A WARRINGTON charity boss with over 30 years’ experience in the sector has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to social care.
Phil Orton, chief people officer with national adult health and social care charity Making Space, which has its head office on Allen Street, was named winner of the outstanding contribution award at the Great British Care Awards.
He received his accolade at a ceremony hosted by actor and comedian Steve Ward at Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower Hotel. The audience heard how judges described Phil as “an exceptional finalist whose contributions to social care can be described as nothing short of outstanding.”
“In this way, he exemplifies this award, and is a well deserving winner,” they announced.
Phil took home the award for the whole of the north west region, and will now go forward to the national finals in Birmingham in March. It’s the second win in as many months for Phil, who was named Executive Leader of the Year at the Social Care Leadership Awards in October.
Phil said: “I’m thrilled to win the outstanding contribution award.
“Social care has been my home for more than 30 years. Every day I’m inspired by the values and commitment of the people around me to make a real difference to the lives of others. I’m proud to be part of it.”
Phil’s 30-year career in care began as a 17-year-old care assistant in a Congleton residential home. But even before his first paid position, he had several years of experience under his belt.
From the age of eight, Phil spent time happily doing activities with residents with learning disabilities at the home where his parents worked as nurses. He became an official volunteer at 12, which he continued to do after gaining his first job.
At 20, Phil was fast-tracked to a supervisor position. By 25, he was registered manager of a 42-bed residential facility in Holmes Chapel. He educated himself throughout, from NVQs in health and social care and business management, to a master’s degree in business and management, and advanced leadership and coaching qualifications.
Phil was nominated for the award by Making Space CEO Rachel Peacock.
She said: “Because he worked his way up through the ranks, everything Phil does comes from a place of compassion and he’s still often to be found on the frontline, sleeves rolled up and getting on with the job.
“As he often says, it’s something that’s always been in his blood and for him it’s a vocation, not a job.
“Making Space, and the social care sector, are incredibly lucky to have him. He truly deserves this award in recognition of a lifetime of commitment which continues to go from strength to strength.”
The Great British Care Awards are a series of regional events throughout the UK and are a celebration of excellence across the care sector. They pay tribute to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work, from frontline staff such as care workers and care managers to people who have made an impact in other ways such as training and innovation.
