Inspirational employees and volunteers in Lincolnshire were celebrated at the Trust Recognition Awards 2025. The ceremony took place at The Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa earlier this month.

Over ninety guests attended the event including Richard Miligan-Manby, OSJCT Trustee. The opening address was given by Dan Hayes OBE, Chief Executive, and the Master of Ceremonies was Mike Stredder, Group Operations Director. Awards were given out by Jacqui Roynon, Director of People, Tracey Wardle, Chief Financial Officer, Caroline Dunagan, East Divisional Director, as well as Dan and Richard.

Candidates for the Trust Recognition Awards were nominated by colleagues, residents, and friends of care homes. Nominations were judged by a panel and finalists invited to the awards, where winners were presented with trophies. 

Dan said: “In a world that is changing rapidly, largely for the better, being able to keep up with the change and make the most of it is essential. At the Trust, we are doing just that - with our investments in technology, our buildings, and our people. But these things only ever work when talented colleagues are willing to go out of their way to learn and then put their learnings into practice. It is an honour for me to be in the same room as such an amazing group of people.”

The 2025 award winners are:

Exceptional Dedication to Caring Award

• Emi Chambers, Carer, The Poplars, Market Rasen 

Making a Difference Volunteering Award

• Lesley Paxton, Volunteer, Hartsholme House, Lincoln

Outstanding Community Engagement Award

• Shirley Holt, Activities Co-ordinator, Beckside, Lincoln

The Empowerment Award

• Claire Balfe, Support Worker, Apple Trees, Grantham
• Sarolta Bangura, Learning and Development Advisor 

The Inspirational Leader Award

• Lee Morgan, General Manager, Apple Trees, Grantham
• Caroline Alford, Central Operations Director 

Unsung Hero of the Year

• Lucy Thorpe, Activities Co-ordinator, Southfield House, Spalding
• Joanne Coldwell, Regional Maintenance Manager 

Nigel Stourton Award – the team at Hartsholme House, Lincoln

This Award recognises an individual or team within the Trust’s portfolio of Lincolnshire homes who have excelled in the year and made an outstanding contribution to resident care. Unlike other categories, this Award is unique to the Trust’s North division.

The Nigel Stourton Award is named after the first chairman of the OSJCT Board of Trustees under whose governance the Trust acquired care homes in the North division. 

Long Service Awards

Thirteen employees have been honoured with a Long Service Award, together achieving combined service of 355 years. Some of those named below attended the Trust Recognition Awards event.

Employees recognised for 20 years’ service:

• Claire Starbuck, Kitchen Assistant, Beckside, Lincoln
• Gaynor Partridge, Carer, Eresby Hall, Spilsby
• Gill Clark, Area Operations Manager, Woodley House

Employees recognised for 25 years’ service:

• Wendy Hewish, Carer, Beckside, Lincoln
• Linda Callow, Kitchen Assistant, Beckside, Lincoln
• Angie Herrick, Carer, Beckside, Lincoln
• Vanessa Green, Carer, Ermine House, Lincoln
• Tracy Poyser, Carer, Hartsholme House, Lincoln
• Sarah Bailey, Chef, Patchett Lodge, Holbeach

Employees recognised for 30 years’ service:

• Elizabeth Simpson, Carer, Gregory House, Grantham

Employees recognised for 35 years’ service:

• Sarah Hughes, Carer, Ermine House, Lincoln

Employees recognised for 40 years’ service:

• Cheryl Robinson, Chef, Skirbeck Court, Boston
• Julie Quincey, Area Operations Manager, Eyre Court, Lincoln

The Chairman’s Commendation for Meritorious Service has been awarded to the following employees, some of whom attended the Trust Recognition Awards event: 

• Sarah Royston, Carer, Skirbeck Court, Boston
• Lily Denney, Carer, Whitefriars, Stamford

Congratulations to all of our award winners.

Comments from some of those who received awards:

“It is very humbling to be part of these awards. I’m very grateful, and it means a lot to me.” 

Sarolta Bangura, Learning and Development Advisor and winner of the Empowerment Award

“I feel very honoured to have received this award and I will continue to give my all to Skirbeck.” 

Sarah Royston, Carer at Skirbeck Court and recipient of a Chairman’s Commendation for Meritorious Service

“I have been with the Trust since the start and sitting here I’ve reflected not just on my journey, but that of the Trust. It’s heartwarming to see the Trust values have not wavered and remain the same, with residents always at the heart of what we do.”

Cheryl Gilderdale, Home Manager at Hartsholme House