Social care manager shortlisted for national care award
A social care manager working across Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Leicestershire is celebrating after being shortlisted for a prestigious national award recognising excellence in the not-for-profit care sector.
Elizabeth Smith, senior operations manager for Creative Support, has been named a finalist in the Leadership category at this year’s Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards, which celebrates outstanding work across the UK’s not-for-profit care sector.
Now in its 12th year, the awards are organised by Care Management Matters (CMM) in partnership with the National Care Forum, recognising the dedication, innovation and positive impact in care services supporting children and adults.
The shortlisting recognises Elizabeth for her outstanding work leading multiple teams to achieve amazing outcomes for the people they support. Most recently, she led over 12 services in Bedford, which had previously been CQC rated ‘Requires Improvement’, to attain a CQC rating of ‘Outstanding’ at their latest inspection. The service received an outstanding score of 100% for the key question of ‘Well Led’.
In this area, CQC looked for ‘evidence that service leadership, management and governance assured high-quality, person-centred care; supported learning and innovation; and promoted an open, fair culture’. CQC noted that our service leadership within our Bedford services ‘was exceptional and distinctive. Leaders and the culture they created drove and improved high-quality, person-centred care’.
Commenting on the news, Elizabeth said: “I am truly honoured to have been nominated and selected as a finalist for the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards. Being recognised in this way means so much, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me along the journey.
“Thank you to my colleagues, the individuals and families I work with, and the wider team whose encouragement and dedication inspire me every day to try to be the best I can be. Reaching the finalist stage is a privilege, and I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to celebrate the work we do at Creative Support.
“I am extremely proud to be part of Creative Support, to have the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of the people we support and to work with so many amazing people.”
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at Town Hall Birmingham on Friday 17 April, bringing together leaders from health and social care nationwide.
Simon Johnston, Marketing Director UK, at Markel said: “Each year, we are humbled and inspired by the dedication, resilience and compassion of those working in the third sector. Being shortlisted for the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards is a significant achievement and reflects the exceptional work being delivered by this year’s finalists.
“At a time when their work is more vital than ever, it’s an honour to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations in the not-for-profit sector. Sharing their stories helps showcase the incredible difference they make every day.”
The Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards are free to enter and open to anyone working in the not-for-profit care sector. Entries for next year’s awards will open later this year.
Those wishing to find out more about the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards, enquire about tickets, or register their interest for 2027’s entry window, can do so at: Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards 2026