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Each quarter, we recognise individuals who go over and beyond to live our values – building trust, showing we care and making a difference to the lives of JRHT residents, colleagues and communities.
This round of Values Champions has seen people recognised for supporting others with empathy, improved services, and leading positive change in communities. From environmental action to essential service delivery, each person honoured here has shown expectational dedication, integrity and compassion.
We are proud to celebrate these individuals and the meaningful contribution they have made across communities and to the work of Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust.
We Are Built on Trust
Jeff Hall – Resident living in Hartfields
Jeff Hall is a valued member of the Hartfields community who supports fellow residents with digital issues, from tech queries to broadband contracts—all on his own initiative. He recently helped a neighbour get a better deal by contacting the provider directly.
Jeff also plays an active role in the Resident Assembly and JRHT working groups, where his constructive feedback and clear communication help shape better services. Most recently, he supported JRHT by mapping resident service journeys to improve how different groups connect and collaborate.
Jayne Chapman –Finance Business Partner (JRHT)
Jayne Chapman is a trusted and compassionate colleague who plays a key role in supporting operational delivery while aligning with organisational goals. She offers balanced advice, practical guidance, and a safe space for colleagues to sense-check decisions.
Her calm, professional approach and willingness to help make her an invaluable sounding board and a constant source of support. Jayne’s integrity and empathy ensure she builds strong, trusted working relationships across JRHT.
We Make a Difference
Danny Young – Gas Safety Team Leader
Danny Young went above and beyond during a high-pressure period, helping uncap gas supplies for shared ownership homes under tight deadlines. His coordination enabled residents to move in before the stamp duty cap ended—often requiring urgent travel to Leeds and Beverley.
Danny’s flexibility, problem-solving, and willingness to adapt made a major difference. He’s always approachable, positive, and committed to getting things done right for residents and colleagues alike.
Charlotte Hope – General Manager, Hartfields
Charlotte Hope handled a complex increase in service charges with professionalism and care. She ensured housing benefit was secured for many residents while helping JRHT recover correct charges.
Charlotte worked across departments and external partners, including solicitors and housing benefit teams, and held individual sessions with residents to answer questions. Her kind, clear communication turned a potentially stressful process into a well-managed and positive experience for all involved.
Lucy Montgomery – Resident living in Derwenthorpe
Lucy has made an outstanding contribution in Derwenthorpe through her clear communication, thoughtful questions, and ability to share her knowledge in a way that brings people together. As a new resident and parent, she has quickly become a positive and active part of the community, helping to strengthen connections between residents and JRHT. Her commitment, clear thinking, and collaborative approach have made a real difference.
We Show We Care
Wendy Borman – Resident living in Derwenthorpe
Wendy Borman is a passionate resident who works hard to improve the environment, biodiversity, and also aesthetically enhance the estate. Whether planting, pruning, or hedge-laying, she’s always hands-on and leads by example.
Wendy is inclusive, encouraging others to get involved and take pride in their surroundings. Her dedication inspires her neighbours and shows what it means to care for both people and place.
Becky Kelly –Peripatetic Sheltered Scheme Manager
Becky Kelly supports 128 older residents across five schemes in York, Leeds, and Selby. With a Macmillan Nurse background, she offers compassionate support through illness, grief, and isolation with professionalism and care.
Becky builds strong relationships that make a real difference, whether it’s weekly visits to a 90-year-old resident or advocating for someone with complex needs. Seeing over 50 residents weekly in just three days, her dedication is exceptional.
Ella Ripley – Resident living in Derwenthorpe
Ella Ripley brings kindness and compassion to every interaction. She goes above and beyond to ensure others feel valued—whether through quiet chats, small thoughtful gestures, or helping colleagues. Calm, warm, and always present, Ella helps create a safe and caring environment. Her empathy is felt by residents and staff alike, and she is a shining example of what it means to live our values every day.
Honouring All Nominees
We are also grateful to everyone who was nominated. Your everyday acts of kindness, courage, and collaboration make a better place for all. So we want to say thank you to all nominees:
- Andrew Gibson -Electrical Qualified Supervisor
- Helen Phillips - Housing Officer
- Denise Wright, Head of Finance - JRHT
- Nikki Clapham - Care Assistant, Community Care Bungalows at Hartrigg Oaks
- Julie Walker, Senior Customer Access Team Advisor
- Carys Newton - Relief Care Assistant at Hartrigg Oaks
- Building Services Gas Team & Helen Forster, Works Planner
- The JRHT People and Culture Team
- Aaron Ashby-Simpson, Kitchen Assistant at Hartrigg Oaks
- Diane Atkinson, Registered Manager at Hartrigg Oaks
- Customer Access Team
- Christine Cann – Resident living in Heworth
- Nick Brownbridge, Multi Skilled Gas and Plumbing Engineer
- Rachel Thompson, Compliance Manager
- Rob Pallister, Multi Skilled Operative & Danny Leaf, Gas Safety Team Leader
- Stephanie Dowson - Team Senior at Bedford Court
- Lucy Jennings, System Owner – Housing
Nominate now for the Next Round
The next round of nominations is open until 31 July .
Why not nominate a colleague, team, volunteer or resident who brings our values to life?
You can submit nominations using the online form
Image: From left to right standing: Charlotte Ward, Sheelagh Loftus, Jen Piggin, Chris Simpson, Wendy Borman and Danny Young