Homecare provider marks 15 years of quality care across the UK with an awards evening at its Annual Conference
Right at Home UK has announced the winners of its 2026 Celebration Awards, held at Carden Park in Cheshire on 16 September as the closing event of the national homecare provider’s Annual Conference.
The two-day conference, which ran on 15 and 16 September, was themed “Crystal” to mark 15 years of franchising in the UK. The awards evening recognised offices and individuals from across a network that delivered 2.95 million hours of care over the past year. Some 35% of inspected Right at Home offices in England are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.
Right at Home Central Wiltshire was named Business of the Year, recognised for pairing significant growth with the quality of care its teams provide. Managing Director, Jack Miller, said: “This award reflects how much we have developed together over the past year, but importantly, it recognises the hard work and commitment of everyone at Right at Home Central Wiltshire. I’m incredibly proud of what the team has achieved.”
Right at Home Isle of Wight took the Employer of the Year Award, having recorded a 92% staff retention rate so far in 2026 and filled 67% of its office roles through internal progression. Every colleague who responded to the office’s anonymous 2026 employee survey recommended it as a great place to work.
Among the individual honours, Fern Swift of Right at Home Stevenage, Bishop’s Stortford & Braintree was named Care Assistant of the Year, with the award introduced by a video tribute from the people she supports and works alongside. “I got into the care industry to help people,” Fern said. “That is the most important thing. I was so nervous on the night, so to hear my name called was an amazing feeling. I’m so proud to have won the award and to have been recognised for doing something that means so much to me.”
A Client who Fern supports said: “She’s like a friend to me now. We’ve done so well together. It’s a lovely relationship to be in.”
Tina Malam, Registered Manager at Right at Home South Cheshire, received the Care Leader of the Year Award after a year in which her office improved retention, quality and engagement.
Grantley Lynch, Managing Director at Right at Home Medway won the Spirit of Franchising Award, the one honour of the evening decided by a vote among his fellow Franchise Owners, recognising the collaboration and peer support that runs through the network.
Across the two days, the network raised more than £7,000 for Right at Home UK’s national charity partner, Dementia Adventure, which supports people living with dementia and their carers to enjoy supported holidays and days out. Franchisee’s attended a seminar on the subject of facing fears delivered by Scott Bell, who has held the Guinness World Record for the longest distance walked on fire and is the founder of UK Firewalk, followed by a walk barefoot across burning hot coals at temperatures reaching 500 degrees.
Heather Wehrle, Director of Operations at Right at Home UK, said: “Our Celebration Awards are always one of the most special moments of the year because they shine a light on the incredible people behind the care we provide every day.
“What makes me particularly proud is that these awards recognise achievement in all its forms — from outstanding care and leadership to creating brilliant places to work, growing strong businesses and supporting others across our network.
Right at Home UK thanked the sponsors who supported the evening: MCS, Found by Lottie, Lifted, Emma AI, HSBC, Greenwood Moreland, the British Franchise Association, My Learning Cloud and The Access Group.
