More about our staff awards.
Our Shining Stars Awards are dedicated to recognising our dazzling staff members who have gone above and beyond for others across the year.
Nominations and shortlisting took place over the summer months, considered by our judging panel headed by our Chairperson, Rachel Beckett.
All winners were announced during our sparkling awards evening, where the deserving recipients took home a trophy, certificate and praise from their peers.
You can view the full list of award cateogires along with the names of winners and finalists below.
More about the Awards evening.
The awards evening took place on 11th September 2026 bringing colleagues together for an evening of celebration and recognition, hosted at The Biscuit Factory, in Newcastle upon Tyne.
All finalists were invited to attend, with remaining places allocated fairly across the wider team.
Alongside the awards ceremony itself, guests enjoyed a buffet-style meal catered by Apetito, followed by evening entertainment and plenty of fun opportunities to celebrate together.
Award categories.
The People’s Choice Award
The People’s Choice Award celebrates Wellburn’s superstar, as chosen by residents, loved ones, suppliers and professionals. This is an award for the person who shines extra bright!
All-Round Entertainer Award
This award is for our cheer champions – those who go above and beyond to brighten our homes and put smiles on staff, residents’ and visitors’ faces!
New Sparkler Award
For staff employed in the past 12-months.
This award acknowledges new staff across Wellburn who have started with a bang, making a glittering impact on the day-to-day running of the home, and who engage positively with their colleagues and residents.
Outstanding Team Player Award
Our Outstanding Team Player Award is for the staff member who brings something positive to every team, who isn’t afraid to get stuck in, and who lends a helping hand wherever it is needed – someone whose twinkling teamwork makes a real difference!
Rising Star Award
This award recognises the dazzling progress of staff who aim for the stars, showing initiative and willingness to learn, and are rising through the ranks at Wellburn.
Care Champion Award
This award is dedicated to our care assistants.
This award honours the carers who makes an extraordinary difference through kindness, compassion and dedication. Whether offering comfort, encouragement or support, our Care Champion puts residents at the heart of everything they do and brightens lives every single day.
Housekeeping Hero Award
This award is dedicated to our housekeepers, domestic and laundry assistants.
This award celebrates the comfort creator, the person who helps our homes to sparkle every day. From spotless surroundings, fresh laundry and thoughtful finishing touches, this team member works behind the scenes to create a welcoming, cosy, “home from home” environment.
Kitchen Wizard Award
This award is dedicated to our kitchen technicians and dining room assistants.
This award recognises the individual who serves up more than just delicious meals. Whether preparing food, supporting dining experiences or helping the smooth running of the mealtime service, this team member brings warmth and care to every plate.
Leading Light Award
This award is dedicated to our team leaders.
This award recognises the team leader who acts as a guiding star, paving the way for fantastic teamwork, and looking out for their colleagues and residents alike. This individual helps their team to shine with lots of support and motivation and makes a positive impact across their home.
Lifestyle Legend Award
This award is dedicated to our Lifestyle Coordinators.
This award recognises the creative spirit who brings joy, laughter and meaningful moments to daily life in our homes. Whether organising activities, encouraging participation or simply brightening someone’s day, this team member makes a lasting difference through fun, connection and care.
Management Marvel Award
This award is dedicated to our Home Manager and Deputy Managers.
This award recognises Managers who lead by example and inspire those around them to be the best versions of themselves - a manager who embeds themselves across all departments of the home and tends to their staff and residents' wellbeing.
Office Angel Award
This award is dedicated to our administrators.
This award celebrates the organised and dependable team member who keeps everything ticking and greets everyone with a smile. From supporting residents, families and colleagues, to managing the day-to-day details, this person brings calm and efficiency to every task.
Repair Rockstar Award
This award is dedicated to our handypersons.
This award is for the practical problem-solver who keeps our homes safe and in tip-top shape. From quick fixes to bigger projects, no problem is too big of an ask; our Repair Rockstar is always ready to lend a hand.
Your winners & finalists!
People’s Choice Award
Amos Parkes - St Catherine’s - Winner
Karen Young - Ryton Towers
Kelly White - Eighton Lodge
All-Round Entertainer Award
Susan Burton - Heatherdale - Winner
Christine Head - Glenholme House
Ruth Short - Eighton Lodge
New Sparkler Award
Craig Johnson - Whorlton Grange - Winner
Lee Johnson - Craghall
Ojo Oghenefejiro - Ryton Towers
Outstanding Team Player Award
Jenna Thurlwell - Rosevale - Winner
Louise Coates - Eighton Lodge
Nicola Farquhar - Craghall
Rising Star Award
Mary Jackson - Craghall - Winner
Emma Scott - St George’s
Vicky Fielding - Riverhead Hall
Care Champion Award
Jeni Bone - Rosevale - Winner
Gillian Carty - Riverhead Hall
Tia Cole - Glenholme House
Housekeeping Hero Award
Teresa Laidlaw - Garden House - Winner
Agnieszka Przybyl - Craghall
Angela Hall – Glenholme House
Kitchen Wizard Award
Lillian Florance - Ryton Towers - Winner
Donna Robins - Wellburn House
Michaela Robson - Eighton Lodge
Leading Light Award
Tracy Cook - Craghall - Winner
Cristian Martin - Glenholme House
Idris Ilufoye-Ojomu - Wellburn House
Lifestyle Legend Award
Kylie Hall - Eighton Lodge - Winner
Donna Bentley - Riverhead Hall
Grace Tighe - Wellburn House
Management Marvel Award
Kalee Herron - Eighton Lodge - Winner
Alison Boldon - Ryton Towers
Mary Jackson - Craghall
Office Angel Award
Dawn Ledger - Nightingale Hall - Winner
Claire Morrison - Eighton Lodge
Emma Dodds - Ryton Towers
Repair Rockstar Award
Steve Baron - Riverhead Hall - Winner
Keith Dickson - Grimston Court
Paul Lincoln & Lyubo Yordanov - Wellburn Care
Follow us
Follow our dedicated careers Instagram account @wellburncarecareers for all the latest jobs, opportunities and competitions, and to get a taste of what it’s like to work here at family-run Wellburn.
