The award recognises Cygnet’s commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred support to adults with learning disabilities, autism, acquired brain injuries, neurological conditions and complex needs, helping people achieve their ambitions, build independence and live fulfilling lives.
The judges said: “Cygnet Group has set itself the bold mission of tackling the mental health crisis in our communities, with co-production running through everything it does. The judges praised how it listens to people with lived experience, to create more therapeutic, homely spaces that encourage recovery.”
The national recognition comes following a period of considerable expansion for Cygnet Social Care, which has significantly strengthened its national presence and broadened the specialist support it can offer through a series of strategic acquisitions.
In March 2025, Cygnet welcomed three specialist care homes previously operated by Oakview Care Services: Bryn Y Wawr and Clynsaer in Carmarthenshire, and The Old Vicarage in Berkshire.
This was followed in August by the acquisition of Woodrowe Healthcare in Leicestershire, a specialist provider of residential care and rehabilitation for adults with acquired brain injuries, neurological conditions and complex needs.
In September 2025, Cygnet Social Care further expanded its residential provision through the acquisition of Stepping Stones Residential Unit, bringing six homes in Gloucestershire into the organisation.
Together, these three acquisitions added 10 homes and 157 beds to Cygnet Social Care, significantly increasing its capacity to support people with a diverse range of needs.
The growth continued into 2026 with the acquisition of The Daley Care Centre in Sheffield in February which delivers specialist neurological complex care, and the acquisition of Orchard Care Group in the Republic of Ireland, which operated 39 residential and community homes and two day services.
Gareth Williams, CEO of Cygnet Social Care, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been named Specialist Care Provider of the Year. This is a fantastic achievement and recognition of the outstanding work taking place across our services every day.
“Over the past year, we have made significant strides in growing Cygnet Social Care, welcoming a number of established specialist providers into our organisation.
“This growth is about much more than increasing the size of our organisation. It is about expanding the range of specialist support we can offer, reaching more people and bringing together talented, experienced teams who share our commitment to helping people live the best lives possible.
“Each of these services brings something valuable to Cygnet, whether that is expertise in neurological rehabilitation, complex nursing care or specialist residential support for people with learning disabilities and autism. We are incredibly proud to be building on their existing strengths while investing in the future of social care.
“Ultimately, this award belongs to our colleagues and the people we support. Our teams work hard to understand each individual’s aspirations and provide the right support to help them achieve their goals, develop new skills and enjoy greater independence. We are excited about what we can achieve together as Cygnet Social Care continues to grow.”
Alongside its expansion, Cygnet Social Care has maintained a strong focus on quality and workforce development. In 2025, 100% of its services were rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by regulators.
The organisation has also made significant improvements in workforce stability and consistency. Staff turnover reduced from 35% in 2024 to 23% in 2025, while agency usage fell from 11.5% to just 1.4%.
In Cygnet’s staff survey, 91% of Social Care colleagues said they enjoyed working for the organisation and 94% agreed that caring for service users was its top priority.
The National Care Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement across the care sector, recognising organisations and individuals making a meaningful difference to the lives of people receiving care and support.