Emma Wins Devon Care Homes Collaborative Recognition Award
Somerforde is proud to announce that Emma, our home manager, has been recognised with a Devon Care Homes Collaborative (DCHC) award. Emma was nominated by her team and received the award at the DCHC Annual Conference held at Exeter Racecourse in March 2026.
The DCHC handed out 17 recognition awards this year to individuals who have shown outstanding commitment and have gone above and beyond in their roles.
What the Award Recognises
The Devon Care Homes Collaborative represents 70 per cent of care homes across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay. The annual awards are designed to celebrate individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the care sector in our region.
Emma's award reflects her commitment as a manager who is always there for her team and goes the extra mile in her leadership of Somerforde.
Why Leadership Matters in Care
The care sector in 2026 faces real challenges. Staff retention is a critical issue across the industry. Research shows that how staff are managed directly impacts their decision to stay in their role, and that staff who feel supported by their managers are more likely to remain in the care sector long-term.
When a manager creates a culture where staff feel valued and supported, it has a ripple effect. Staff retention improves. Care quality improves. Families visiting a home notice the difference immediately - they see it in how staff interact with residents, in the atmosphere, and in whether this feels like a place where people want to work.
The Connection Between Leadership and Care Quality
Strong management and staff support aren't nice-to-haves in care homes. They're fundamental to delivering good care. Homes with stable, committed management teams are better positioned to provide the continuity and consistency that residents need.
Emma's award is recognition that at Somerforde, we understand this. We invest in our team. We support our managers. We believe that caring for our staff is part of caring for our residents.
What This Means for Families
If you're exploring care home options in Newton Abbot, you might focus on facilities, activities, and location. Those things matter. But equally important is the question: do staff want to work here?
A care home with stable leadership and a supported team will offer:
Familiar faces for your relative, rather than constant staff changes
Staff who are present and engaged because they feel valued
An atmosphere that feels warm and genuine rather than institutional
Emma's award shows that Somerforde has leadership that the team respects and that works hard for them.
The Devon Care Commitment
Being part of the Devon Care Homes Collaborative means being part of the wider care community in our region. The collaborative works with local authorities, the NHS, and other care providers to improve standards and support for care homes across Devon.
Emma's recognition by the DCHC reflects the values that Somerforde shares with the collaborative: a commitment to quality care and to supporting the people who deliver it.
About Somerforde
Somerforde is a CQC Good-rated residential care home in Newton Abbot, Devon, with capacity for 32 residents. We provide residential care in a home environment that values both the people we care for and the people who care for them.
Get in Touch Phone: 01626 361786 Email: manager@somerforde.uk Visit: www.somerforde.uk Located at: 2-3 Forde Park, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 1DE