Lifeways leadership team recognised at LaingBuisson Awards

Transformational leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement have seen Lifeways’ leadership team shortlisted for Leadership Team of the Year at this year's LaingBuisson Awards.

The leadership team was recognised for driving massive change throughout the UK's largest specialist support provider for adults with complex needs. 

As Lifeways celebrates 30 years of transforming lives in 2025, the leadership team has demonstrated exceptional vision in delivering a comprehensive transformation programme that has made a huge impact on quality, innovation, and workforce development. 

Andrea Kinkade, Chief Executive at Lifeways, said: “The LaingBuisson Awards are highly respected and represent the best of our incredible sector. I am absolutely delighted and so proud that our leadership team has been recognised for their exceptional work in driving meaningful change across our organisation. 

"This nomination reflects our united commitment to our CHOICE values - Caring, Honesty, One Team, Innovation, Commitment, and Excellence - and our relentless focus on learning, adapting and improving to create environments where both our teams and the people we support can grow and thrive. 

“Congratulations to everyone shortlisted for these fantastic awards.” 

Lifeways was shortlisted across a range of criteria including: 

• Driving quality and compliance excellence: Under the current leadership team's direction, Lifeways has achieved remarkable improvements in regulatory compliance, reaching 85% in 2024, up from 76% in 2022. In Scotland, all 16 registrations now achieve 100% compliance, with ten services rated 'Very Good' and the organisation on track for 'Outstanding' ratings. 
• Technology implementation: The leadership team invested £700,000 in cutting-edge systems during 2024. Nourish (electronic care management) has created significant savings and enabled more time to support workers for direct care. Deputy, (e-rostering tool), has helped Lifeways achieve significant cost savings while improving staff retention through greater work pattern flexibility. 
• Investing in people and development: The leadership team has prioritised workforce development. Staff retention improved by 23% in 2024, with over 268,000 hours of in person training delivered and 700 long-term service awards celebrated. The company’s inclusive apprenticeship programme has seen nearly half of participants achieve distinctions, with 42% securing promotions or new responsibilities. 
• Commercial success through innovation: The creation of in-house Property Maintenance Team has reduced facilities spend and improved response times. This new approach has also enhanced safety metrics. 
• Building an inclusive future: The leadership team has championed diversity through launching Lifeways' first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council and participating in Pride in London - the first formal involvement of UK social care providers in the event. 

The complete list of finalists can be viewed on the LaingBuisson Awards website. 

The award winners will be announced on 20 November at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel in London.