Celebrating Excellence: The Dovies Awards 2024

On Friday 13th December, Dove Adolescent Services’ annual Christmas party became even more special with the introduction of The Dovies Awards to celebrate the dedication, passion, and achievements of the team throughout the year.

Nominations for the awards were submitted by staff across the organisation and carefully judged by Operations Directors Stacy and Leanne, who wanted to ensure this year’s efforts were truly recognised:

“We wanted to do the awards this year to recognise the hard work and dedication across our services. Whilst we feel everyone deserved one, we narrowed this down to the top three stand-out employees and gave a winner to each.”

The biggest recognition of the night was our Special Recognition Award, given to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to Dove – the award was scooped up by Amanda Farnaby, Stacy and Leanne commented: “Amanda embodies everything Dove stands for—her colleagues say she has ‘Dove running through her veins.’ With years of dedication to the children and team, Amanda is a cornerstone of our organisation. Thank you, Amanda, for your outstanding contributions over the years!”

Here’s a recap of the categories, stand-outs, and winners:

Special Recognition Award

Standouts: Amanda Farnaby, Ryan Lauder, Carrie West
Winner: Amanda Farnaby

Employee of the Year

Standouts: Donna Land, Lisa Sykes, Kelly Sutton
Winner: Lisa Sykes

“Lisa took over the running of two homes and two teams this year, showing unwavering commitment to the children and her colleagues. One nomination described Lisa as someone who “conquers challenges with a positive attitude and mindset.” Thank you, Lisa, for your incredible hard work and dedication!”

WOW Award (for capturing a special moment)

Standouts: Ruth Marron, Dawn Jackson, Ellie Moore
Winner: Dawn Jackson

“Dawn’s passion, consistency, and charm make her a vital part of Dove. A colleague called her an “inspirational and amazing leader.” We couldn’t agree more—congratulations, Dawn!”

Kindness Award

Standouts: Mark Bartrum, Celest Richards, Lynn Stables
Winner: Lynn Stables

“Described as someone with the “kindest heart in Dove,” Lynn goes above and beyond for her colleagues and the children in her care. Thank you, Lynn, for letting your kindness shine through!”

Commitment Award

Standouts: Gavin Gregory, Karen Farina, Mike Carmody
Winner: Karen Farina

“Karen’s commitment knows no bounds—she always shows up with a smile and puts her team and children first. “Everyone needs a Karen in their workplace,” and we’re so lucky to have you!”

Comedy Award

Standouts: Gary Blackburn, Graham Poulton, Angie Tetley
Winner: Graham Poulton

“Graham’s “terrible Dad jokes” bring smiles and motivation to everyone around him. His humor is a bright spot during tough times. Thanks for the laughs, Graham!”

Above and Beyond Award

Standouts: Rebecca Hutchinson, Katryn Cryan, Hayley Jones
Winner: Hayley Jones

“Hayley’s dedication knows no bounds—she helps her team and others, always going above and beyond. Thank you, Hayley, for always stepping up when it matters most!”

Shine the Spotlight Award

Standouts: Kesley Leech, Rachel Sheard, Claire Sutcliffe
Winner: Rachel Sheard

“Rachel’s quiet yet impactful contributions make a world of difference. She steps up without hesitation, supports her colleagues, and ensures success for her home and children. Thank you, Rachel, for all you do!”

A huge congratulations to all our winners and nominees. You have made 2024 an incredible year for Dove, and we are so proud to have you on our team!

Young person on laptop with headphones around neck

About Us

We are committed to improving the lives of the young people we care for by providing bespoke packages of care to suit individual needs.

Young person playing guitar with support worker

Our Approach

We provide homely, nurturing environments managed by highly experienced and qualified managers.

Support worker sat with young person at skate park

Careers

Working at Dove Adolescent Services is more than a career – it’s achieving extraordinary things every day.

Celebrating 20 years at Dove

Hayley, Deputy Manager of Pennine View, is celebrating a 20 year ‘workiversary’ at Dove Adolescent Services!

