Three HC-One colleagues and homes have been successfully shortlisted as finalists across a variety of categories by the judging panel at the Care Home Catering Awards 2025.
The Care Home Catering Awards offer the chance for members to nominate the unsung talented chefs and catering team heroes within their organisation. The awards are committed to celebrating organisations, teams and individuals for their outstanding work, dedication, innovation and quality to care homes across the UK.
We are delighted to announce that the following HC-One colleagues and homes have been shortlisted:
Chris Bonner – Finalist, Above and Beyond Award
Executive Chef and Nutrition & Hydration Lead, HC-One
Chris Bonner’s passion for food and nutrition has shaped a career spanning over 25 years. From humble beginnings in a pub kitchen to 15 years as a chef in the Army, Chris has gained invaluable experience, which he now channels into enhancing the lives of residents in HC-One’s care homes.
Since joining HC-One in 2017 as the company’s first-ever Development Chef, Chris has progressed to his current role, where he leads on nutrition and hydration initiatives. His commitment to providing residents with nutritious, high-quality meals—tailored to their individual needs—ensures dignity, choice, and enhanced wellbeing. His leadership and innovative approach have significantly elevated dining standards across HC-One’s homes.
Rachel Keys – Finalist, Above and Beyond Award
Regional Quality Improvement Lead, North West
With over 30 years of experience in the care sector, Rachel Keys has dedicated her career to improving the lives of residents, particularly those in Nursing Dementia settings. Beginning as a Kitchen and Laundry Assistant, she has worked across various roles, including Care Assistant, Home Manager, and in hospital settings such as stroke wards and A&E.
Rachel joined HC-One in 2017 as a Turnaround Manager before stepping into her current role in 2021. She works closely with teams to enhance resident wellbeing, dining experiences, and compliance across HC-One’s North West care homes. Her passion for catering within the care environment sets her apart, as she dedicates herself to ensuring menu compliance, supporting weight management initiatives, and improving the overall dining experience for residents.
Silverwood Care Home (Rotherham) Catering Team – Finalists, Group Care Home Caterer of the Year Award
Led by identical twin sisters Teri Donnelly (Head Chef) and Deborah Donnelly (Chef and Kitchen Assistant), alongside their dedicated team—Joanne Swann, Robyn Thorneycroft, and Sarah Worley—Silverwood’s catering team is committed to making mealtimes a truly special experience.
The team goes beyond traditional catering by providing personalised support for residents, including one-on-one sessions for those experiencing weight loss or reduced appetite. Their hydration initiatives, including a monthly hydration trolley offering a variety of drinks and snacks, promote resident wellbeing. They also encourage community engagement through interactive experiences, such as kitchen tours and hands-on activities for residents.
Mark Meacham, Head of Catering and Housekeeping Support Services at HC-One, said:
“Congratulations to our three HC-One finalists at the Care Home Catering Awards 2025 - this is an amazing achievement, and we are all incredibly proud of them!
“Being shortlisted as finalists at these prestigious awards is a tremendous achievement. It is a testament to the commitment shown by our care catering colleagues.
“They have really gone above and beyond to provide the kindest care to residents living in HC-One’s care homes, as we strive to be the first-choice care provider in each of the communities that we serve.
“Working in catering within the care sector is highly rewarding – there’s great career progression, flexible working hours and you get to play a vital role in maintaining the health and wellbeing of residents.”
Join our team
If you’re interested in a rewarding career in care, explore opportunities at HC-One homes in your area: Careers - HC-One