A high-flying mum from Gwent dubbed an ‘inspiration’ by her team members has become the toast of the social care industry with a national award.
Rachael Hawkins, from Crosskeys, Newport, has been working in the social care sector for 24 years after initially taking on administrative roles when she left school.
Initially a support worker, the mum of twin girls aged 15 quickly rose through the ranks, investing her commitment and passion into helping vulnerable adults and young people to fulfil their potential and strengthen their voice.
As Head of Operations (Wales) for Achieve together, a leading provider of support for people with learning disabilities, autism and other complex needs across England and Wales, Rachael found herself in the final of the Wales Care Awards 2024.
Supported by lead sponsor Ontex Healthcare, and organised by care industry champions Care Forum Wales, the awards recognise the outstanding work of those in the care sector.
Rachael, 43, scooped the silver award in the Leadership & Management in Residential Care Services Award category, sponsored by Christie & Co.
She received her prize at a glittering ceremony at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff which was hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.
Rachael said: “It’s a shock and I’m really overwhelmed but I’m pleased to be nominated.
“I like to complete my role silently, remain humble without looking for personal recognition. I prefer to celebrate the success of my team and reflect privately on my own”.
“We do a difficult job, and we try to celebrate every success, no matter how small. I am in a different role to the one I started in, but I’m connected to the homes on a day-to-day basis. It is so important to understand the needs of the people we support”.
“Initially, working in social care was temporary decision for me, but I really enjoyed and thus my career got underway – this is definitely the right one for me”.
Rachael leads a team of five regional managers who collectively manage 46 home managers.
As the Achieve together’s Responsible Individual, Rachael visits each home every three months to ensure they are running safely and effectively and are following regulations.
Rachael was nominated by regional manager Ann-Marie Harris who described her as an “inspiration” who is looked up to by all team members, people the organisation supports and the teams’ she manages.
“It’s so hard to encapsulate all of Rachael’s capabilities and contributions but her positive energy and personal touch is apparent across our teams,” she added.
Rachael credits her success with a genuine love of her job.
“If you lead with passion, it really helps. My team and I are invested in the job that we do,” she said.
“My daughters are now at the age, where they are making decisions about their future, I would be very pleased if they choose a career in social care, as it’s very rewarding”.
Mario Kreft MBE, chairman of Care Forum Wales, said the standard of entries was extremely high.
He added : “There are only winners here tonight so it is only fitting that the finalists will receive a gold, silver or bronze Wales Care Award.
“I trust that they will continue to inspire those around them as role models and encourage others to aspire to even greater heights and in the months and years to come.
“This awards ceremony is our opportunity to pay tribute and to celebrate the talent and commitment that is improving the quality of life for thousands and thousands of people throughout Wales.
”We take our hats off to them.”