Operational Directors, Stacy and Leanne, congratulated: “We would love to take this opportunity to thank Hayley for all of her hard work over the past 20 years. She has recently joined the Management Team and is a welcomed addition. We look forward to a fantastic working relationship with Hayley and value her commitment to Dove!”

Hayley said: “I have many happy memories working for Dove and have always felt very supported by everyone. I look forward to what the next 20 years will bring and creating more happy memories with the staff team and the young people we care for.”

Hayley receives flowers for her 20 year work anniversary at Dove

About Us

We are committed to improving the lives of the young people we care for by providing bespoke packages of care to suit individual needs.

Our Approach

We provide homely, nurturing environments managed by highly experienced and qualified managers.

Careers

Working at Dove Adolescent Services is more than a career – it’s achieving extraordinary things every day.

‘Outstanding’ Dove children’s homes praised in glowing Ofsted reports

At Dove Adolescent Services, we are passionate about providing nurturing environments for vulnerable young people of varying backgrounds and needs – and we are so delighted that this has been recognised in recent Ofsted visits at three of our residential homes.

Pennine View, Barwick House and High View have all received ‘Outstanding’ rated Ofsted inspections, with all three being praised for “significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people who need help, protection and care.”

Inspectors also highlighted the “excellent awareness and understanding of child-centred practice” demonstrated by staff and the support in which young people receive to improve their independence, build positive relationships with people who are important to them, and explore interests and hobbies in the local communities.

Dawn Jackson is the Registered Manager of Pennine View, which has been continuously rated Outstanding since December 2016. She commented: “I am really proud of the team following the recent Ofsted inspection, they all work tirelessly to ensure that the young people live in a welcoming and nurturing environment. Staff have high aspirations for the young people and ensure that they reach their potential.”

The reports also described the excellent progress children are making in their education, with Barwick House being commended for its “strong partnership working with schools” resulting in young people receiving the right support which is consistent.

Staff at Pennine View Home posing for a photo

Lisa Sykes, Registered Manager of Barwick House, said: “Achieving ‘outstanding’ in our recent inspection was a massive achievement for myself and the team. Having the teams’ commitment to the young people recognised in such a positive way is testament to the hard work the team undertake every day, and they should all feel very proud of their contribution of which they are very deserving!”

Ryan Lauder, Registered Manager of High View, has been recognised for being “reflective and taking a systematic approach. He supports staff to contemplate their own behaviours and responses, and how these impact on children.”

Delighted at the report, Ryan said: “This is another great outcome for the home. The staff team and young people have done really well and we are all pleased that this has been recognised. Onwards and upwards for this year!”

Stacy and Leanne, Operational Directors, congratulated their team: “The exceptional quality care which is provided across our organisation and specifically the three homes which have achieved an ‘Outstanding’ is something we are extremely proud of. A fantastic achievement for the Managers and teams involved. Well done and keep up the good work!”

The individual Ofsted reports can be viewed here:
Pennine View
Barwick House
High View

At Dove, we are always looking for passionate people who can make a difference to the lives of young people to join our team. If you would like to find out more about our vacancies and what it is like to work at Dove, visit our Careers page.

Since joining the company in January this year, it’s easy to see why the homes are all rated so highly. The ethos of the company is focused on creating positive experiences and making a real difference to the lives of children and young people. Every aspect of their care is child focused and inclusive, led by passionate and inspirational people at all levels. I’ve been welcomed from my very first day and can honestly say it is a pleasure to be part of such an amazing team.

Claire Sutcliffe, Head of Care

It is surprisingly calm living here. The staff support me to be independent, I can do extra chores such as taking responsibility for watering the plants and vegetables in the garden and washing the car for a bit of extra pocket money. The staff are nice and I like living here.

Young Person, Barwick House

As a new member of staff, I have never felt as welcomed into a family environment.

Staff Member, Pennine View

Pennine is the family away from home.

Staff Member, Pennine View

About Us

We are committed to improving the lives of the young people we care for by providing bespoke packages of care to suit individual needs.

Our Approach

We provide homely, nurturing environments managed by highly experienced and qualified managers.

Careers

Working at Dove Adolescent Services is more than a career – it’s achieving extraordinary things every day.