Paul Growney, CEO of Caring Connections, has received national recognition after winning the Executive Home Care Leader Award at the National Social Care Leadership Awards, celebrating his exceptional leadership, commitment to outstanding care and lasting positive impact on local communities.

The award recognises Paul’s achievements in transforming Caring Connections into a thriving, award-winning social enterprise, driven by a commitment to delivering high-quality care, developing its workforce and creating innovative community initiatives that make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.

The judges praised Paul’s leadership, highlighting his ability to combine compassion and vision with a clear focus on improving care, supporting staff development and delivering lasting social value.

In their official citation, the judges said:

“The judges were impressed by Paul Growney’s exceptional leadership, transforming Caring Connections into a thriving, award-winning social enterprise. His commitment to outstanding care, workforce development and innovative community initiatives demonstrates genuine compassion and vision. Paul’s remarkable achievements and lasting social impact make him a truly deserving winner of this prestigious award.”

The national accolade is a significant achievement for Paul and Caring Connections, recognising the importance of values-driven leadership in a sector where compassionate care, a skilled workforce and strong community connections are essential.

Under Paul’s leadership, Caring Connections has continued to develop its approach to care and support, combining a commitment to quality with a wider social purpose. The organisation’s work reflects the vital role that social enterprises and community-focused organisations can play in improving people’s lives, creating opportunities for staff and delivering positive outcomes for the communities they serve.

The award also recognises the contribution of the wider Caring Connections team, whose dedication and commitment help bring the organisation’s values to life every day.

Commenting on his achievement, Paul Growney, CEO of Caring Connections, said:

“I’m incredibly proud to receive this national recognition. For me, leadership in social care has always been about people — the people we support, the colleagues who deliver care every day, and the communities we are privileged to be part of.

“This award is a reflection of the commitment, compassion and hard work of the whole Caring Connections team. I’m passionate about building an organisation that not only delivers outstanding care but also creates opportunities for our workforce and makes a lasting, positive difference in our communities.

“I’m delighted that the work we are doing has been recognised nationally, and I want to thank everyone who contributes to making Caring Connections what it is today.”

Paul’s success shines a spotlight on the difference that strong leadership, a clear social purpose and a commitment to continuous improvement can make within the social care sector.

His achievement is a proud moment for Caring Connections, recognising both the organisation’s progress and the people who work tirelessly to provide care and support. It also reinforces the importance of developing innovative approaches that put people first while strengthening communities and creating lasting social value.

Winning the Executive Home Care Leader Award places Paul among those recognised nationally for their contribution to social care leadership and provides an opportunity to celebrate the positive work taking place at Caring Connections.

For Paul and the team, the award is not only recognition of achievements to date but also an encouragement to continue building on their work, supporting their workforce and making a meaningful difference to the lives of the people and communities they serve.