Freddy takes the gong at the Caretakers' Awards

Published: Wednesday 20 December 2023

Every year we recognise the Caretakers in our Housing department who help keep our estates cleane, and support our residents. This year, Cllr Preety Hudd, Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea, handed out the honours at a ceremony in the Town Hall.

Freddy Navarez receives his award

Caretaker of the year

Freddy Navarez from the Chelsea Riverside Ward team has been crowned Caretaker of the Year 2023.

‘He is the go-to person when residents have a query.’

Dennis Paul, Head of Estates Environmental Services, said:

“Freddy was nominated because he showed resilience when he was alone covering Cremorne Estate, which is one of the best performing patches boroughwide. He has positive attitude and flexibility. He always brings an optimistic, can-do approach to all his tasks and responsibilities. He is the to-go person when residents have a query regarding caretaking.”

The runners up were joint second place for Bryon Montero and Carlos Nunes who both work in the Mobile Services team, and third place went to Marly Salas from Golborne ward team.

Team of the year

The Team of the Year was won by Chelsea Riverside Ward.

‘Improved resident satisfaction’

The team was recognised for a combination of best and improved resident satisfaction with service on previous year as well as great teamwork through the year, covering each other during absence, feedback from residents being very positive.

Evening Caretaking came second and third was Notting Dale Ward

Health and Safety award

The Health and Safety award also went to Notting Dale Ward.

‘Great quality delivery’

This team has a very low incidence of accidents, great quality delivery on Toolbox Talks, use of lone working devices and shows its good health by having an excellent staff attendance record!

Dalgarno and St Helens Ward got second place and Corville Ward was third.

Colleague of the year

The Colleague of the Year Category went to Angel Rueda from Chelsea Riverside, with Goldborne Ward’s Hector Cordora and Notting Dale Ward’s Patrick Walton second and third respectively.

This category was voted on at the ceremony by the assembled caretakers.