Pete Laing, Senior Head of Maintenance at Crandon Springs Care Home in Wells, has beaten all the competition to be crowned National Health & Safety Champion of the Year in the Barchester Care Awards 2025.

The Barchester Care Awards celebrate the staff who go the extra mile for the benefit of the 13,500 residents living in Barchester's 268 care homes and private hospitals across the country. Categories range from 'Team of the Year' and 'Carer of the Year' to 'Dementia Care Champion' and 'Activities Coordinator of the Year'.

More than 5,250 nominations were received from homes and hospitals across the UK. All entries were a very high standard and Pete Laing is over the moon to have been named the national winner, beating hundreds of other nominees to the coveted title.

Pete's win was announced at a special national award ceremony to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Barchester's many exemplary staff members who work tirelessly to deliver the best care to their residents and patients every day.

Pete said: "I'm very proud to have achieved this award for my contribution to health and safety. I approach my role with passion and integrity, and to have this recognised is a real delight."

Crandon Springs General Manager, Meg Cleal said: "This is a truly outstanding achievement, and everyone at Crandon Springs is incredibly proud of Pete. I feel privileged to have him as our Senior Head of Maintenance. He works tirelessly to keep our home safe and running smoothly, always approaching his work with enthusiasm, professionalism, and good humour. Pete is exceptionally organised and proactive, especially when it comes to health and safety - he's always one step ahead in ensuring we meet and exceed regulations. This award is a well-deserved recognition of his dedication and excellence in everything he does."

Dr Pete Calveley, CEO of Barchester Healthcare, added: "Hosting the Barchester Care Awards where we recognise and thank all of our staff for their hard work and dedication is without doubt my favourite day of the year. We have the best teams in the world and I couldn't be prouder of each and every one of our members of staff, they are all absolutely amazing."