Supporting excellence in social care

Thursday 26 January 2012

Mencap is the charity partner for this year’s Independent Specialist Care Awards

The Independent Specialist Care Awards (ISCAs) is an annual event, recognising excellence among private and voluntary sector providers that support people with disabilities or mental health problems.

Mencap is the charity partner for the 2012 event, organised by healthcare market intelligence provider Laing & Buisson.

Over 50 companies were shortlisted for this year’s awards, with categories including homecare, supported living, personalisation, best commissioner and innovation.

The winners will be announced at an event on 15 March at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, hosted by writer and broadcaster Ruby Wax.

Mencap’s chief executive, Mark Goldring, said: "We are delighted to be the charity partner for this year's ISCAs. Mencap supports thousands of people with a learning disability in all areas of their lives, including housing, employment, community, leisure, and education, so we recognise the importance of recognising excellence in care for more vulnerable people."

This year’s judges include chief executive of Turning Point Lord Victor Adebowale, director of mental health and disability at the Department of Health Bruce Calderwood, and chief executive of the English Community Care Association Martin Green.

Laing & Buisson operations director Justin Merritt said: “The standards seen in this year’s entries have made judging an especially difficult process. However, it’s a wonderful sign that despite a particularly tough year in terms of commissioning and government spending cuts, there are many many companies out there giving it their all to ensure standards remain sky-high.”

Find out more about the awards

Find out more about Mencap’s services for people with a learning disability

Find out about Mencap’s Big Cuts events, offering information on fighting cuts to social care