The founder of a home care provider offering care across Essex has been named a finalist in the Executive of the Year category at the Leaders in Care Awards 2025 – recognising exceptional leadership, advocacy and dedication to the care sector.
Lausa Biragi, Founder and Managing Director of You & I Care, which was founded in Brentwood and now operates services across Essex, Hertfordshire, and Surrey, is one of five national finalists in the national award.
The announcement was made this week ahead of the awards ceremony taking place on October 7 at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham.
Over the past year, Lausa has become a powerful voice for the care sector, speaking out on major issues including funding, workforce shortages, and recruitment barriers. She has appeared on BBC Radio, Heart Radio, and across regional press, consistently advocating for fairer treatment of care workers and calling for urgent reforms to protect the future of home care services.
“I’m honoured to be recognised alongside such respected peers,” said Lausa. “This nomination reflects the hard work of our entire team at You & I Care and the dedication of care professionals across the country who give so much, often with little recognition.”
With two decades in the sector, Lausa has led from the front through the most difficult of times – including the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently, calls for emergency government action to avert what she has warned could be a “collapse” in care services if immediate support is not delivered.
In early 2025, Lausa strongly criticised proposed government delays to social care reforms and publicly opposed a rise in sponsorship fees for overseas workers, demanding practical incentives to build a sustainable UK-based care workforce.
Her leadership continues to inspire others in the industry, with You & I Care now exclusively recruiting staff nationally while maintaining high standards of care across the region.
Voting for the Leaders in Care Awards 2025 is now open until September 29, with winners selected by a mix of public votes and a panel of sector experts.
To see the full list of finalists and to place your vote visit carehomeprofessional.com/leadersincare-awards-hc-shortlist.
