A WITNEY care leader has received national recognition for his work looking after vulnerable people.

Omar Taylor has been named the UK's 'leader of the future' at the Leaders in Care ceremony at the Hilton Metropole in Birmingham.

Care UK regional director Mr Taylor - who is responsible for Millers Grange on Curbridge Road was recognised for his strong leadership skills and dedication to excellence.

He said: “I’m shocked and delighted to find I’ve won this trophy.

“I can’t wait to show it to the team at Millers Grange and say thank you to them as well.

“Without their hard work and dedication to sharing my mission to deliver fantastic care for each and every resident, I wouldn’t have been shortlisted.”

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Mr Taylor has been promoted three times in three years and has now been recognised nationally.

He joined Care UK in 2016 as a home manager after a career that included working for a non-profit organisation in America where he supported people with learning disabilities and mental health conditions.

Initially appointed as a home manager for Colne View care home in Essex, Mr Taylor was then promoted to relief manager, and then operational support manager within Care UK.

His latest promotion was in March 2019, to the role of regional director for the South Midlands, responsible for Millers Grange, alongside homes in Stroud, Cheltenham and Newbury.

His portfolio also includes a brand new home Care UK is opening in Bristol later this year.

Witney Gazette:

Geoff Edwards, operational director for the northern region of Care UK, said: “We are incredibly proud of Omar, and this award is hugely deserved.

“His management style is visible and hands-on, and he firmly believes in spending time with all colleagues, from the catering team to carers, to help motivate and inspire them to excel within their respective roles.

“Crucially, he has the ability to take a strategic, long-term view of what’s needed to help his home managers run safe, effective and compassionate services.”

Millers Grange provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care.

The home boasts 52 ensuite bedrooms and delivers care which enables residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence.

Millers Grange also features space for hobby and leisure activities and even includes its own cinema, hairdressing salon and cafe.

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Care UK is one of the largest providers of residential care for older people, with a team of over 10,000.

It operates 120 care homes with places for around 7,000 people.

Their homes range from short respite stays to full time nursing care.

Care UK specialise in providing care and support for people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

They have opened over 30 new homes since 2011 and expect to open around 15 new homes by the summer of 2021 in locations including Bristol, Bracknell, Chester and Maidstone.

Care UK also operates over 50 healthcare services on behalf of the NHS across England.