A NORTH EAST social care expert has won a prestigious national award, in recognition of his pioneering work.
Dr Guy Turnbull, 50, of Care and Share Associates took the honour for Outstanding Contribution to Social Care in the Great British Care Awards.
Dr Turnbull has been involved with the co-operative and the social enterprise sector since 1988, which has led to his present role as managing director of CASA (Care and Share Associates).
CASA is an employee-owned social enterprise which provides high quality home care to allow people to retain their independence and was founded by Guy and three others to replicate the success of Sunderland Home Care Associates.
CASA now has branches in North Tyneside, Newcastle, Knowsley, Leeds, Manchester and Warrington and delivers over 17,000 hours of home care per week.
Guy helped pioneer employee-ownership of the business, with all staff given shares, a profit share and a voice in how the organisation is run.
This had meant that CASA – which has been successful in winning major contracts – has a high retention level of staff and stays true to its motto of “people before profit.”
Dr Turnbull also helped set up the highly successful Team Fostering agency along with creating RED – Rapid Enterprise Development Workshops – which are a new approach to social enterprise development.
The judges said they had chosen Guy because “he has made a long term, outstanding contribution to the UK’s social care sector.
“Guy came across to the judges as unique, talented and so inspirational. His vision for CASA and the care sector as a whole was second to none.”
Speaking about his win, Guy said he was “both thrilled and humbled” to have received it.
“I accepted the award on behalf of all CASA staff – we are all creating a stir in the social care sector,” he said.
“I therefore salute everyone’s hard work, in what is currently a very tough industry.
“Although tough, I am confident that CASA will continue to develop as a game-changer in the sector.”
The awards took place in Birmingham on Friday (May 20).