A FIRM has won a top award at this year’s Skills for Care Accolades in London.

Augustinian Care, based at Ditching Common, scooped the honour for Best Employer of more than 250 staff.

It was presented by Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke.

The awards celebrates the company’s excellence in workforce development within the 1.45 million people that work in adult care.

Care Director Neil Kentish said: “We are obviously delighted to have won this award.

“It is a reflection on the importance of our staff.

“We believe that investing in developing the skills and knowledge of our workforce pays dividends and helps us to offer high quality, person centred social care.

“It was a great night and fantastic to receive the award from Anton.”

Skills for Care CEO Sharon Allen said: “My congratulations to the winners who came through a rigorous judging process to win a highly coveted national award recognising outstanding work on developing the skills and knowledge of the adult social care workforce.

“The Skills for Care Accolades are an opportunity to celebrate all that is great about how high quality care and support is provided by hard working, skilled and dedicated workers in our communities.

“It was a pleasure to meet every one of our finalists who all demonstrated great innovation and commitment to leadership and workforce development, which they were keen to share with others on the night and afterwards.”

Augustinian Care is situated at St George’s Park, Ditchling Common.

A spokesman said: “Augustinian Care aims to create a happy and homely atmosphere for residents in all our care homes.

“We pride ourselves on the high standard of care that we provide which ensures that all the needs of our residents are met.

“All our homes offer quality care where each resident is treated as an individual.”