Spellman Care Launches Extra Mile Awards to Celebrate Staff Excellence

Spellman Care has recently launched an exciting new initiative called the Extra Mile Awards (EMAs), aimed at recognising and celebrating the hard work of its staff members. This new awards scheme replaces the previous Star Awards, which were in place for over three years, and promises to enhance how the care group honours excellence within its team. The EMAs are designed to be unique and special, reflecting the care sector's commitment to recognising outstanding contributions by staff.

Person-Led Care Philosophy

The driving force behind the Extra Mile Awards is to incorporate the principles of Person-Led Care into the recognition process. Unlike traditional care models that focus on tailoring services to individuals, Person-Led Care empowers residents to take charge of their daily lives and decisions. This innovative approach allows staff to follow the lead of the residents, ensuring that their needs and preferences are at the forefront of care. Spellman Care is proud to be among the first care home groups in the UK to adopt this forward-thinking philosophy.

Group of people celebrating in a decorated room with balloons

Woman celebrating with gold and black balloons in decorated room

Group of six people in uniforms with EMA balloon decor

Group of people holding gold balloons in a sunlit room

Celebration Events Across Homes

To celebrate the launch of the EMAs, all four of Spellman Care's homes hosted simultaneous events. Colleagues gathered for a fun-filled day featuring EMA-themed cakes and informative sessions about the new awards process. Each event included an introductory video from the judges, who outlined the criteria for nominations and explained what they would be looking for in the upcoming entries.

To encourage participation, staff were invited to engage with a special EMA board by adding a star that highlighted a reason why a colleague had gone the extra mile. For their contributions, staff received raffle tickets, with prizes tailored specifically for the winners, further reinforcing the Person-Led Care mindset.

Community Support and Engagement

The launch of the EMAs has already sparked enthusiastic support from residents' families. Following the announcement on social media, many relatives shared their praise for the staff, with comments such as:

• "In my opinion, all the staff go that extra mile."

• "All the staff at Steeton Court Nursing Home are amazing."

• "You are all amazing. Most importantly, Mum loves you all too."

• "Well done everyone!"

This outpouring of support highlights the strong connections between staff and residents, and the appreciation families have for the care provided.

Core Philosophy Behind the EMAs

The EMAs focus on celebrating the specific, personalised moments when staff go above and beyond for residents. This could involve organising a special day trip or ensuring that a resident's favourite flowers are planted in the garden. Philippa Young, Group Operations Manager at Spellman Care and an EMA judge, expressed the intention behind the awards: "We wanted to create a recognition scheme that truly mirrors our commitment to Person-Led Care. Our teams do incredible work every day, but the EMAs are about celebrating those deeply personal, thoughtful details that show our staff truly know and care for our residents as individuals."

A New Approach to Recognition

The Extra Mile Awards represent a significant shift in how excellence is recognised within the organisation. Unlike the previous scheme, which awarded a monthly winner for each home, the EMAs will now select one overall winner from across the entire Spellman Care group each month. This change raises the stakes, making the competition even more exciting and the prizes more substantial for each recipient.

The judging panel will evaluate each nomination based on the meaningful impact a staff member has had on a resident's life. Nominations are now open, and Spellman Care encourages residents, family members, and staff to participate. Nominations can be submitted in person using dedicated ballot boxes located in each home's reception area or through an online submission form.

The Extra Mile Awards not only aim to recognise outstanding staff but also foster a culture of appreciation within the care homes. By highlighting the exceptional efforts of employees, Spellman Care is reinforcing its commitment to providing high-quality, personalised care to its residents.