Audenshaw Care Home Manager Shortlisted for Award

A care home manager from Audenshaw, Greater Manchester, has been shortlisted for an award in recognition of her remarkable career journey and commitment to lifelong learning.

Charlotte Heathcote, Home Manager at Guide Lane Care Home, has been shortlisted in the Inspirational Individual category at the Lifetime Learning Awards, organised by Lifetime Training, HC-One’s apprenticeship provider, which celebrate outstanding achievements in education and professional development across the UK. The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 5 February 2026 at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, bringing together learners, employers, and training providers from across the country.

At just 33 years old, Charlotte has built an impressive career in adult social care. She began her journey as a Care Assistant in 2010 and has since completed a Level 2 and Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care, followed by a Level 5 Leader in Adult Care apprenticeship, which she completed in 2025 with distinction.

The apprenticeship has developed Charlotte’s skills to manage services, lead teams, ensure compliance, and implement person-centred care for adults, covering statutory frameworks, risk management, and culture-building.

Throughout her career, Charlotte has benefited from the support of her employer, family, and apprenticeship Learning Coaches, enabling her to overcome personal and professional challenges while continuing to progress.

As Home Manager at Guide Lane Care Home, Charlotte leads a dedicated team committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care. Since taking on the role of Home Manager in March 2025, she has driven significant improvements in the home’s standards. Within just a few months, the team transformed performance from an overall rating of ‘Requires Improvement’ in an initial internal Quality Inspection to ‘Good’ across all areas in a follow-up inspection, with one area achieving an ‘Outstanding’ rating for empowering colleagues and the people they care for.

Reflecting on her achievement, Charlotte said: "I’m incredibly proud to be shortlisted for this award. My career in care has been shaped by a real passion for learning and development, and completing my apprenticeship gave me the confidence, skills, and knowledge to progress into a leadership role. I’m grateful for the support I’ve had along the way and hope my journey shows others that with hard work and the right opportunities, you really can achieve your goals."

Orla Adamson, Area Director at HC-One, added: "Charlotte’s journey is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and a commitment to learning. Her success is an inspiration to colleagues, residents, and the wider community, and we are incredibly proud to see her hard work recognised."

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2026, Charlotte’s story highlights the transformative impact apprenticeships can have, opening doors for career progression and personal development in the adult care sector.

click here for more details or to contact Guide Lane Care Home