As the Westward Care team started the new year by hitting the ground running, four staff members who particularly excelled in January were named our latest employees of the month.

Headingley Hall Senior Administrator Elaine Yechezkel was voted January’s standout employee for the location, with one colleague who nominated her writing: “Elaine has a demanding role, but always ensures that she supports the administration team.” It’s a well-deserved acknowledgement in what is the 16th year at Westward Care for Elaine, who has been at Headingley Hall since starting at the home in 2010.

Over at Hunslet Moor House, Cyrus Neysari was voted employee of the month for January. Colleagues commented that Cyrus is “kind to the customers and works well with the team in the Bistro”, and that it’s been notable how much Cyrus has “grown in his role” and “adapted to it” in his time at the location.

Westward Care Group Catering Manager Ismail Uyumaz was named the Head Office January employee of the month, following what colleagues acknowledged has lately been a challenging time with staff vacancies. One colleague wrote that “Ismail works hard and ensures that all services are covered”, with his work keeping kitchens covered highlighted. Having joined Westward Care in the role in 2015, this will be Ismail’s 11th year as Group Catering Manager, and not the first in which his efforts have been recognised; in 2023, Ismail celebrated Southlands, Headingley Hall, The Cedars and Pennington Court all receiving a five-star hygiene rating on his watch.

Last but not least, Bozena Nowicka was voted The Cedars’ January employee of the month, with colleagues who singled out Bozena for the certificate writing that she is “very hard working” and “good in team work, helping others when she needs to”.

Thank you to everyone who voted for their January employees of the month, and congratulations to Elaine, Cyrus, Ismail and Bozena for being such exemplary staff members. Our thanks go out, too, to all in the Westward Care team who continue to work so hard keeping the company values of trust, kindness, respect and teamwork central to their work.