Josephine Shingwele at Austen House in Lower Earley has beaten the competition to be crowned National Care Practitioner of the Year in the Barchester Care Awards 2025.
The Barchester Care Awards celebrate the staff who go the extra mile for the benefit
of the 13,500 residents living in Barchester’s 268 care homes and private hospitals across the country.
Categories range from ‘Team of the Year’ and ‘Carer of the Year’ to ‘Dementia Care Champion’ and ‘Activities Coordinator of the Year’.
More than 5,250 nominations were received from homes and hospitals across the UK. All entries were of a very high standard, and Josephine is over the moon to have been named the national winner, beating hundreds of other nominees to the coveted title.
Josephine said: “It is such an honour to be nominated by my wonderful colleagues, reading their words really showed the impact you can have on others.
“I was thrilled when I won divisionally, but winning nationally is so wonderful. I am just so grateful. What an honour.”
Josephine’s win was announced at a special national award ceremony, which took place on October 23, to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Barchester’ exemplary staff members who work tirelessly to deliver the best care to their residents and patients every day.
General Manager, Katherine Mahoney, said: “This is an amazing achievement, and the whole home is so proud of her. Josephine was nominated by her colleagues, who nominated her for her small but meaningful gestures like remembering a resident’s favourite song and singing it to them, or through her exceptional skill in managing complex care needs, Josephine has a profound impact on their well-being.
“Her warm presence and deep empathy create a sense of trust and comfort that is invaluable to our residents and their families.”
Dr Pete Calveley, CEO of Barchester Healthcare, added: “Hosting the Barchester Care Awards, where we recognise and thank all of our staff for their hard work and dedication, is without doubt my favourite day of the year.
“We have the best teams in the world and I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of our members of staff members, they are all absolutely amazing.”
