We’re delighted to announce that Alison Worms, Director of Elderly Care at SDR, has been shortlisted for Care Leader of the Year at the Brighton & Hove Care Awards 2026.

Ali leads our five elderly residential and nursing homes across Sussex and Hampshire, a role that shapes the daily experience of every resident in our care, as well as the teams who look after them.

With more than 30 years in social care, Ali has a passion for delivering the highest standards of care and continual enhancement of customer experience in our homes. Joining the SDR team in 2025, she has led the transformation of recently acquired homes and proved herself a fantastic coach to new managers. What sets Ali apart is the culture she’s created: one where outstanding, person-centred care isn’t the exception, it’s simply how things are done.

Much of Ali’s work has centred on welcoming newly acquired homes into SDR and supporting them on a journey of continuous improvement. Rather than changing what makes each home special, her focus has been on strengthening the foundations: investing in teams, raising standards, and giving managers the confidence and coaching to lead well.

The result is homes where residents, families and staff feel the difference, and a growing track record of turning newly acquired homes into thriving ones.

“I’m honoured to be shortlisted, but this recognition belongs to my teams as much as it does to me,” said Ali. “Across all five homes, our people give so much every day, delivering person-centred care with kindness, skill and dedication. I’m proud to lead them, and prouder still of what they achieve for our residents.”

She added: “When we welcome a new home into SDR, our first priority is always continuity and care, for residents and for the team who look after them. From there, it’s about steady, genuine improvement. When you get the culture right and give people the support they need, standards rise naturally, and that’s what I’m most proud of.”

The winners will be announced at the Brighton & Hove Care Awards ceremony on 17 September 2026, which takes place at the Hilton Hotel, Brighton.

Congratulations, Ali. Thoroughly deserved.