Lichfield social care innovation earns national ESG award

Grace Cares has been named the winner of the ESG Leader Award at the Social Care Leadership Awards, held at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square.

The national awards celebrate outstanding leadership across the social care sector, recognising individuals and organisations demonstrating excellence in areas such as learning disabilities, dementia care, and home care.

The ESG Leader Award specifically honours organisations that exemplify ethical, socially responsible, and sustainable practices within the sector.

The ceremony was hosted by Baroness Ayesha Hazarika MBE, with the ESG category judged by Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, and Dr Cecilia Anim CBE, former President of the Royal College of Nursing.

The judges commended Grace Cares for its transformative approach to ESG in social care, commenting:

They said: “Grace Cares transforms ESG in social care through a circular, community-powered model.

“By rescuing and redistributing thousands of care items, reducing carbon emissions, and reinvesting profits into wellbeing initiatives, they deliver measurable environmental, social, and economic impact - driving sustainability, social justice, and sector-wide change.”

Founded in 2023, Grace Cares is a not-for-profit organisation making care more sustainable by rescuing care equipment from landfill, reselling it affordably, and reinvesting profits into initiatives that support older people, unpaid caregivers, and care providers.

Hannah Montgomery, co-founder of Grace Cares, said: “This award isn’t just about sustainability, it’s about people.

“At Grace Cares, we believe in putting people first while respecting our planet. Every item saved, every cup of tea shared, and every act of kindness adds up to real change.

“None of this would be possible without our incredible tribe of volunteers, partners, and supporters.

“It really does take a village to make a difference, and I’m so proud of ours. We’re on a mission to bolster social care and ensure it is sustainable because everyone in this country is touched by social care.”

Pictured: Hannah Montgomery (front) and members of the Grace Cares team