Group Operations Director Award Winners

Every year, the Choice Care Awards shine a light on the extraordinary people across our organisation who make a real and lasting difference to the lives of the people we support. In the third part of our blog series, we are celebrating colleagues recognised for outstanding leadership. 

Vanya – Group Operations Director Award (West) 

Vanya’s nomination said: ‘Vanya has been part of Choice Care for many years and has consistently led services to positive outcomes. Vanya always remains calm and focused, supporting her team and ensuring the people we support always receive the best possible care.’ 

We spoke to Vanya, who told us she had no idea she had been nominated for this award and when she won, she was shocked and delighted! She shared that the recognition made her feel proud and grateful. 

Vanya tells us about her role at Choice Care: ‘My role is to ensure the smooth running of the home, helping the people we support in their day-to-day lives and helping colleagues to be the best they can be.’  Before joining Choice Care, she worked in elderly care for nine years and began her journey at Choice Care in 2008. Vanya says: ‘The award has motivated me to continue to give my very best and I would strongly encourage colleagues to nominate one another!’ 

Maria – Group Operations Director Award (East / South) 

Maria, Manager of Supported Living Services in Wales, was recognised for her exceptional leadership, resilience and compassion. 

Maria’s nomination said: ‘ Maria always remains a constant source of support for colleagues, ensuring her team feels valued and cared for.’ 

We spoke to Maria, who told us she didn’t realise she had been nominated until her name was announced on the night, leaving her feeling genuinely moved and proud. Winning the award was overwhelming for her, and she reflected on how the service has grown from a small team to 23 colleagues. Maria really values the support of her manager, her team and her partner. 

Maria described herself as a hands-on manager, moving between services, spending time with the people we support, working alongside colleagues and staying closely connected with families. Before joining Choice Care, she worked in community-based elderly care. She told us that helping people live in a way that their families never thought possible is what makes her job so rewarding, and she encourages her team to care for others as they would their own family.