Chief executive wins “outstanding contribution to social care” award

The chief executive of Action on Elder Abuse has won the award for “outstanding contribution to social care”. Gary FitzGerald received a standing ovation at the finals of the Great British Care Awards which were held at the Grosvenor Hotel.

The judge said: “Gary FitzGerald has worked for over 20 years within the social care sector. As chief executive of Action on Elder Abuse, Gary leads a crusade to eradicate a problem that shames this country. Mistreatment of our older people is unacceptable and Gary fights hard and passionately to stamp it out. With more than 30 years in social care – including almost a decade as chief executive of Action on Elder Abuse.

“Gary is an inspirational leader and a true catalyst for change within the care of older people and has truly made an outstanding contribution to social care.”

John Beer, chair of trustees of Action on Elder Abuse, said: “The staff, members and trustees of Action on Elder Abuse are delighted that the contribution of our chief executive Gary FitzGerald has been recognized by the award of “Outstanding contribution to Social Care” at the recent British Care Awards.

“We all know how tirelessly Gary works to promote the protection of vulnerable older people and to try to change the way society views their dignity and right to determine their own future. Some find this approach challenging but we at AEA know that all older people should be free from the fear of abuse and it is superb that Gary’s campaigning and highly informed approach has been given this prestigious accolade.”

The award of ‘outstanding contribution to social care’ was the highest honour of the evening, in a ceremony supported by the Department of Health, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), Ceretas, the English Community Care Association (ECCA), the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) and the National Skills Academy and Skills for Care.