“Inspiring” West Lothian Care Home Manager named winner at the 2025 Scottish Care Awards
The inspiring efforts of an HC-One Scotland Home Manager has been recognised after she was named a winner at the 2025 Scottish Care Awards.
Joanne Cunningham Home Manager at Redmill Care Home in East Whitburn was entered into the Leadership award category due to her incredible determination to ensure that both staff and residents were able to live their best lives.
The award win recognises Joanne’s transformative leadership since joining HC-One Scotland’s Redmill in 2024 where she has led the home to overcome a challenging period into a new era of confidence.
Ending the use of agency staff in the home and working with colleagues across the home to feel confident in themselves and their future, Joanne met with each colleague to discuss their goals and ambitions and supporting their progression towards SVQ level 2 and 3 qualifications.
As a result, Joanne’s influence has seen staff turnover reduce from 73% to 26% and has guided the home to receive “Very Good” ratings in both Leadership and Supporting Wellbeing from the Care Inspectorate.
Joanne has embodied the philosophy of person-centred care throughout her short time at Redmill. All the colleagues across the home are delivering on Joanne’s vision, ensuring that both the quality of care and the atmosphere of kindness is felt throughout the home.
Finlay Milner, Area Director at HC-One Scotland said:
“Joanne doesn’t just manage, she inspires. Her leadership is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a deep commitment to person-led care. She’s built a team that is proud, resilient, and united.
“She has transformed Redmill into a home filled with warmth, pride and genuine belonging. Her leadership has uplifted staff, reassured families, and brought joy back into residents’ lives. I’m incredibly proud of everything she has achieved, and this recognition couldn’t be more deserved.”
The impactful work that has been taken place came under the spotlight when a surprise inspection in April showcased the vast improvements at the home. Inspectors observed warm, meaningful interactions, staff working as a cohesive team, and residents thriving, all a direct result of the confidence and ability that Joanne had instilled into her team.
Joanne Cunningham Home Manager at Redmill Care Home said:
“I am so proud of the journey of change we have all been on at Redmill. The whole team approach buying in to the changes that needed to take place has been a credit to everyone. By ensuring our team were supported, given development and training opportunities, feeling listened to.
Building trust and mutual respect has resulted in a happy team that take pride in going above and beyond for our residents to ensure they live their best lives in our care. Building our reputation through the local community with our Facebook page reaching 4.1K followers has really boosted team morale and community spirit and our Carehome.co.uk scores going from 7.9 to 9.6. Truly reflects the good work we all do together. It is a privilege to work with such an amazing team.”