Nicola Brooks, Chair of the Board for dementia care specialists Belong has been named Social Care Chairperson of the Year (North West England) at CEO Monthly’s Chairperson Awards 2021. 

Recognising excellence in leadership, performance and longevity, the award is testament to Nicola’s hard work, dedication and effort throughout the challenges faced in one of the sectors most hard-hit by the global pandemic. 

Since being appointed over two years ago, Nicola’s biggest challenge to-date saw her continued passion for people development and human resources expertise help navigate Belong through the Coronavirus crisis. 

The organisation’s outstanding response was recognised when it achieved re-accreditation as a Gold Investors in People in the midst of the first wave when assessors praised “an empowering leadership style, high-quality communication and the positive impact of culture on resident outcomes achieved, so far, during COVID-19."

Further success was seen at the 2020 Great North West Care Awards, where Belong’s efforts as an employer ‘going above and beyond’ during the pandemic saw the care leader take home the Social Care Covid Hero Team award. 

Nicola’s remit has also included overseeing Belong’s plans to extend its provision of services to people in new locations, as well as maintaining the not-for-profit organisation’s reputation as a standard bearer and innovator in the social care space. 

Belong’s newest care village, set to open in Chester in early 2022, will include an integrated nursery provision, where children and older people can spend time together building meaningful relationships, making the setting the first of its kind in North West England. 

Speaking of her win, Nicola Brooks, Chair of the Belong Board said: “I’m honoured to receive this award; it’s a privilege to work with the very dedicated and talented people in Belong and I look forward to building on the organisation’s continued success to enable more older people to live an active later life.”

Tracey Stakes, Belong Chief Executive, added: “Nicola is a person of high integrity, extremely committed to ensuring that Belong focuses on the right areas and that we maintain quality services and good governance. The testament of colleagues is perhaps the highest praise – Nicola's impact has been felt by all around her and we can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”