Beata McLean, who works at Monkscroft Care Centre in Cheltenham, has been named Gloucestershire Newcomer of the Year in The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) Employee Awards 2020. The Trust, which employs over 5,200 staff across its homes and offices selected 48 winners from a shortlist of 129 finalists.

Beata joined the Trust in 2019 and is the Activities Coordinator at the Care Centre. She was nominated by colleagues for being proactive and thoughtful, showing a great deal of empathy and supporting residents and their relatives. She has introduced many new activities including gardening, hand massages, recycling initiatives and before Covid-19 restrictions, arranging days out for residents.

On receiving the Award, Beata said: “Firstly I was really surprised I had won, I’m also very grateful to Monkcroft Care Centre for the support I’ve received from all the staff members and residents, since starting I’ve enjoyed my role and feel very happy that I can help the residents through these difficult times, just putting a smile on their faces makes me very proud.”

Helen Bayliss, Area Operations Director, Gloucestershire and a member of the judging said: “I would like to thank Beata for her wonderful contribution and congratulate her on winning this award. It is so important to celebrate and recognise the fabulous achievements of colleagues from across Gloucestershire, each and everyone has gone out of their way to improve the lives of those living in our homes.  We absolutely appreciate and value their contribution.”