“Seeing care workers gain confidence, develop new skills, and achieve formal qualifications is the most rewarding part of my role.”
Jenna Victoria Evans is the Academy Manager at Pendine Academy of Health and Social Care in Wrexham.
Managing qualifications and professional development for over 500 staff members across North Wales, 42-year-old Jenna is passionate about ensuring staff have the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to provide outstanding care. Her commitment to staff development has earned her a nomination for the Commitment to Training & Workforce Development Award at the Wales Care Awards 2026.
We asked Jenna about what motivates her in her role, and what this nomination means to her;
Tell us a bit about your role and day-to-day responsibilities.
As Academy Manager, I lead our team of assessors and administrators, delivering Level 2 and Level 3 Health and Social Care qualifications across North Wales care homes. I also oversee internal quality assurance and direct overall learning and development for more than 500 Pendine staff members.
What do you love most about the job you do?
I’m passionate about learning and development and love helping people achieve their goals and realise their potential. Seeing learners and staff grow in confidence, develop their skills, progress in their careers, and provide outstanding care as a result of the support and training we offer is the most rewarding part of my job and what inspires me every day.
Can you share a standout moment from your work?
A particularly proud moment was supporting a Pendine learner with Additional Learning Needs through their Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications. Watching their confidence grow throughout their learning journey was inspiring. I encouraged her to become a trainer, nominated her for an award, and she went on to win. Seeing people develop, believe in themselves, and achieve beyond their own expectations is what makes my role so special.
What does this award nomination mean to you?
Being nominated is incredibly meaningful because it reflects something I am truly passionate about. Helping people learn, grow in confidence, and achieve things they never thought possible is at the heart of everything I do. For me, this nomination isn’t just about qualifications or training records, it’s about the people behind them.
How do you enjoy your time outside work?
Music, laughter, and good company are my kind of happiness! Whether attending live concerts, comedy shows, or spending time with my son Dylan, partner Gavin, and friends, I’m all about making the most of life.
“It is a calling and a passion of mine to help others – I feel privileged to be able to give something back ”
Mark Stediford lives in Swansea, and is the Autism Advisor at M & D Care.
Bringing over 30 years of specialist expertise in autism, 62-year-old Mark delivers training, introduces innovative support tools, and mentors staff to enhance care for autistic individuals across south Wales. His dedication has earned him a nomination for the Commitment to Training & Workforce Development Award at the Wales Care Awards 2026.
We asked Mark about what motivates him in his role, and what this nomination means to him;
Tell us a bit about your role and what your day-to-day duties involve.
I deliver comprehensive autism training to care staff, provide specialist advice on complex support plans, develop visual communication resources, and lead continuous professional development (CPD) initiatives across M & D Care.
What do you love most about your job?
Utilising three decades of experience in autism care to make a real difference. Autism is a fascinating field where there is always something new to learn. I feel privileged to be able to give something back to the benefit of new and existing staff in their autism knowledge and practice, to the benefit of the individuals we support.
What is a standout milestone from your work?
Leading several of M & D Care’s specialist services to achieve National Autistic Society (NAS) Accreditation. I also established a network of Autism Ambassadors across our services – frontline staff trained to advocate for best practice in autism support. I have also been able to signpost and share resources that have been very helpful as well for staff who have autistic children and or other family members.
What does this nomination mean to you?
I am extremely proud and honoured. Having struggled at school with handwriting and academic barriers in my youth, receiving this recognition at this stage of my career brings immense pride to me and my family.
Tell us a bit about your family life!
I’m married with two grown-up children living nearby in Swansea. My daughter got married earlier this year; it was a lovely event and memorable for all. I feel very lucky that my parents are around and live a few miles away in their own home and are on the whole, well.
I enjoy listening to pretty much any genre of music and undertaking DIY projects/work, not only in my own house, but have and do that for family, friends and neighbours.
“I know that I am making a difference when I see the residents happy and comfortable. It means the world to me – I know that I am doing something right.
Tarifa Nariman is a Senior Care Assistant, Nurse Assistant, and Clinical Trainer at Hallmark Luxury Care Homes in Cardiff.
Originally from Iraq, she was a high school biology teacher before moving to Cardiff in 2003, 48-year-old Tarifa combines her scientific background with deep compassion to educate and mentor care teams. Her dedication and leadership has earned her a nomination for the Commitment to Training & Workforce Development Award at the Wales Care Awards 2026.
We asked Tarifa about what motivates her in her role, and what this nomination means to her;
Tell us a bit about your role and day-to-day duties.
My role combines hands-on nursing assistance with workforce training. On shift, I assist residents with daily living, administer medications, and coordinate with healthcare professionals. As a trainer, I educate staff on care standards, clinical tasks, and person-centred practices. I always make sure my residents are happy and healthy – I make sure that we treat the residents and their families with dignity and respect at all times.
What do you love most about your work?
Making a difference every day. Seeing residents happy and comfortable means the world to me. Equally, seeing care staff grow in confidence and knowledge through training reassures me that we are delivering care of the highest quality.
Can you share a standout moment from your care work?
Using a “Talking Mats” exercise with a resident, where she shared that she dreamed of having a dressing table with flowers, love story books, and a soft lamp in her room. Working with the team, we made her dream come true. The resident was living with dementia, and we managed to make her happy, even for a moment, as she wanted.
What does this nomination mean to you?
It’s a wonderful achievement. I always work from the heart, and helping people – whether colleagues or residents – is who I am.
Tell us a little about your personal life!
I am a mother of three children, and was a biology teacher in high school. In my free time, I love cooking, and listening to Arabic music.
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The Wales Care Awards are organised by Care Forum Wales to recognise and celebrate excellence across the social care sector in Wales.
The awards recognise individuals and organisations across a range of categories, celebrating the dedication, compassion, innovation and professionalism of those working in social care.
For further information, interviews or photographs, please contact: Rhian Richards Mobile: 07904965709 Email: rhianrelewis@gmail.com