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Helen McCarthy Recognised with Influential Woman in Business Award for Nanny Education & Childcare Advocacy 2026

UK Nanny Ltd Founder Celebrated for Championing Professional Development, Community and Recognition Across the Nanny Profession

Helen McCarthy, Founder and CEO of UK Nanny Ltd, has been named the recipient of the Influential Woman in Business Award in Nanny Education & Childcare Advocacy 2026, recognising more than three decades of dedication to childcare and her continued commitment to strengthening the nanny profession through education, advocacy and professional development.

Helen’s journey began in 1991 when she qualified as a Professional NNEB Nanny. Driven by a lifelong passion for working with children and supporting families, she built extensive experience within the profession before an international experience inspired a new direction in her career.

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UK Nanny Ltd Influential Man Award Logo v1

A defining moment came when Helen attended a nanny conference in the USA and experienced first-hand the strong sense of community, learning and professional support available to nannies.

Seeing what was possible made Helen question why the UK nanny community did not have access to the same opportunities.

“I came home thinking, ‘Why can’t we have this too?’ That simple question sparked an idea that would eventually change the direction of my career.”

That idea grew into a determination to create opportunities for UK nannies to connect, develop their knowledge and receive greater recognition as skilled childcare professionals.

In 2017, Helen partnered with Sue Downey to bring Nannypalooza to the UK, an achievement she describes as one of the proudest moments of her career.

The collaboration subsequently led to the creation of UK Nanny in December 2017.

What began as an idea inspired by Helen’s experience overseas has since developed into a community centred around supporting and connecting nannies while encouraging continued professional development within the sector.

For Helen, the foundations behind that growth have always been passion, perseverance and a genuine commitment to helping others.

She believes strongly in sharing knowledge and ensuring that nannies feel valued and respected for the important role they play in children’s and families’ lives.

Building UK Nanny was not without its challenges. 

UK Nanny Ltd - Influential Man Digital Plaque

Helen admits there were moments of uncertainty when she questioned whether others would embrace the vision or whether everything would come together as planned.

However, her purpose remained clear.

“Whenever things became difficult, I reminded myself that this wasn’t just about me, it was about creating something that would benefit the nanny community as a whole.”

Seeing the impact of the organisation became one of Helen’s strongest motivations to continue. Every successful event, positive conversation and nanny who shared that they felt supported reinforced the importance of the work being done.

Helen says one of the greatest rewards of her role is bringing people together and witnessing the difference that access to education and community can make.

Whether someone leaves an event having learned something new, developed greater confidence, formed valuable professional connections or felt inspired to take the next step in their career, those moments remain central to why she continues her work.

Her contribution to the sector also extends into wider professional advocacy and industry engagement, including involvement with the International Nanny Association and The Great British Nanny Conference, reflecting her belief that professional recognition, education and meaningful connections are essential to the continued development of the nanny profession.

Helen credits several people with supporting her along the way, particularly Matt Mason of Army of Nannies and Charlotte Terrell, whose encouragement, guidance and belief in the vision helped her remain focused during challenging periods.

She also continues to draw inspiration from the nanny community itself.

“The passion, dedication and resilience of nannies across the UK continue to inspire me every day,” she says.

For women looking to create change within their own professions, Helen’s advice is simple: believe in the idea, even before everyone else can see its potential.

She encourages women not to wait until circumstances feel perfect or until they have every answer.

“You don’t have to have all the answers before you begin. You learn as you go, and some of the best opportunities come from simply being brave enough to start.”

Receiving the Influential Woman in Business Award in Nanny Education & Childcare Advocacy 2026 represents another significant milestone in Helen’s journey.

For Helen, however, the recognition reaches beyond her own achievements.

She sees the award as acknowledgement of the wider nanny profession and the collective work being undertaken to raise standards, strengthen professional communities and improve recognition across the childcare sector.

“Winning this award is incredibly humbling. It feels like recognition not just for me, but for the nanny profession and the work we’ve all done to raise standards and build a stronger community.”

Looking ahead, Helen remains focused on creating further opportunities for professional development while celebrating how far UK Nanny has come. From qualifying in 1991 to bringing Nannypalooza to the UK and establishing UK Nanny, her journey has remained centred on helping nannies learn, connect and receive the professional recognition they deserve.

Her hope is that UK Nanny continues to inspire, educate and empower nannies for many years to come.

Email: helen@uknanny.org
Website: uknanny.org