Providers Unite Wins Prestigious Legacy Award at Andor Awards

A grassroots movement that united the social care sector has been recognised with the Legacy Award at the Andor Awards, just 11 months after its formation.

Providers Unite, a movement with the singular purpose of giving social care a collective voice, was honoured at the ceremony for its impact on the sector. The National Care Association’s Board has extended congratulations to everyone who supported the movement, emphasising that the award belongs to service users, unpaid carers, support workers and investors across the sector.

The movement emerged in response to what organisers describe as a fragmented sector that has long lacked a unified voice due to the diverse nature of those it supports. Despite contributing billions to the UK economy, social care has often been overlooked, they say.

Origins of the Movement

Providers Unite was born from a letter sent to the Chancellor following her 2024 Budget speech. Nadra Ahmed CBE, who co-wrote the correspondence, explained that the letter outlined the impact of increased employer National Insurance contributions on an already fragile sector.

“We did not envisage the reaction of the SME sector to that letter and PU emerged,” Ahmed said. She praised the National Care Association Board for supporting the movement’s development and thanked those who attended rallies, many participating in such action for the first time.

Ahmed credited Victoria Buyer’s leadership and Kat Hall’s advocacy as creating “the perfect mix to empower those who had been waiting for the moment.”

Impact and Future Direction

The success of Providers Unite is attributed to countless conversations and letters that have highlighted the challenges faced by those requiring care and support. The movement has brought together a sector that organisers say has been ignored for too long.

Looking ahead, Ahmed acknowledged that additional challenges await in the coming year. However, she emphasised the importance of maintaining a collective voice.

“The Movement will move with the times and continue to evolve as a uniting voice for the sector,” she said. “It is important to remember that a collective voice based on strong foundations can and will bring about change. Every voice matters.”