Rani Raju joined Inglewood Nursing Home in 2006 as a nurse and became home manager in 2021. In that time Inglewood has flourished as a warm, friendly environment that delivers exceptional care to residents and fosters a strong sense of community among staff and families.
A 2024 Great British Care Awards nominee, Rani is a visible, hands-on leader who spends time each day on the floor engaging with residents, families and staff. Her approachable nature and open-door policy foster trust and camaraderie, encouraging relatives and team members to share their concerns and suggestions openly. She often conducts personal show-arounds for prospective residents, patiently answering questions and easing anxieties.
Her motivational style and clear communication have created a workplace in which staff feel valued and can perform to the best of their ability. She listens to personal and professional concerns, accommodating shift changes wherever possible while ensuring that resident welfare is never compromised. Her calming presence and formidable mediation skills help maintain a harmonious work environment, even when challenges arise.
While staff know she is understanding and supportive, they also respect her high standards and commitment to excellence. “I’ve watched her grow in knowledge, skills and confidence since she joined as a nurse nearly 20 years ago. Staff respond well to how she manages them,” says Pam Gillard, Inglewood’s long-serving administrator.
Rani is also a great believer in nurturing home-grown talent. When a highly creative domestic assistant was recommended by a colleague for the head of activities role, Rani encouraged her to undertake a trial period which resulted in a successful appointment. Rani’s support has also made Inglewood a leader in nurse mentoring, regularly hosting student nurses for placements and helping staff to achieve mentoring qualifications.
Both her background as a registered nurse and hands-on approach make her deeply attuned to the needs of residents. She remains actively involved in their care, covering nursing shifts when needed and stepping in during emergencies. Nurses at the local hospital value her assessments and collaborative approach, further strengthening Inglewood’s reputation for excellence.
Rani has cultivated strong ties in and around Eastbourne, including with the Indian community. She fosters links with local charities, too, such as St Wilfrid’s Hospice, a regular beneficiary of proceeds from the home’s events and staff charitable giving. Thanks to her, Inglewood remains close to businesses and organisations in the area. For example, Dunelm Mills kindly donates Christmas gifts to residents while local animal charities, artists and entertainers come into the home to do activities with the residents.
Rani’s focus on quality is also evident in Inglewood’s performance in internal audits performed by parent company Canford Healthcare. Under her leadership, Inglewood consistently achieves top compliance scores among the company’s 11 homes. According to Amanda Rae, Head of Quality and Compliance, Rani’s diligence ensures that “Inglewood stands out as a beacon of best practice”.
Rani’s journey from nurse to home manager is a testament to her dedication, resilience and vision. Her ability to balance compassion with professionalism inspires those around her, ensuring that Inglewood Nursing Home continues to thrive as a place of exceptional care and community.
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