Chandos Lodge Care Home (Clarendon Care) in Stourbridge are celebrating after their Manager, Ann Norris, won the Employer of the Year Award at the Worcestershire Health and Social Care Awards last week.

Ann was nominated by staff member, Janice Green who submitted the nomination stating, "Ann should win this award because she goes above and beyond for the residents and staff and makes sure that everyone has what they need. She entertains residents - dancing and singing with them and is very supportive to staff. Ann supports staff individually and has completed a course in first aid and mental capacity to give staff the support they need. We call Ann our work mum.”

Janice also said "staff enjoy coming to work as they are more like ‘family than work colleagues".

When asked what makes a good employer, Ann said, "Being a good employer is about knowing each team member and knowing how to interact with them on an individual basis. I like to treat my team members as if they are family members, giving them my time and my respect. As an employer you can become very detached from your team however, I like to ensure I am in the midst of everything that is going on within the home. One of my greatest accolades was the achievement of my Mental Aid First Aider Qualification, it became very apparent to me, especially in our industry, that we all need a little additional support with our mental health from time to time and achieving this qualification provided me with the tools to enable me to support my team members and help them to feel confident to confide in me". 

Ann has the following tips/advice to share with other care managers, "Always be open to suggestions from your team members in relation to the residents you look after and the care home you manage. Ensure you listen to your team members and ensure they feel they are being listened too, after all you are all a TEAM and will get the best outcome for all involved by working together. Ensure every staff member leaves work feeling happy and content, even if you have had to discuss any concerns with them during the day, discuss them, then move on. No one should leave work feeling low or upset".

On winning the award, Ann said, "I am still in shock to be honest as it is such a wonderful honour to have been nominated and then to win, well, that was just the ultimate! It is difficult trying to think what it is that has resulted in me winning this amazing award as I am just me!"

Enjoy your well-deserved celebrations Ann and huge congratulations from everyone at the West Midlands Care Association.