Dignity in Care

We are proud to be a Dignity Champion, as part of the Dignity in Care campaign led by the National Dignity Council.

Core values

In line with the campaign’s core values, we are committed to placing an emphasis on improving the quality of care and the experience of our residents using our services including, home support, care homes and other community services.

As a Dignity Champion we have signed up to the 10 Dignity Do’s:

1. Have a zero tolerance of all forms of abuse
2. Support people with the same respect you would want for yourself or a member of your family
3. Treat each person as an individual by offering a personalised service
4. Enable people to maintain the maximum possible level of independence, choice and control
5. Listen and support people to express their needs and wants
6. Respect people's right to privacy
7. Ensure people feel able to complain without fear of retribution
8. Engage with family members and carers as care partners
9. Assist people to maintain confidence and positive self-esteem
10. Act to alleviate people's loneliness and isolation

Dignity Champions

A Dignity Champion is someone who believes passionately that being treated with dignity is a basic human right, not an optional extra.

The Dignity Do's are a personal commitment and the National Dignity Council encourages individuals to become Champions. 

What Dignity Champions do

Each Dignity Champion’s role varies depending on their knowledge and influence and the type of work they are involved in. The role should not be an addition; it is about how you behave as a human being. There are many small things that you can do that can have a big impact on people’s lives. Champions choose how active they want to be, but they must sign up to the Dignity Do's.

How to become a Dignity Champion

Anyone can be a champion: health and social care staff, councillors, volunteers, unpaid carers, receivers of care and members of the public.

Find out more and sign-up to become a Dignity Champion.

Dignity in Care Awards

As part of our role as a Dignity Champion, we are strongly committed to celebrating Dignity in Care, and championing local care workers and personal assistants who go the extra mile to provide outstanding care and support to local residents.

On Tuesday 9 July 2024 we hosted our Dignity in Care awards ceremony.

The awards aim to promote and recognise the very best in care and support. The awards:

• Recognise good quality care within the borough
• Raise awareness of Dignity in Care
• Inspire local care workers and personal assistants to deliver outstanding care and support
• Reward and recognise those staff and teams that make a difference and go the extra mile

2024 winners

The full list of winners from the 2024 ceremony.

Carer of the Year for Home Care and Day Services

Abdul Wahab Bapube from Amber Home Care was nominated for his demonstration of exceptional respect and above-and-beyond care in supporting residents at home. His work has made a marked difference on those he supports, with compassionate care and concern at the forefront of all his actions.

Carer of the Year for Learning Disabilities

Shane Brown from United Response was nominated for over 10 years of service dedicated to providing holistic and person-centred support. Through his work, he has built close relationships with family members and wider networks of support to understand and anticipate both the practical day-to-day and emotional needs of the people he supports.

Carer of the Year for Older Peoples' Care Homes

Jackie Maskell from White Lodge Farm was nominated for her consistently positive and warm demeanour, combined with professionalism and an unwavering commitment to residents and their families. Her meticulous attention to detail, proactive and compassionate approach to care and her commitment to excellent communication ensures the residents of White Farm Lodge receive the best care and their friends and families feel reassured and informed.

Ken Yew Personal Assistant of the Year Award

Michelle Blyth, was nominated for her enthusiasm, kindness, and consistently going the extra mile to not only to provide outstanding care and love to the people she supports. She doesn’t just perform care duties but takes time to engage with people, working seven days a week to provide care for older people in real need.

Carer of the Year for Day and Community Services

Sue Seath from Richmond Housing Partnership was nominated for creating a culture of kindness and support in her work environment. She makes people feel secure and well looked after and is a role model to all the colleagues and residents she works with, having been described as ‘an angel’. 

Quotes from previous nominations

Read what previous nominators had to say:​

• Ms C is not fazed by hard work and will go the extra mile in difficult situations. She brings care and compassion along with a calm and efficient manner and is always able to bring a smile when needed
• I wouldn’t be half as good as I am if I didn’t have Ms A caring for me every morning
• Ms K is respectful and does not patronise or talk down. She listens to what my dad has to say rather than making assumptions. She has the right balance between encouraging dad to be independent, whilst offering more support when he needs it
• Ms J supports us very well and is kind and helpful making my life as normal as possible with my disability and Asperger’s Syndrome
• Ms R is calm, patient and understanding. She has a lovely way with our residents, making them feel special and having some fun, showing her great sense of humour

Contact

For further information about the Dignity in Care Awards, please email dignityincare@richmond.gov.uk.