CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE WILDERNESS WAY EXTRAORDINARY

We’re inviting nominations for individuals and teams who live our values in action and make a meaningful impact every single day.

Whether it’s unwavering support, innovative thinking, teamwork, advocacy, or simply going the extra mile, we want to hear their story.

We welcome nominations from:

  • Colleagues across all homes and departments
  • Children and young people supported by Wilderness Way
  • Families
  • Our wider professional network (social workers, schools, therapists and partners)

If someone stands out to you, this is your opportunity to recognise them! Nominations close Monday, 16th March 2026.

Wilderness Way Awards

Recognise a shining star

Every day, incredible people across our organisation make a lasting difference to children’s lives. Now it’s time to recognise them.

Nominate

AWARD CATEGORIES – RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE ACROSS OUR TEAM

Behind every success story is a dedicated team member or team making it happen. The Wilderness Way Awards are about celebrating the everyday heroes who show up with care, commitment and professionalism.
Your nomination helps us highlight the positive impact being made across our homes, central teams and partnerships.
We will be recognising excellence across a range of categories, including:

Do you know someone who ensures children feel heard?

We’re looking to recognise a team member who champions children’s rights, choices and participation, ensuring their voice shapes decisions about their lives.

Young people are warmly encouraged to submit nominations for this award.

Do you know someone in a central or support role who makes a real difference behind the scenes?

We’re looking to recognise a team member working in HR, Finance, Recruitment, Learning and Development, Facilities, IT, Compliance or another support function whose work enables our homes to thrive and our children to receive the best possible care.

This might be someone who:

  • Solves problems quickly and effectively
  • Provides exceptional service to homes
  • Improves processes that strengthen outcomes
  • Goes above and beyond to support colleagues

Who brings people together?

We’re looking to recognise someone who works with openness and values different perspectives – strengthening partnership working across teams or departments.

If they make teamwork stronger, let us know.

Recognise someone who leads with kindness.

We’re looking for a team member who consistently demonstrates empathy, respect and compassion, especially in challenging situations.

Children, families and professionals are warmly encouraged to nominate for this award.

Recognise a leader who inspires others.

We’re looking to celebrate a Registered Manager, Deputy, Central Support or Regional leader who leads with integrity, supports their team and drives positive change.

If their leadership makes a difference, tell us why.

Do you know someone who embraces reflection and growth?

We’re looking to recognise a team member who is open to feedback, committed to learning and always striving to improve outcomes.

If they inspire development in others, nominate them.

Do you know someone who prepares children for independence?

We’re looking to recognise a team member who actively supports practical skills, confidence and readiness for adulthood.

If they help young people believe in their future, nominate them.

Who makes the most of our outdoor model?

We’re looking to celebrate someone who uses adventure and the outdoors to build confidence, resilience and life skills in young people.

If they bring learning to life beyond four walls, we want to hear about them.

Recognise a Residential Support Worker who goes above and beyond in day-to-day care.

We’re looking for someone who builds strong relationships, provides consistent support, and creates safety and stability for children.

Children and young people are especially encouraged to nominate for this award.

Is there a home team that truly stands out?

We’re looking to celebrate a Residential Team that demonstrates strong culture, teamwork and positive outcomes for children.

Nominations are welcomed from colleagues, young people and external professionals.

Who has made a brilliant impact in a short space of time?

We’re looking to celebrate someone who has shown exceptional promise, enthusiasm and growth in their role.

If you’ve seen someone shine, this is your opportunity to recognise them.

Do you know a Senior who leads by example?

We’re looking to celebrate a Senior Residential Support Worker who mentors others, role-models best practice and strengthens the culture within their home.

If they inspire everyone around them, let us know.

Who truly embeds therapeutic thinking into everyday practice?

We’re looking to recognise someone who understands behaviour through a trauma-informed lens and supports children with patience, reflection and care.

If they consistently respond with insight and understanding, nominate them.

Do you know someone who has truly gone above and beyond?

We’re looking to recognise a team member from any department or team whose actions have made an extraordinary difference, for children, colleagues or the organisation as a whole.

If someone immediately comes to mind, nominate them.

HELP US CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE

Taking a few minutes to submit a nomination can make a lasting difference. Your words could be the reason someone feels seen, valued and celebrated for the impact they make every day.

Whether it’s a colleague who consistently goes above and beyond, a team that works seamlessly together, or someone who has made a meaningful difference in a young person’s life, we want to hear about them.

Let’s come together to recognise the people who make Wilderness Way extraordinary.

Nominations close Monday 16th March, so don’t miss your chance to recognise an outstanding colleague. Submit your nomination today and help us celebrate the very best of our organisation.

Nominate Now

Testimonials

What Others Say About Us

We just wanted to thank you all for the work you have done to support our son. Your care, kindness and expertise towards him has been outstanding, and despite everything, we have always felt so secure that he is safe with you guys and in the best possible place. The care teams are brilliant and the way they have persisted to bring him to where he is now has been amazing. What stands out is the way you have all been genuinely prepared to make this work for him, and your care and integrity have enabled him to make such progress.

The care teams are highly efficient, compassionate and dedicated to our child. He has made significant progress there. He has clearly built good relationships with his carers, who show a real understanding of him, his care history, family background and needs.

There has been a great turnaround with this young man. He has had a break from being in a very dangerous situation, and has engaged in activities and rebuilt his character and self-esteem. Although he was only with Wilderness for a short time, it has had a significant impact on his emotional wellbeing, safety and outlook on life.

I am truly taken aback by the level of care you have shown. The staff have gone out of their way to show him the attention and care that he has never had. When I visited him, it was like I was looking at a different child to what he was before he came. He was not like a child in care, he was like a child in a family. You have literally saved his life.