Activities Coordinator, Corrie-Ann Sroga and Finance Team Leader, Sian Rees, who both work in Lincoln are the first to win a new Ferrers Innovation Award introduced by the Trust in their 2021 Employee Awards. These team members were presented with their awards in local ceremonies.

The Ferrers Innovation Award is sponsored by OSJCT Patron, The Earl Ferrers. It was launched to encourage those who work at the Trust to suggest innovative ways to improve the lives of all those who live and work there.

Corrie-Ann an Activities Coordinator at Hartsholme House, Lincoln, won the award for establishing new ways to empower the independence of care home residents through job roles and meaningful activities. Corrie-Ann was inspired by Montesorri principles and designed a pilot project where residents could choose tasks such as helping with the tea trolley, wiping down tables, assisting with activities, putting away laundry or setting tables. Each resident has been invited to do their task daily, as repetition supports muscle memory.

Cheryl Gilderdale, Home Manager at Hartsholme House, said: “It has been great to be inspired by Corrie-Ann’s initiative and drive. She has helped to invigorated residents by including them in everyday tasks and encouraging them to be more actively involved. Corrie has given ideas to make tasks more meaningful and accessible. Name badges with job roles have been introduced and are working really well, they make a good conversation starter.”

Sian Rees, Accounting Operations Team Leader at Eyre Court, Lincolnshire received her award for streamlining the Fixed Asset Management Process. She introduced new practices and a clearer end of month reporting process. As a result of Sian’s changes, the audit at year end 2020/21 was much smoother than in previous years.

Sian explained: “It became very clear at the end of the previous audit that the process needed to be looked at to make things easier not just for us but for the auditors as well. My manager Alison supported the change, fully understanding its benefits and trusted me to work out a better way. I’m very glad I was able see the benefits of the new design at the most recent audit where the work surrounding fixed assets was much less time consuming and stressful.”

Alison Parks, Group Finance Manager, said: “I am delighted that Sian has been recognised for her hard work and the vast improvements she has made to the Fixed Asset accounting and reporting processes. The changes have brought clarity and significant time savings, most notably during the audit of the Trust’s Year End audit.”

The Earl Ferrers said: “The care sector has and is still experiencing a torrid time. It continues to be ‘all hands-on deck’. However, it is important that we don’t become absorbed in this to the exclusion of all else; the Ferrers Innovation Award encourages staff to come up with novel and creative operational ideas to improve the Trust for its colleagues and residents.” 

Corrie-Ann and Sian, are one of just three Award winners. Night Care Leader Becki Deacon at Athelstan House, Malmesbury, also won an Innovation Award.