The care sector is represented by a number of significant care associations but it is usually the national bodies that receive the limelight gaining the column inches in the trade and national press. Local care associations collectively provide support and guidance to thousands of care providers across the country but their work is largely unsung.

Care Choices has worked with the majority of regional care associations through their 13 years experience of publishing care directories across the UK and has witnessed some outstanding achievements. In recognition of this The Care Association Awards will, for the first time in this sector's history, provide a national platform to celebrate the contribution of the regional care associations.

There are eight award categories that are open to all UK care associations (excluding national bodies).

AWARD CATEGORIES

• Membership Services Award
  Which association provides the best overall service to its membership?
• Services to the Public Award
  Vacancy registers, care publications, websites, advice lines and codes of conduct are just a few examples of services provided by some care associations to assist those seeking care. Which association does the most to help this group?
• Innovation Award
  This Award recognises innovative practices or initiatives that have resulted in positive outcomes for the membership.
• Training Award
  Whether successfully acquiring training funds and/or encouraging training across the membership, this Award recognises best practice.
• Marketing Award
  To acknowledge the care association that has best promoted/communicated its services and activities to relevant stakeholder groups.
• Working with Statutory Commissioning Bodies Award
  Many associations work with commissioning bodies to the benefit of the sector in their local region. Which association can demonstrate the most productive outcome of such working relationships?
• Association Personality of the Year Award
  Who has been the most influential, high profile or charismatic association board member during the last 12 months?
• Association of the Year Award
  The winner of winners Award to crown the most impressive association of 2007.

For sponsorship or other information please call 01223 207770 or email enquiries@carechoices.co.uk