20 June 2025
At Abbey Healthcare, we are proud to shine a light on the remarkable people who lead our homes with dedication, compassion, and purpose. One such inspiring leader is Nicola Spedding, Home Manager at Heron Hill Care Home, whose journey reflects true commitment to both her team and the people in her care.
Nicola began her journey with Abbey Healthcare on 26th February 2019, stepping into the role of Home Manager at Heron Hill Care Home. From day one, she has been at the heart of the home, leading with empathy, resilience, and a clear vision of what exceptional care should look like.
“I’ve always been a Home Manager with Abbey Healthcare,” says Nicola, reflecting proudly on her role.
For Nicola, the driving force behind her continued passion is her team.
“The main source of inspiration for me after all these years is the collective effort and commitment of my team and amazing colleagues. Their compassion, empathy, and the desire to make a positive difference in the lives of our residents is truly heartwarming.”
It’s not just about daily tasks — it’s about making a real difference to residents and their families. For Nicola, working in an environment where everyone shares the same values creates a strong sense of belonging and purpose.
As a respected leader and long-standing part of the Abbey Healthcare family, Nicola is passionate about supporting her colleagues:
“Be there for and listen to each other.” Nicola encourages open communication and mutual understanding, recognizing that everyone brings different strengths to the team.
“Listen to ideas for improving the home and the company.” Nicola believes that the best ideas often come from the wider team — and that listening to these suggestions is what helps transform a care home into a real home.
Over the years, Nicola has built a portfolio of proud memories and achievements. Here are just a few that stand out for her:
Recognition at the Great British Care Awards
Seeing her team recognised — and in some cases winning awards — has been a proud moment for Nicola.
“It’s so important to recognise the amazing work they do. It empowers them to grow even further.”
A Personal Honour at the WAGS Awards (2022)
Nicola was nominated by her own team for The Talent Development Award at the prestigious Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care (WAGS) Awards.
“It was a true honour. I was able to take my mum with me to the ceremony — and we even met Julia Bradbury!”
2 Gold Stars for Dementia Care
Most recently, Nicola led her team to achieve 2 Gold Stars under the National Dementia Care Accreditation scheme.
“The whole team pulled together and worked tirelessly. I couldn’t be prouder to manage such an awesome team.”
Nicola’s leadership at Heron Hill Care Home is a shining example of what makes Abbey Healthcare special: people who care deeply, lead with integrity, and inspire those around them to give their best every day.
Thank you, Nicola, for your ongoing dedication, passion, and outstanding leadership. We are proud to have you as part of the Abbey Healthcare family.