Leatherhead care home wins big at prestigious regional awards

A Leatherhead care home is celebrating after scooping up a major award. 

Jagpal Singh, General Manager at Care UK’s Liberham Lodge, on Rectory Lane, was awarded the ‘Registered Manager of the Year’ at this year's Surrey Care Awards.

The Surrey Care Awards recognise and celebrate the work of colleagues and organisations who provide high-quality care in Surrey’s health and social care sector. 

Jagpal, who joined Liberham Lodge in 2022, was praised for creating an environment where team members are supported in the progression of their careers. An example of this is the home’s Sous Chef, Jagpal encouraged him to take part in the Care UK Chef Academy – the Sous Chef excelled in the training and was later offered the role of Head Chef at the home. 

Since joining the Liberham Lodge team, Jagpal has increased the home’s involvement in the community by inviting local people to join residents for fun activities and events. This has included hosting a music festival, Christmas markets and art classes. Judges also praised the home’s regular visits from mother and baby clubs, schools, church groups and Scouts – all building friendships across the generations.  

Jagpal also plays a pivotal role in assisting overseas colleagues in adapting to life in the UK. Having moved to the UK himself 16 years ago, he is passionate about supporting new colleagues in their transition to life in a new country as well as in their new role. Whether that’s picking new colleagues up at the airport so that they see a friendly face, liaising with landlords, or even organising their first food shop, Jagpal is dedicated to ensuring that new colleagues feel like part of the Care UK family from the moment they arrive.

On winning the award, Jagpal said, “I was delighted to be named Registered Manager of the Year. I believe in compassionate leadership and always strive to empower my team to deliver the best possible care. 

“I am thrilled to have been recognised for my work and hope to continue to build strong relationships with colleagues, residents, relatives and the wider community, so that we can work together to ensure residents lead happy and fulfilled lives. 

“This award is also testament to all the brilliant colleagues at Liberham Lodge, I would not be able to do my role without their support!”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Care UK incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the home has been configured to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.