Two Exemplar Health Care colleagues have been recognised for their dedication and leadership at this year’s West Midlands Great British Care Awards, hosted on Saturday 1 November at the ICC in Birmingham.
Naomi Jones, Home Manager at Otterburn, was named ‘Registered Manager of the Year’, and Amanda Murphy, Clinical Nurse Manager at Woodside Place, took home ‘The Social Care Nurse Award’ at this year’s regional heats.
The awards celebrate excellence across the social care sector, recognising individuals who make an outstanding contribution to the lives of the people they support.
Recognising visionary leadership
Naomi was nominated by her colleagues for leading by example and empowering her team - always approachable, supportive, and “in the boat with us” when challenges arise.
Through coaching and encouragement, Naomi has created opportunities for colleagues to take ownership of specialist areas, building pride, accountability, and expertise. The home now has over 15 staff champions in areas such as dementia, continence care, and dysphagia.
The judges praised Naomi for her “visionary leadership”, describing her as:
“... an award-winning Registered Manager who has transformed her service into a vibrant, family-centred home.
"Through mentoring and professional development, she inspires her team while enhancing residents’ lives with exceptional care and meaningful opportunities.”
Celebrating compassionate nursing
Amanda was nominated by her manager for making an “extraordinary impact on residents, families, and colleagues alike.”
Known for her warmth, empathy, and innovation, Amanda leads with both heart and skill, ensuring person-centred care is at the core of everything she does.
She’s played a key role in strengthening teamwork and stability at Woodside Place, supporting colleagues to thrive and provide the best possible care.
Her positivity and dedication have transformed the home’s culture and made a lasting difference to the people she supports.
The judges praised Amanda for “her passion”, which was “evident from the start.” They added:
“Sharing her career journey, it was clear that nursing and social care are integral to who she is.
"She spoke with deep insight into the challenges and opportunities within the sector and exemplifies an outstanding role model for social care nurses.”
Proudly representing Exemplar Health Care
Mark Rushton, Regional Director at Exemplar Health Care, said:
“Naomi and Amanda are outstanding leaders whose compassion, expertise, and vision make a lasting difference every day.
"Their focus on empowering their teams and ensuring the people they support are placed at the heart of decision making embodies everything Exemplar Health Care stands for.
"We’re incredibly proud to see their success recognised at the Great British Care Awards."
As West Midlands winners, Amanda and Naomi will now go forward to the national finals of the Great British Care Awards, taking place in spring 2026.
Want to work with inspiring leaders like Naomi and Amanda? Learn more about careers at Exemplar Health Care and how we’re shaping the future of social care.
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