John Ray writes:

Nina Stephens of the Prince George, Duke of Kent Home at Chislehurst, Kent, has won the Great British Care Award 2025 as Britain’s Best Care Manager!

The Great British Care Awards are a series of regional events throughout the UK and are a celebration of excellence across the care sector.  The purpose of the awards is to pay tribute to those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work.

The awards are all inclusive, bringing together the statutory, independent and voluntary sectors, as well as unpaid carers.

The Care Home Registered Manager Award recognises the Manager who demonstrates exceptional expertise and outstanding leadership in the complex task of managing a care home. The ideal candidate “will showcase vision in developing person-centred care, adapting to changing social care priorities, and continuously improving the quality of care provided”.

Said the judges, “Nina is an incredibly inspirational woman, speaking with deep passion and sincerity about the changes she has made at her care home. Her love for her job and dedication to making a difference in residents’ lives is evident. We were moved by Nina’s mantra, ‘sandcastles,’ reminding us to cherish the present moment. What truly stood out was Nina’s unwavering commitment to supporting her carers—advocating for pay raises, addressing ULEZ charges, and setting up a food bank, demonstrating extraordinary compassion and leadership”.

Says Martin Ransom, President of the Association of Friends at the Prince George, Duke of Kent Care Home: “There is immense pride here at Prince George, Duke of Kent. Nina was put forward by the Masonic Charitable Foundation as their top manager. She clearly won, was put forward to the National Final for ALL care homes – and won the National Award! We are very much aware of the wonderful work she has been doing with us, and it is an absolute joy that her skill, passion and dedication have been recognised with such an accolade.”

Nina Stephens, Home Manager at Prince George Duke of Kent Court, says:

“I am thrilled to win this award which embodies everything that we do in our Home every day and it is lovely for my work to be recognised by both the judges and my very supportive peers. It is a complete privilege to share the celebration of this award with our wonderful residents and my dedicated team at Prince George Duke of Kent Court.”