We’re delighted to be shortlisted in the LaingBuisson Awards 2025 under the Excellence in Specialist Care category. The recognition shines a light on the incredible work of our colleagues, whose everyday actions help people build brighter, more independent lives.
This category celebrates organisations that deliver exceptional, person-centred support for adults with learning disabilities, autism, and mental-health or complex needs. For us, it’s a recognition of what we stand for: doing things the ivolve way – thoughtful, proactive, and rooted in genuine connection.
We’ve always believed that true excellence in specialist care comes from people – from colleagues who listen, notice, and nurture progress in the smallest moments. It’s seen in the quiet patience of a Support Worker helping someone master a new skill, the teamwork that turns a house into a home, and the gentle encouragement that helps confidence grow day by day. That’s where transformation happens – not in grand gestures, but in everyday care delivered with heart.
That’s why we are really proud of this finalist recognition.
Strive – turning ambition into action
At the heart of this recognition is Strive, our proactive model of support co-produced with the people we support. Strive is about much more than frameworks or policies – it’s about people. It focuses on building skills, confidence, and wellbeing, helping every person take meaningful steps towards their goals.
At ivolve, we believe that specialist care should never be about containment or crisis-response. It should be about possibility. Our goal is to create capable environments where people can flourish, grow, and belong.
Through Strive, we’ve seen a reduction in restrictive practices and 89% of people achieving a personal goal within 12 months – from learning new skills to growing friendships and gaining greater independence.
Strive turns ambition into action. It breaks down personal goals into achievable steps – small wins that build confidence and momentum. We don’t wait for challenges to arise; we plan ahead, listen, and adapt, supporting people to take control of their lives in ways that feel natural and sustainable. And it’s that action that’s central to our 2025 LaingBuisson finalist recognition.
A year of progress and impact
The past year has been extraordinary for our teams. We’ve opened 13 new services, welcomed 150 new people into our homes where they can flourish, and delivered more than 4,000 hours of Strive training to colleagues across the country.
As well as this, we’ve continued to invest in innovation and technology that gives our colleagues more time to focus on what matters most – supporting people to live active, happy, connected lives. From digital care planning and data-driven insights to sensory-friendly environments and inclusive communication tools, every improvement brings us closer to our goal of transforming lives through proactive, person-led care.
Our focus has always been on sustainability – creating long-term impact for people, families, and communities. By investing in our colleagues, strengthening leadership, and expanding purpose-built services, we’re not just growing – we’re shaping the future of specialist care.
We’ve also seen an increase in our services rated Good or Outstanding by CQC or CIW, alongside a 14% reduction in colleague turnover and national recognition as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work for the second consecutive year.
Each of these achievements tells a bigger story – one of steady progress, partnership, and belief in what’s possible when people feel supported to thrive.
Proud of our people, proud of our purpose
As one of the UK’s leading providers of specialist care, we’re proud to see our work recognised at this national level. The LaingBuisson Excellence in Specialist Care award nomination celebrates not just our achievements, but the collective spirit of our colleagues. Their kindness, resilience, and passion that make ivolve what it is.
“Being named a finalist in the LaingBuisson Awards is a wonderful honour and a reflection of our incredible care teams across the country,” shared Caroline Carnell, Group Commercial Director at ivolve. “Every colleague plays a part in creating the warm, stable, and empowering environments that make our homes so special. Their compassion, creativity, and consistency help people achieve things they once thought impossible.”
She continued, “This recognition belongs to them – and to the people and families who inspire us to make a difference every single day.”
The winners will be announced later this year, celebrating excellence across health and social care. Whatever the outcome, we’re proud to stand among the finalists, representing our people, our values, and our commitment to delivering outstanding specialist care every single day.