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We're celebrating a fantastic double success at the Great British Care Awards West Midlands 2026, with BCOP receiving Highly Commended recognition in two categories!
At the regional awards ceremony, held at the ICC Birmingham on Saturday 7 November, BCOP was Highly Commended in the Care Employer Award, while our HR Manager, Caroline Sampson, received Highly Commended recognition in the Workforce Development Award.
These achievements are particularly special because both awards recognise something fundamental to BCOP: our commitment to supporting, developing and valuing the people who provide our services.
Our nomination for the Care Employer Award recognised our commitment to creating a positive working environment, where employees feel valued and have opportunities to develop their skills and careers.
One of our core values is 'people at the heart of everything we do'. This applies just as much to our colleagues as it does to the older people we support.
Across our workforce of approximately 270 employees, the average length of service is 6.3 years. We have 56 colleagues who have worked for BCOP for ten years or more, and our longest-serving employee has achieved an extraordinary 42 years of service!
We believe this loyalty reflects the supportive culture we work hard to maintain. It also benefits our residents, who can build lasting relationships with experienced colleagues who know them well.
We're equally delighted that our HR Manager, Caroline Sampson, was Highly Commended in the Workforce Development Award.
Caroline works across our nursing homes, housing services and Support Office, helping employees access training, qualifications and opportunities to progress in their careers.
During 2025/26, BCOP employees achieved 28 Level 2 and Level 3 Care Diplomas, while colleagues have also benefited from Nursing Associate, Business Administration and CIH Housing apprenticeships.
Caroline has successfully accessed external funding to support these development opportunities, helping employees gain recognised qualifications and build rewarding careers within BCOP.
Her award is a well-deserved recognition of her commitment to mentoring, professional development and creating a culture of continuous learning.
Our two Highly Commended awards were part of a wider celebration, with BCOP achieving six shortlist places at this year's Great British Care Awards.
We were also delighted to see the following finalists recognised:
These nominations celebrated everything from innovative dementia care and outstanding palliative care to compassionate leadership and exceptional teamwork.
Anthea Reid, acting head of care at BCOP, said: "Receiving two Highly Commended awards is a wonderful achievement and recognition of the commitment of our colleagues across BCOP.
"We are particularly pleased that both awards recognise our investment in people. Providing excellent care for older people starts with supporting, developing and valuing the employees who deliver it.
"Caroline's recognition is thoroughly deserved, and we are incredibly proud of all six finalists. These achievements reflect the dedication and compassion of our teams across the charity."
As BCOP celebrates 80 years of supporting older people in Birmingham, these awards are a wonderful reminder that our greatest strength has always been our people.
Congratulations to Caroline and all our finalists, and thank you to every BCOP colleague whose dedication helps us provide excellent care and support for older people every day.
We're incredibly proud of Team BCOP!