Staff and volunteers celebrated at Employee Awards 2025
21 November 2025
Last month we celebrated the achievements of our employees and volunteers at our Annual Award Ceremony.
The awards highlight those who have gone the extra mile for CrossReach over the last year and we wish a warm congratulations to all those who were nominated, our finalists and our winners.
Rev Douglas Hamilton, Vice Convenor at CrossReach, said: "Everything we do at CrossReach we do in Christ's name.
"In the Bible, in a book called Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul writes to the early church to offer comfort as they faced challenging times.
"He writes: 'therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are doing.'
"There has probably never been a more challenging time to work in social care than now. Being there every day and showing up for those who need loving care, is hard.
"This verse offers something for all of us. We need each other, both to build up and be built up."
Vic Walker, director of adult care, added: "These events are where we celebrate what people deliver for us. We are a people business. It's not about making things it's about delivering service, and the staff that we employ are the key to this.
"They are the people that deliver the service for us. This year we've had over 200 nominations for great practice and for the difference that people make.
"I'm really delighted just to see all these different examples of colleagues nominated for special bits of work and for family members really noticing a difference a staff member makes going the extra mile."
Below are the winners for each category as well as the finalists in each.
New Recruit of the Year
Runners up:
- Carly Haldane - Millmuir Farm
- Scott McKeown - St Margarets
Winner: Norrie Agnew - Threshold Glasgow
Norrie joined Threshold Glasgow in May as a relief handyman and has made a remarkable contribution to the service. Norrie's kind heart has helped him obtain donations of kitchen units and woodwork tools and he is a driving force of Threshold Glasgow's new woodwork project.
Reflecting on the award Norrie said: "I'm totally surprised! I'm not in it for anything other than seeing people achieving their potential. It feels amazing (to win the award) I'm absolutely gobsmacked!"
Volunteer of the Year
Runners up:
- Anna Cowan - Perinatal Counselling
- John MacLean - CrossReach Abstinence Recovery Service
Winner: Leanne Wilson - Tayside Support Services
Leanne exemplifies the CrossReach values of compassion, dignity and faith in action. Since joining Tayside Support Services' Dundee project she has volunteered consistently bringing warmth, kindness and support to everyone she meets.
Leanne said: "I just can't believe it. I'm so proud, I can't wait to tell the kids. I am so proud of all the work everyone does in the services and I for one wouldn't be here without everyone doing hard work."
Team of the Year
Runners up:
- Bellfield
- Dumbrock House
Winner: Threshold Glasgow
Threshold Glasgow has shown incredible dedication, creativity and innovation this year, developing initiatives like the Pathway to Independence booklet, helping people to build daily living, cooking and travel skills, boosting confidence and independence.
Employee of the Year - Adult Care Services
Runners up:
- Maria Nsubuga - Threshold Edinburgh
- Stephanie Whitelaw - Threshold Edinburgh
- Susan Hart - Tayside Support Services
Winner: Susan Middleton - The Bungalow
Susan works night shifts at The Bungalow. But for years has gone above and beyond to make the service's garden a bright and welcoming space. Each summer she fills it with flowers she's grown in her own greenhouse, even adding a fountain, bird feeders and a hedgehog station.
She said: "It feels amazing, I am totally shocked. It's been amazing, I honestly didn't expect to win. You couldn't ask for a better job."
Employee of the Year - Children & Families
Runners up:
- Carol McMillan - Mount Pleasant
- Catriona Campbell - Sunflower Garden
- Chris Currah - The Old Lodge
Winner: James Walker - Erskine Waterfront Campus
James has built outstanding relationships with children and young people, always offering a calm presence when they are distressed. He understands the role food plays in behaviour, and uses his skills to make every meal welcoming, thoughtful and tailored to individual needs.
Employee of the Year - Corporate Services
Runners up:
- Camilla Symons - Business Support
- Yadah Maposa - Business Support
Winner: Craig Govan - Facilities Management
Craig has overseen the new Gaberston development with dedication and care. He responds quickly to changes, giving residents reassurance and confidence throughout the process. Craig ensures that residents are involved in every decision from small details like blinds to bigger choices like colour scheme.
Craig said: "I feel very honoured to win it. It's a great recognition, particularly of the project that I've been involved in at Gaberston. I think we're all winners, somebody has to win, but congratulations to everyone that's been nominated."
Employee of the Year - Older People Serves
Runners up:
- Elspeth Mcpheat - St Margarets
- Leighanne Barrie - The Elms
- Olive Buchanan - Williamwood
Winner: Margaret Robertson - South Beach House
Margaret always goes above and beyond her role. When times have been tough, she's put her many talents to use, whether it's fixing and painting, supporting residents with crafts, or cooking with care. She embodies kindness, compassion and a deep understanding of Christian values.
Working Together Award
Runners up:
- Dick Stewart Stewart team
- Jennifer Gibson - Older People Services
- Susan McGregor - Adult Care
Winner: Eleanor Trivett - Gaberston
Eleanor has shown remarkable leadership, transforming Gaberston from a care home into a supported living service. She's guided 14 people with complex mental health needs through this major change, ensuring that they're involved in decisions and feel invested in their new homes. Eleanor has coordinated staff, external professionals and agencies, maintaining trust, clear communication and high quality support throughout.
