Top honour for care home chairman

The chair of Perth-based Balhousie Care Group is a runner-up at this year’s Institute of Scotland Director of the Year Awards.

Tony Banks founded the award-winning care home group 25 years ago, and was recognised as a finalist in the Tayside Regional Director of the Year category last week at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow.

He was pipped to the post by winner Helen Sykes of Helm Training Limited.

Over the last two years, Tony has overseen the launch of Together We’re Great, an initiative which has seen a positive cultural shift company-wide, and a Participation Charter which enables residents to be more involved with their care decisions.

The news follows a hugely successful year for Balhousie Care Group, which runs 25 homes across the north east of Scotland. 2017 saw it secure a £49 million refinancing deal, appoint its first chief executive, win several awards and gain the highest Care Inspectorate rating for two of its care homes.

The Perth-based company also secured a major win at the UK-wide National Care Awards, when operations director Louise Barnett was named Operations Manager of the Year.

Tony said:“Providing the very best residential, nursing and specialist care is at the heart of what we do and our organisation would not be where it is without an outstanding team, so this recognition is for everyone at Balhousie Care Group.”

Louise Barnett added:“Tony is always looking for new and innovative ways to develop the business and the people in it.

“His leadership and belief in delivering the best care for our residents makes our organisation a special place to be. It is fantastic to see Tony and his excellent work recognised by IoD Scotland.”

To find out more about Balhousie Care Group, visit www.balhousiecare.co.uk