Batley social care star nominated for two national awards

A Batley social care worker nicknamed 'Sir Saj' is celebrating after being shortlisted for two national awards.
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Father-of-six Saj Daji, 49, a team leader for adult health and social care charity Making Space, is in the running for two Great British Care Awards.

His manager Steph Johansen says he sees his work as a vocation not a job, and that he is guided by his Muslim faith.

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Ms Johansen, Making Space regional head of operations, said: "Everyone, staff and tenants alike, adores Saj. He’s great at having a giggle – for instance we all call him Sir Saj since his call with the Prince – but his staff also know when it’s time to be serious and there’s work to be done.

Father-of-six Saj Daji, 49Father-of-six Saj Daji, 49
Father-of-six Saj Daji, 49

“Saj is a practising Muslim and you can see how his faith guides his work.

"His respect for everyone he comes into contact with is second-to-none.

“He never turns off; there is no out-of-hours for Saj. Supported housing is his vocation. He very much deserves these shortlistings and we are rooting for him.”

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Mr Daji, who has 20 years’ experience in social care, manages three local services: Kirklees Floating Support (part of Kirklees Better Outcomes Partnership or KBOP), Kirklees Supported Housing and Leeds Supported Housing in Hunslet.

Mr Raji during his Zoom call with Prince WilliamMr Raji during his Zoom call with Prince William
Mr Raji during his Zoom call with Prince William

He has been shortlisted for the Housing With Care Award and the Social Care Covid Hero Award.

One of his team members, support worker Debra Hanaran, has also been shortlisted for a Great British Care Award.

In May, Mr Daji was chosen to join a Zoom call with Prince William to speak about his team's experiences in supporting vulnerable people during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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HRH wanted to find out directly from those on the frontline how their experience of working in social care had altered. Saj told the Duke that flexibility was key to keeping services running, whilst also protecting his team, one of whom was shielding.

Saj will find out if he has won at a gala awards evening at The Railway Museum in York on Thursday 15 April 2021.

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