Last Thursday, 4th June, colleagues from across Hales Group came including Hales Care and Hales Jobs together to celebrate excellence, dedication and achievement at the annual Hales Group Awards in Peterborough.

The event recognised individuals and teams who have made an exceptional contribution to the organisation, its customers and communities over the past year, with awards presented across central services, recruitment and home care divisions.

It celebrated outstanding performance, leadership, innovation and commitment to Hales Group’s values. From frontline care to support teams behind the scenes, the Hales Group Awards recognise the positive impact Hales colleagues make every day.

Among the winners was Irene Amarante, Digital Media and Marketing Manager, who received the Judges Special Recognition Award in appreciation of her more than 10 years of service and contribution to the business.

Reflecting on receiving the award, Irene shared;

“It was a wonderful reminder of how far I’ve come since joining Hales after university. I am very thankful to Hales and everyone who has supported and challenged me to grow year after year. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and this recognition only motivates me to continue learning, improving, and contributing to the company’s ongoing success.”

2026 Hales Group Award Winners 

1. Frontline Care and Support Worker of the Year – Lacey Lazell, Care Assistant, Essex 

2. Care Coordinator / Quality Assessor of the Year – Gemma Havelock, Care Coordinator, Ipswich

3. Permanent Recruitment Consultant of the Year – Emma Eaglen, Business Manager, Letchworth

4. Temporary Recruitment Consultant of the Year – Magdalena Parczewska, Account Manager, Diss

5. Leader of the Year – Shelly Beech, Registered Manager, Sheffield   

6. Person in Supporting Role – Clare Morrison, PA to Directors and Operations Support

7. Rising Star – James Cairns, Homecare Regional Recruiter

8. Team of the Year – Central Quality Team

9. Hales Hero of the Year – Rebecca Bunyan-Terry, Care Manager, Cornell Court Extra Care

Francesca Barnes, Head of Quality and Workforce Development, commented: 

“Winning Team of the Year means more than I can fully put into words. For me, it created a deep sense of pride, the kind that sits right at your core. It felt like a moment where all the hard work, the long days, and even the tough moments suddenly made complete sense.”

Fran added; “For my team, it was exactly the same. They were beaming. We couldn’t stop smiling or talking about it. It felt like a shared achievement that truly reflected who they are: supportive, committed, and united. This award belongs to them because they show up for each other, for me, and for managers across the organisation always ready to help, step in, and support wherever they’re needed.”

The Team of the Year award recognised Hales Homecare’s Central Quality Team’s role in raising standards of governance across the business, including achieving 100% Good Inspection outcomes across its regulated services over the last 12 months.

Emma Eaglen, Business Manager at Hales Jobs Letchworth, shared:

“Winning Permanent Recruitment Consultant of the Year for the second year running means a huge amount to me. I don’t think you ever expect to hear your name called (especially again) so it was a real mix of surprise, pride and just feeling incredibly grateful.

For me, it’s not just about the award itself, but what it represents. Recruitment is all about people—building relationships, earning trust, and genuinely understanding what both clients and candidates need. To be recognised for that, and to know that a consistent, relationship-led approach is making an impact, is really special.”

Commenting on the event’s success, Nicola Mewse, Group Managing Director, shared:

“The Hales Group Awards are more than just recognition. They highlight the talent, dedication, and performance that drive our growth in both Homecare services and the Hales Jobs recruitment division.

Our teams in all parts of the organisation provide excellent care and support within communities, connect talent to opportunities, help UK businesses with workforce solutions, and contribute to sustainable growth in challenging markets.

Those recognised this year represent the best of our organisation, demonstrating the collective effort of colleagues throughout the business who work every day to make a difference.

As we invest, grow, and adapt, it’s the blend of people, purpose, and performance that will lead our next phase of progress. Thank you to everyone in Team Hales—this success is yours.”