Scarborough care home manager named finalist in two major awards
A Scarborough care home manager who has overseen a dramatic turnaround in the fortunes of the care home she took over has been named a finalist in two of the care sector’s leading awards.
Sarah Bayes, Home Manager at Maple Court Care Home, has been shortlisted for The Care Home Registered Manager Award at the Great British Care Awards Yorkshire & Humber regional finals and Care Home Manager of the Year at the National Care Awards 2026.
Ms Bayes, who lives in Flamborough, began working in social care at 17 and has since built a career spanning more than 25 years in roles across the Bridlington area.
She credits one of her earliest managers, Heather, with teaching her a principle that has stayed with her throughout her career – to always ask whether the care she was providing would be good enough for her own mother.
Ms Bayes joined Maple Court as Home Manager in October 2024 at a challenging time for the home.
Occupancy had fallen, staff morale was low and the home was facing ongoing complaints and a number of safeguarding investigations.
She focused on rebuilding confidence among residents, relatives and team members, developing the existing team and recognising colleagues who stepped up, including through a ‘Loud and Proud’ wall celebrating their achievements.
Less than two years later, Maple Court is now home to 60 residents out of a possible 64, complaints have reduced to a minimal level and previous safeguarding investigations have been resolved.
The home’s carehome.co.uk review score has also risen from 8.4 to 9.7, while Maple Court achieved 99% at its subsequent local authority inspection.
Ms Bayes’ award nominations also highlight the difference the changes have made to individual residents.
One gentleman who had become isolated in his bedroom is now regularly joining other residents for meals and socialising, while another resident who rarely left her room and had a poor nutritional intake now spends time with others every day, has gained weight and is enjoying a better quality of life.
Ms Bayes has also focused on rebuilding relationships with families.
She said: “To be shortlisted for two awards makes me incredibly proud and, if I’m honest, validated.
“We’ve worked so hard to turn Maple Court around and it means a lot to see that recognised.
“When I came to Maple Court, I could see that the team had the potential to make a real difference if they were given the right support and encouragement.
“They’ve gone above and beyond anything I could have expected of them, and that makes me incredibly proud.
“Ultimately, I have happy residents. For me, it really is that simple.”
Developing the Maple Court team has been another important part of the turnaround.
Sarah has supported colleagues through mentoring and coaching, with team members progressing into more senior positions and completing professional qualifications.
Maple Court has also strengthened its links with the Scarborough community, developing relationships with local schools, churches, veterans’ organisations, Parkinson’s groups and healthcare professionals.
Joanne Fogg, Managing Director of Highgate Care, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Sarah and everything she and the team at Maple Court have achieved.
"The improvements at Maple Court ultimately mean residents enjoying better experiences, families feeling reassured and team members having the confidence and support to develop their careers.
“To be recognised by two major care awards is thoroughly deserved and a fantastic achievement for Sarah and the whole Maple Court team.”
The winners of the Great British Care Awards Yorkshire & Humber regional finals and the National Care Awards will both be announced on Friday November 6.