The Equivalent of winning 'Best Picture' at The Oscars
Watford Mencap is delighted to have won the Hertfordshire Care Providers Association (HCPA) Best Care Business (above 50 employees) Award for 2012.
Sharon Davies, CEO of HCPA said that Watford Mencap won the prestigious prize because they matched all the necessary criteria:
- Demonstrates how the organisation is working to develop and maintain their services
- Can show how the organisation continually supports staff in their role
- Has evidence of the working relationship between the organisation and multi-disciplinary teams
- Has a good reputation in the locality
- Provides additional services
- Can show how quality is measured internally
- Can demonstrate that staff training translates to person-centred care in a large organisation
A video of Jane Pattinson, Director, explained how Watford Mencap gets its message out to the community. She mentioned the website, Facebook, Twitter and how the Watford Mencap shops do a great job of breaking down barriers and integrating with the local community. Also she showed that having a learning disability is about a lifelong journey and Watford Mencap provides support for the whole family right through that journey.
During the citation the presenter, Tim Campbell (first winner of The Apprentice) mentioned how impressed the judges were with Watford Mencap’s demonstration of how it delivers personalised and person centred services.
Accepting the award, Watford Mencap Director Jane Pattinson said:
‘We were absolutely thrilled, delighted and surprised. There are 20 of us here tonight from Watford Mencap but we have 120 people employees and 140 volunteers and this award belongs to all of them. Their passion and commitment have enabled us to push the boundaries as an organisation and go one step further to provide a wide range of opportunities to people with a learning disability’.
Don Eungblut, Chair of Watford Mencap Trustees, congratulated Jane, ‘This is testimony to you and your leadership and all the hard work of all your staff. A well-deserved win’. Rose Kreloff, Internal Services and Commercial Manager of Watford Mencap, said ‘It was so exciting when Watford Mencap’s name was read out. I was delighted to hear that Jane also mentioned the areas of our business which support the caring services such as the shops and the work they do’.
Amongst the glowing testimonials submitted for this award, the one from Watford Mayor, Dorothy Thornhill, stands out:
‘Without a doubt, Watford Mencap is one of the most successful voluntary organisations in the area. I admire its aspirations and its relentless commitment to supporting those in need.’
Posted on Wednesday, 5th December 2012