An ability to motivate colleagues and recognise their achievements, innovative service delivery solutions and a strong track record of excellence – these are some of the reasons why ROC Group director Sally Bishop has been named Care Employer of the Year in the North East finals of the Great British Care Awards.
The Newton Aycliffe based group specialises in services to children, young people and vulnerable families and has over 120 employees.
Its portfolio includes children’s homes, special supported accommodation for young people transitioning to independent living, supervision of contact between children in care and family members and outreach with children with disabilities. It works with partners, including local authorities, throughout the region.
“I am absolutely delighted to win the award but it’s really the whole team who go the extra mile every day who are the real winners,” said Sally.
Judges were looking for a candidate who excelled in translating a commitment to care into excellent service delivery. ROC Group has three consecutive CQC Outstanding ratings to its credit as well as an Ofsted ‘Good’ children’s home and Investing in Children Gold membership.
“As an organisation we live and breathe our core values which include listening to staff, providing great training and opportunities for career development and recognising and rewarding what they achieve,” said Sally. “As a result we have a motivated workforce and receive positive feedback from social workers, clients and other partners.”
In addition Sally is a trustee of ROC Solid, an award-winning supported housing charity which works in Co Durham and Teesside. It was started by co-directors Derek and Dorothy Butler in 2007 and it works with vulnerable families, care leavers, young mothers and babies, women leaving prison and people recovering from drug and alcohol abuse.
Sally was one of nine people to be shortlisted for the awards night at the Grand Hotel Gosforth Park in Newcastle. She will go on to compete for the national award in Birmingham later this year.
Photo: Regional Care Employer of the Year Sally Bishop, pictured centre holding her glass trophy, with colleagues at the North East finals of the Great British Care Awards in Newcastle.