AN “extremely caring” business leader who worked her way up in social care after arriving in the UK in 1994 is among three workers up for awards.

Natasha Lazovic, Charlotte Boyes and Angela Brand all work for Barchester Healthcare, which runs Upton Bay Care Home, in Poole.

And a spokesperson said staff and residents are ecstatic after their colleagues reached the finals of the Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care Awards 2023.

After arriving from Serbia, Natasha started training as a nurse.

“Extremely caring by nature, Natasha has had an amazing career, with dedication and determination she has progressed from a registered nurse to MD for the South division, working in a variety of care settings, both in the NHS and private sector, with London being a main base,” a Barchester spokesperson said.

She joined Barchester in 2014 as regional director, leading 10 homes, which then doubled to 20 as senior regional director, before overseeing more than 80 care homes in the South Division as MD.

“Handling an extremely challenging role, Natasha leads her teams with a calm can-do attitude, she has been shortlisted in the Businesswoman of the Year category in recognition of her phenomenal success in leading her division,” the spokesperson added.

Charlotte has been with Barchester Healthcare for 23 years, having originally joined as a general assistant. She is now south divisional PA, juggling the busy commercial lives of five regional directors and providing support to the MD and assisting the teams of more than 80 care homes.

She is shortlisted in the Communications Guru category.

Originally from Edinburgh, Angela now lives in the Scottish Highlands, and joined Barchester as an HR business partner in April 2020.

“She loves to see people flourish and exceed their potential and is passionate about her role,” the spokesperson said.

She has been shortlisted in the Equality & Diversity Champion category.

Barchester CEO, Dr Pete Calveley, said: “I am very proud of all the shortlisted nominees, all are incredibly hard-working and dedicated colleagues who excel in their field.

“We have an exceptionally talented workforce at Barchester and in my book, they all deserve to win.”

The winners will be announced at a Gala Awards ceremony on November 21 at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square hotel.