The ivolve Awards 2026 brought colleagues and people we support together on Thursday 15 October for an unforgettable celebration of care, commitment and teamwork across England and Wales. Thirteen awards were presented across 12 categories, recognising the people whose everyday actions make a lasting difference.
A night full of heart, humour and celebration
People we support took centre stage with singing and comedy performances and even helped present some of the awards. Our Head of People brought the house down with Proud Mary, while colleagues showed off some impressive dance moves. There were plenty of laughs, but also moments of real pride as achievements that often happen quietly were brought into the spotlight.
From supporting greater independence and meaningful relationships to mentoring colleagues and creating welcoming environments, every winning story reflected ivolve. It demonstrated the belief that people flourish when they are listened to, encouraged and supported to make choices by incredible colleagues who make a difference everyday.
People flourish when they are listened to, encouraged and supported to make choices by incredible colleagues who make a difference everyday.
Meet the ivolve Awards 2026 winners
Behind every award is a story worth celebrating. From the colleagues who go the extra mile to make someone’s day a little brighter, to the teams creating new opportunities and the leaders inspiring positive change, this year’s winners show just how many different ways there are to make a difference.
Each has brought something special to ivolve, and we’re delighted to shine a light on their achievements.
Meet the incredible people and teams who took home an ivolve Award in 2026.
Colleague of the Year - Melanie | Humberston Supported Living
Melanie was recognised for her compassionate leadership, working with PBS colleagues to create supportive routines and making holidays and experiences possible for the people she supports.
Newcomer of the Year - Nazreen | Morley
Nazreen has quickly built trusting relationships with colleagues, families and people we support, including helping restore a family member’s confidence.
Warm Hearts, Green Homes - Tudor Lodge Team | South East
The team transformed an unused space into a community café that offers opportunities to build confidence and skills, using fundraising and upcycled materials.
Culture and Values Hero - Andrews | Sudbury Supported Living
Through shared Ghanaian cooking traditions, Andrews helped someone reconnect with their culture and grow in pride, confidence and independence.
Nurse of the Year - Bethan | Cwm Gwendraeth
Bethan champions dignity, choice and compassionate nursing, while mentoring and encouraging colleagues.
Strive Award - Ebi | Blamsters Lodge
Ebi uses fun, everyday activities to make learning new skills and growing independence a natural part of daily life.
People’s Choice - Temitayo | Shawlands Supported Living
Nominated by someone he supports, Temitayo was recognised for listening, respecting routines and helping them feel safe and reassured at night.
Leader of the Year - England: Pia | Cavendish
Pia worked with colleagues to rebuild confidence, strengthen practice and make positive changes for people supported at Cavendish.
Leader of the Year - Wales: Susan and Aimee | Ty Cwm Gwendraeth
These joint winners lead with compassion and have helped create a supportive team culture, contributing to Excellent inspection ratings.
Group Functions Hero - Tamara | People Team
Tamara received eight nominations recognising her caring, practical support for colleagues and managers.
Ancillary Colleague of the Year - Colin | Wales
As a Roaming Chef, Colin shares expertise in modified food and helps other colleagues deliver thoughtful, high-quality mealtimes.
Learner of the Year - Lis | Cwm Gwendraeth
Lis was the first manager across ivolve to complete all mandatory manager training, leading by example and supporting learning in her team.
Team of the Year - Moorgreen | Midlands
The Moorgreen team help people with complex support needs experience greater independence, choice and opportunities through determined teamwork.
This year's winners show just how many different ways there are to make a difference.
Recognition that goes beyond one evening
The ivolve Awards celebrate the care, ideas and commitment that make a difference every day. As a three-time Sunday Times Best Place to Work, we believe that recognising and developing colleagues matters just as much as celebrating outcomes for the people we support.
The trophies may have been handed out and the dancing might be over (for now!), but the moments that make ivolve special happen every single day. In the little victories, the big milestones, the friendships built and the opportunities created, our colleagues continue to show what compassionate, personalised support can achieve.
To everyone who was nominated, shortlisted or celebrated this year, thank you for the difference you make. And to the people we support who helped make the evening so unforgettable, thank you for bringing so much joy and personality to our celebrations.
Here’s to another year of making memories, achieving great things and helping more people flourish.
Join our team to join the fun!
Whether you’re beginning your career in social care, looking to develop your skills or ready for your next opportunity, there’s a place to grow, belong and make an impact at ivolve.