Walfinch’s Amrit Dhaliwal Voted Second Most Influential Social Care Leader

Amrit Dhaliwal, Chief Executive of growing home care provider Walfinch, has come second in the Social Care Top 30 2024. The Top 30 recognises the most influential leaders in social care, and the winners are chosen by a popular ballot.

Amrit, the founder and driving force behind Walfinch, said: “I am honoured to find myself in the company of such accomplished and influential leaders, who are all making such significant contributions to care and paving the way for excellence in the whole care sector. Leaders like this are a source of learning and inspiration for us all.”

The winner was Rob Martin, Managing Director of Care Services and Executive Director for Anchor, overseeing 121 care homes. Rob’s passion for care is shown by his taking care shifts to understand daily challenges better. He also promoted the Apprenticeship Programme for entry-level roles and launched the Social Care Leaders Scheme to attract talented graduates. 

Third place went to Joe O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer, Four Seasons Health Care Group and the Brighter Kind brands. Joe managed to sell 65 care homes, retaining 50, while ensuring no closures, maintaining care for over 3,000 residents, and retaining 4,000 team members.

Thanking everyone who voted for him, Amrit added:

Congratulating Shilpi Verma on her win in the Executive Home Care Leader (Franchise) Award, Amrit said: “This is a fabulous achievement. Shilpi’s dedication to inspiring her home care team to deliver the best personalised care, and her many innovations, such as free dental visits, exercise classes, and cultural dance events for clients,  plus fundraising for the local community, are all recognised by this award.”

Amrit’s enthusiasm and commitment to social care began in his 20s, as a franchisee with a national home care franchise in 2012. “I knew then that home care was the right business for me, but I soon saw ways that the whole industry could be improved, which is why I started my own home care business, Walfinch, in 2019,” he said. Walfinch now has franchised offices across the country.

CEO to watch

Amrit’s dedication to combining the highest-quality person-centred care with solid business performance and offering career growth opportunities to carers has seen him named as a CEO to watch in 2024 by CEO Monthly.

His vision for the whole care sector prompted him to write the book The Home Care Revolution (in production) which advocates bringing care voices together to help solve problems and transform the industry.

He also gives presentations on solving industry challenges, speaking at the LaingBuisson Social Care Summit 2024, Care Roadshows 23&24, UK Care Week 23&24, the Franchise Show 24, Care Managers Show 23&24, and the Care Show London 24.

Amrit also promotes care as career choice, speaking at schools and colleges, and supports care team members with training, mentoring, and care technology, and set up Walfinch University to provide training on a wider range of subjects.  

His ‘Walking with Walfinch’ podcast aims to promote social care as a rewarding sector for business founders and features interviews with leading care entrepreneurs.

Awards and growth

Walfinch was nominated for 25 major awards in the past 18 months, winning six including the Great British Care Award for Recruitment, Retention, and Recognition. Walfinch was also named as Revolutionary Franchise of the year at the Disruptive Franchise Awards 2023.

Amrit also has ambitious growth plans for Walfinch, aiming for 150 branches and £130m in revenue in the next five years.

Find out more about Walfinch and their franchise opportunities by visiting their profile.