviour Support Clinical Lead for Godfrey Care, and highly commended went to Keely Woolridge, Occupational Therapy Assistant from Independence at Home (Staffordshire County Council).
Awards were presented by special guests, including Jan Burns MBE The National Dignity Council Chair, Shirley Way from Skills for Care and Heather Johnstone, Chief Nursing and Therapies Officer for the NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB).