A North Wales business executive who helped transform services behind the scenes at a care organisation has won a major national award.

Kate Ackerley, 35, won a silver award in the Outstanding Service category at the Wales Care Awards after 14 years rising through the ranks at Pendine Park which has nine care homes in Wrexham and Caernarfon.

The business operations manager started out as a teenager filing paperwork before progressing into her key role supporting the homes and departments.

Kate, whose mum Cynthia Edwards, has worked for Pendine for 32 years and whose husband Richard is also an employee, has helped develop systems and processes that enable managers to focus on delivering high quality care.

Kate, who is based with her team at the organisation’s head office at Bromfield House on Wrexham Technology Park, said she was delighted to receive the award at the ceremony at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff.

She was nominated by Ann Serridge, the recently retired executive manager at Pendine’s training academy, in recognition of her wide-ranging contribution to the organisation, including her work developing databases, improving administrative processes and supporting services during the Covid pandemic.

According to Kate, her career had been shaped by learning on the job and seeing first-hand the difference good care made to her own family, adding that she was proud to play a part in helping Pendine Park deliver excellent care to its residents.

After the presentation Kate said: ” It was such a lovely surprise and a really proud moment for me to be presented with the award.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Pendine for the faith they have shown in me over the years. I’ve been given so many opportunities to learn, develop and take on new challenges, and I’ve always had the support and encouragement to grow in my role.

“One of the things I love most about my job is that no two days are the same.. Knowing that the work we do behind the scenes makes a real difference is incredibly rewarding.

“I’ve worked closely with our directors, particularly Gill Kreft, over many years, and I’ve learnt a huge amount from them. I’m thankful for the trust they’ve placed in me and for the opportunities I’ve been given to contribute to the organisation’s growth.

“Pendine has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My mum has worked here for 32 years, and I used to visit her at work when I was little.

“I also worked here during school holidays, entering timesheets and training records, so it’s lovely to look back and see how far I’ve come.

“My family are incredibly proud, which makes the award even more special. There’s also a very personal connection for me because my nain was cared for at Hillbury and Highfield, and my grandad stayed at Gwern Alyn. Seeing the care they received showed me first-hand how much of a difference the people working in this sector make.”

Pendine Park care organisation was established in 1985 by Mario Kreft MBE and his wife Gill.

Mario, who founded the Wales Care Awards which has given out more than 900 awards to social care heroes since it was established in 2003, said: “Kate thoroughly deserves this recognition and we are absolutely delighted that she has won a silver award.

“She has been a hugely valued member of our team for 14 years and it has been wonderful to see her develop from an administrative role into the highly skilled and versatile business operations manager she is today.

“Kate has a tremendous ability to find solutions, improve systems and develop new ways of working. Her expertise and creativity have made a real difference across the organisation, supporting our managers and teams to concentrate on what matters most – providing the very best care for our residents.

“Much of the work Kate and her team do happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt throughout Pendine Park. From developing systems and processes to helping us navigate the challenges of the Covid pandemic, she has played a vital role in ensuring our services run effectively.

“We have always believed in giving people the opportunity to develop their talents and fulfil their potential, and Kate is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when commitment, ability and the right support come together.

“We are very proud of her achievements and grateful for everything she brings to Pendine Park. This award is thoroughly deserved, and I hope she feels incredibly proud of what she has accomplished.”