ExtraCare Celebrates Outstanding Colleagues at Its First Ever Staff Awards

The ExtraCare Staff Awards 2026, sponsored by Trident Construction Services Ltd and Baily Garner LLP, brought together teams from across head office, locations, and retail to recognise those who go above and beyond in supporting older people and the communities ExtraCare serves.

The launch of the Staff Awards marks a significant milestone for the charity, shining a spotlight on the dedication, compassion and professionalism demonstrated by colleagues every day. This year, ExtraCare received around 500 nominations, reflecting an exceptional level of appreciation from peers for the commitment and impact shown across the organisation.

Fifteen outstanding finalists were honoured on the night across a wide range of categories, including:

Care Hero of the Year

Winner – CSW, Joanne Redihough

Words about Joanne: ‘She is one of those colleagues that comes to work, does her job and helps the team out and can sometimes fly under the radar. However, what she doesn’t realise is just how exceptionally she does her job and the impact her care and support have on those she looks after and the staff she works with. She is exceptional.’

Outstanding Care Leader of the Year

Winner – Registered Care Manager Abigail Rogers

Words about Abigail: ‘She leads with integrity, empathy and a clear commitment to excellence in care. Her leadership style is both inspiring and supportive, empowering colleagues to perform at their best while feeling confident and valued.’

Environmental and Sustainability Impact Award

Winner – Wellbeing Advisor Sarah Drayton

Words about Sarah: ‘Sarah started our location’s Eco Corner, believed to be the first of its kind within ExtraCare. The initiative has been warmly received by both residents and staff, making a real positive impact to the community. Thanks to her vision and dedication, the Eco Corner continues to make a significant, positive impact on our village, combining sustainability, community engagement, and charitable giving.’

Operational Excellence Award

Winner – Lifestyle Manager Denise Sandford

Words about Denise: ‘Denise is very proactive and covers all areas exceptionally well, to make sure functions, however big or small are perfectly run. She has a great eye for detail and makes sure everything is perfect. Whatever challenges the day brings, she always has the answer and knows what to do. Her energy is contagious and reflects in her team and throughout the village.’

Property and Maintenance Excellence Award

Winner – Facilities Management Assistant Simon Cobb

Words about Simon: ‘Residents consistently receive an outstanding service, as he personally delivers many repairs himself, ensuring their experience meets and often exceeds expectations. Without him behind the scenes the village would not run as smoothly, he’s a real asset who rarely gets the recognition he deserves. His willingness to engage positively with change, support implementation on site, and work collaboratively with others has been invaluable.’

Behind‑the‑Scenes Star

Winner – Field Training Officer Sean Gouldburn

Words about Sean: ‘Sean has a unique way of making training at ExtraCare fun and engaging while still ensuring that real learning takes place. He is always upbeat and positive, which creates an encouraging atmosphere for everyone involved.  Always motivating and inspiring.’

Stewart Walsh Unsung Hero Award

Winner – Receptionist Tracy Bullock

Words about Tracy: ‘Her village runs as smoothly as it does because of her dedication and knowledge, with her work always being at an incredibly high standard. She quietly holds countless things together behind the scenes, often taking on tasks beyond her role without ever seeking recognition. What makes her truly exceptional is her spirit. She is the heartbeat of our retirement village.’

Retail Impact Award

Winner – Retail Regional Manager Gita Samra

Words about Gita: ‘What truly sets this winner apart is the positive impact she has on her people. She leads with enthusiasm and clarity, with high levels of engagement, creating a culture where teams feel supported, empowered, and motivated to succeed.’

Outstanding Leader Award

Winner – Location Manager Aaron Waterer

Words about Aaron: Leadership often shows up most clearly in the moments that go unnoticed — in the attitude someone brings, the atmosphere they create, and the way they make others feel. This award winner exemplifies this. Through his behaviour, he builds trust, approachability and a sense of fairness that colleagues deeply appreciate.

Housing Excellence Award

Winner – Senior Housing Support Assistant Jordan Allwood

Words about Jordan: ‘Although relatively new to the role he very quickly became a favourite with residents at his location and is more often than not the person they want to speak to. No task is too much and he always has a friendly demeanour. He is an extremely valued team member, and is empathetic, approachable, caring and proactive. He takes pride in his role and strives for no less than excellence.’

Catering Champion of the Year

Winner – Head Chef Stuart Bowen

Words about Stuart: ‘He exemplifies culinary excellence and dedication, consistently delivering meals that delight and nourish residents. His passion for food shines through in every dish…. His exceptional Christmas Day meals create a sense of celebration and joy for residents and their families.’

Customer Service Excellence Award

Winner – Receptionist Sarah Lawton-Murray

Words about Sarah: ‘Her impact is best seen in the way residents talk about her.She has an incredible ability to make people feel valued, listened to, and supported, no matter how busy she is. An outstanding and highly valued member of the village team whose welcoming smile truly lights up reception and sets a positive tone for everyone who enters.’

Rising Star Award

Winner – Fitness Instructor Cain Pugh

Words about Cain: ‘He loves ExtraCare so much he does two jobs. He is talented, hardworking, has great empathy and the residents adore him. He is an exceptionally gifted people person, builds rapport easily, makes people feel safe and welcome – he delights his customers with a first-class interaction every time.’

Contribution to Belonging at ExtraCare Award

Winner  1 – Care Co-Ordinator Denise Andries

Words about Denise: ‘Ask any resident on care and they will go on and on about how wonderful and approachable and kind she is. She promotes an atmosphere of belonging within the care team, checking in on care staff and accommodating their needs. She always says she never expects anyone to do something she would not do herself and she really lives by that mantra. She challenges bigotry and supports those experiencing it simultaneously.’

Winner 2 –  Learning and Development Manager Mary Nugent

Words about Mary: ‘She helps to build a culture of inclusion and connection at ExtraCare and she has made sure that belonging is a golden thread through the new leadership training. Not only has she introduced a new shadowing scheme, but she has also helped with the Pride event organisation and is currently working on a podcast series on EDI topics. A deeply caring and supportive person who always does her best to help anyone.’

Winner of the Contribution to Belonging at ExtraCare Award, Mary Nugent commented: “I think we all have a point where we feel like we don’t belong, so winning this means so much to me.”

Cain Pugh who won the Rising Star Award added: “There’s a lot of talented people in this room tonight so to even be shortlisted is an honour, let alone to win…this means a lot.”

The awards were supported by additional sponsors Switch Design Consultancy, Mauve, and Birdie Care Services.

Speaking at the event, ExtraCare’s Chief Executive Mick Laverty highlighted the importance of celebrating colleagues who consistently live the organisation’s values, make a difference in their roles, and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of residents and communities.

The evening was an opportunity not only to celebrate the winners and nominees but also to acknowledge the collective effort of teams across the charity who contribute to ExtraCare’s mission.