A care home firm based in Chigwell has been honoured with a national accolade.

Oakland Care, based in Lambwood Heights, was named UK Employer of the Year earlier this month at the 2023 Investors in People awards.

It runs a number of care homes across the south of England, including in north London and Essex.

Oakland Care chief executive, Joanne Balmer, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been given this award.

“Our staff are our greatest asset, providing care and quality of life to our residents, so it’s hugely important that we look after them and give them opportunities to grow and develop their careers.”

The care group beat off competition to be announced winners in the ‘Gold’ category for businesses with more than 250 employees.

Judges of the awards were reportedly impressed by staff focus at the company, with it providing career pathways and in-house ‘masterclasses’, a podcast for staff and mental health wellbeing champions.

Joanne added: “Care offers fantastic career opportunities and we support our staff at every level to achieve and progress.”