Bogumil Cwiklak, assistant regional director for special projects at The Orders of St John Care Trust, has been awarded an honorary British Empire Medal (BEM).

Cwiklak, who joined The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) after an overseas recruitment drive in 2007, received the honour for services to adult social care during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cwiklak joined OSJCT as a carer and has since gained extensive experience in delivering and managing positive change in adult social care. He currently supports operations at The Fremantle Trust, which recently merged with OSJCT.

“I was very surprised to be nominated for this unexpected honour,” said Cwiklak. “To receive this recognition in Britain, as someone who moved from another country, for helping our society, is really fantastic. I arrived in the UK 17 years ago with just one small suitcase, but with passion and energy to make a contribution and share my skills.”

Dan Hayes, OSJCT chief executive officer, said: “Throughout the pandemic Bogumil put his job, and the wellbeing of our residents and employees across Gloucestershire first. His tenacity and drive were immense and with strong resilience he skilfully led his colleagues through a constantly changing and difficult period. Bogumil has been a force for good since he joined the Trust, and I am proud to call him my colleague.”

Cwiklak’s drive to promote compassionate, high-quality healthcare is inspired by his own experience of care as a child, when he spent time in hospital after operations due to scoliosis, a genetic spinal condition. 

Cwiklak has played a pivotal role in OSJCT’s overseas recruitment project, using his knowledge of the challenges of moving to a new country to ensure that new recruits are supported from the moment they arrive.