A tech whizz has scooped a top accolade for his work keeping 17 care homes across South Wales and Powys fully inter-connected 24/7.

Gavin Cording was honoured with a Bronze at this year’s social care ‘Oscars’, the annual Wales Care Awards.

Organised by Care Forum Wales, the awards pay tribute to the social care sector’s often unsung frontline heroes and heroines.

The winners were announced at a red-carpet dinner and ceremony, sponsored by Meddyg Care, at Holland House Hotel, Cardiff.

Gavin, who lives in Ebbw Vale,  is the Head of IT with the Caron Group of residential homes and was singled out for recognition after being instrumental in upgrading the group’s technology infrastructure.

He was presented with the Bronze accolade in the category for excellence in a supporting function, sponsored by Silverlink.

He had been nominated jointly by Caron Group managing director Raam Joshi, group chairman Sanjiv Joshi, and director Jyoti Joshi.

Raam said they had no hesitation putting Gavin’s name forward, explaining: “Gavin’s forward-thinking approach to technology has greatly improved operations in our homes, benefiting both staff and residents. The award is well deserved and reflects his outstanding commitment and exceptional leadership.

“He plays a key role in managing the IT systems that support our care services, he oversees the IT team, ensuring all systems are running smoothly and efficiently to support the care we provide.”

He added that Gavin’s expertise and approachable personality make him a perfect fit for the company which runs care homes across mid and south Wales.

Dad of two Gavin, who lives in Ebbw Vale, says he loves his job as it enables him to combine his two passions in life:

“I’m into all things tech, it’s just where my natural skills set lies, I’m wired up for computer sciences I suppose. But in addition to that I’m a quite gregarious sort of person, I love being around people and hearing about their life stories, so working in the care sector is perfect for me as people are at the heart of everything we do.”

Since joining the Caron Group three years ago he has overseen upgrades to the technology infrastructure, and is now leading the rollout of new digital care planning systems, enhancing how care is documented and delivered.

Raam said: “By replacing outdated software he has improved accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility of care records.

“Gavin is also working to transition all our homes from analog phone systems to a modern Zoom-based communication platform. This improves call quality and enables better connectivity between staff across multiple locations.

“Crucially, it strengthens safeguarding measures by providing a more reliable and accessible communication system.”

Gavin, 36, was among hundreds of nominees around Wales who went through an interview stage before being whittled down to a shortlist of awards finalists.

He said: “I felt genuinely humbled when told I’d been nominated, never mind made it to the shortlist. It’s a tribute to the dedication of all my team as well as myself.

Chair of Care Forum Wales, Mario Kreft MBE, said the 2025 awards once again shone a light on the “unsung heroes and heroines” who make a vital difference to the lives of vulnerable people across the nation.

He said: “For more than 30 years, Care Forum Wales has worked tirelessly to champion the social care sector.

“The Wales Care Awards underlines the importance of the sector – it’s the glue that binds our communities together, both socially and economically.

“Our mission has always been to be the voice of social care in Wales to stand up for the workforce and ensure their dedication is properly recognised.”

A special moment in the evening came when Mair Elis-Thomas, widow of the late Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, took to the stage to present one of the awards.

According to Mr Kreft it was a touching gesture that reflected Lord Elis Thomas’s long standing support for the Wales Care Awards and for social care more broadly.

“Dafydd was a passionate believer in the power of the arts to enrich lives and support wellbeing and mental health,” said Mr Kreft.

“He is greatly missed, but his legacy lives on – not only through his contribution to public life as a Presiding Officer, but also through the positive impact he had on so many communities.”

Care Forum Wales, which represents more than 400 independent health and social care providers across the nation.