A high-flying mum from Gwent dubbed an ‘inspiration’ by her team members has made the shortlist for 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 has now been shortlisted for an award in 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, is shortlisted for the Leadership & Management in Residential Care Services Award, sponsored by Christie & Co.

The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff on Friday, October 18, 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”.

“We do a difficult job, and we try to celebrate every milestone from the small to the big. I’m in a different role to the one where I started my career, but I’ve always wanted to keep that connection going with what happens on a day-to-day basis with our support workers. It’s so important to know and understand the needs of the people we’re supporting.

“Initially, social care was a bit of a stop gap to work out what I was going to do in my career. It just so happened, I really enjoyed it and thus my career got underway in social care – and 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, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said: “Our aim is to recognise the unstinting and often remarkable dedication of our unsung heroes and heroines on the front line of social across Wales.

“The care sector is full of wonderful people because it’s not just a job it’s a vocation – these are the people who really do have the X Factor.

“If you don’t recognise the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.

“We need to do all we can to raise the profile of the care sector workforce – they deserve to be lauded and applauded.

“It is a pleasure to honour the contribution of all the finalists. Each and every one of them should be very proud of their achievement.”