Profiles
17 March
Social workers
- Michelle Mogford
- Mike du Feu
- Nicola Smith
- Nikita Lewis
- Noel Kiffin
- Oluwaseyi Olatunde
- Pamela Gweshe
- Samantha Smith
- Sara Harris
- Sarah Jane Thomson
18 March
Social workers
- Gareth Copeland
- Georgie Batchelor
- Sarah Robbins
- Shatique Ottie
- Sibongile Khumbula
- Sophia Gibala
- Suzanne Lacey
- Tasleem Aktar
- Teresa Lowbridge
- Tracy Hynes
19 March
NQSWs
- Chantel Walsh
- Choice Jacdonmi
- Emily Wilson
- Kate Biddleston
- Katie Durber
- Lucy Ellerington
- Magdalena Borzecka
- Nicola Crawshaw
- Sarah Amponsah
- Sarah Taylor
20 March
NQSWs
21 March
Team leaders
Michelle Mogford
Michelle is a social worker at Rhondda Cynon Taff CBC
Michelle is a wonderful social worker and team member. She looks after us all and makes sure we are ok. Michelle takes time and goes out of her way for her families. She looks beyond the initial information and sees the goals needed to change people's lives.
Mike du Feu
Mike is an approved mental health professional (amhp) & social worker at Cornwall Council
Mike is a the most experienced, diligent, genuine and kind AMHP I know. He has worked as a Social Worker, ASW and then AMHP for so many years, and always has the care and compassion for others at the heart of what he does. I rarely (if ever) have heard Mike moan or have a bad word to say about anyone (despite many bad words about computer systems!) He has inspired many new Social Workers and AMHP's over the years, and indeed inspired me to become an AMHP some 16 years ago. Mike has always seemed to have some really important core values at the heart of what he does, values that are so important in what we do as AMHP's: care, compassion & respect for the patient, accurate knowledge of the law, slowing it down and ensuring we reach the right decision without undue pressure, and looking after yourself as the worker (namely, don't miss lunch!) An amazing AMHP & Social Worker and colleague through and through.
Nicola Smith
Nicola is a social worker at North Staffordshire Combined NHS and has been recognised by Devon Robinson
Nicola is an outstanding social worker who puts the care and support of her clients at the heart of everything she does. Nicola is an integral member of our MDT and her care, compassion, dedication and empathy shines through. Nicola is always approachable and an unfailingly supportive colleague with a wealth of knowledge. Nicola should be proud to represent her profession with such excellence.
Nikita Lewis
Nikita is a social worker at City of Wolverhampton, Children and Young People in Care - Team 1 and has been recognised by James Fox
Nikita is a resilient social worker who ensures her young people's permanency plans are progressed in a timely manner. Nikita has recently had a lot of court work however she has taken this in her stride. Nikita uses her organisational skills within work and these are clearly evident and reflected within her data. Nikita has worked with some of our most at risk children and is highly skilled with fantastic knowledge in deprivation of liberty safeguards. Nikita has also worked within complex adoption breakdown and successfully and sensitively supported her child into a new home. Nikita has had many successes and is such a super social worker and so very valued by all. Thank you Nikita for all you do for your Children and Young People.
Noel Kiffin
Noel is a social worker at Shrewsbury West & Rural CMHS, Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and has been recognised by Hannah Corfield
Noel is a very open minded, calming and positive asset in our CMHS. Noel is always keen to spend time offering his skills and knowledge to junior staff and students and works effectively as a part of the newly transformed front door assessment team. The team have performed to such a positively high standard without breaches and quick responses to those awaiting intervention and Noel has played a very valuable part of this significant change to services. Noel has made some significant impacts to service users - particular to the safe management of those within the forensic setting and co-ordinating the risks in the community.
Oluwaseyi Olatunde
Oluwaseyi is a social worker at City of Wolverhampton Council and has been recognised by Nicola Birch
Seyi is a social worker on the adult’s east locality team in Wolverhampton, she always has a smile on her face and you can usually hear her laughing with her colleagues when in the office! She is kind, passionate, hardworking and always goes above and beyond for the people she is working with as well as the team.
Seyi isn't afraid to get stuck in and work with people and situations which may take her out of her comfort zone and challenge her. She works tirelessly to build positive relationships with people, building on their strengths and networks, breaking down barriers and thinking outside the box to enable them to live a 'good life'.
Seyi is also such a positive influence on the team, she is supportive and always happy to help her colleagues and students.
Seyi Joined us as a newly qualified social worker and has since completed her ASYE and Practice educator training and is always looking for opportunities to further develop her professional practice.
Seyi, you are an asset to the East team and Wolverhampton adult social care and i look forward to seeing you continue to progress and achieve great things for the people of Wolverhampton.
You really are an 'amazing social worker'!!
Pamela Gweshe
Pamela is a social worker at Southend-on-Sea City Council and has been recognised by Titilayo Bashorun
Pamela is a passionate Practice Educator and social worker who has gone above and beyond to support service users and colleagues.
She has a positive attitude and the willingness to help. She ensures that the wellbeing of adults is maintained and their wishes and feelings are achieved.
Pamela works in an anti oppressive and non-discriminatory manner. She promotes strength and encourage resilience.
As a student, Pamela has supported me and ensured I work in accordance with the Professional Capabilities Framework , Social work Standards and the Legislation.
Pamela is firm and fair and exceedingly supportive.
Samantha Smith
Samantha is a social worker at Wiltshire Council and has been recognised by Laura Roberts
Sam is very supportive of new colleagues and shares her knowledge and experience with them to support their practice development. Sam is someone who thinks outside of the box to support experts by experience, using the least restrictive approach and enhancing people’s human rights. A good example of Sam advocating is reflected in the following scenario: Sam is Mrs C’s named worker, recently Mrs C’s mental health significantly deteriorated to the point that there was consideration for admission under the Mental Health Act (MHA). Sam advocated for Mrs Cto remain at home with co-ordination of the MDT around her, Sam liaised with the health consultant to ensure medication was regularly review, supported a flexible approach in terms of increasing Mrs C’s care, to ensure that she had adequate support for herself and her husband as her main carer. This meant that an admission under MHA section 2 was avoided, it ensured minimal disruption for Mrs C and her family, enabled Mrs C to recuperate at home quicker, ensured a flexible approach in line with Mrs C’s presenting needs. Sam’s actions meant that Mrs C was at the centre of her care, and supported using the least restrictive means.
Sara Harris
Sara is a social worker at Wiltshire Council and has been recognised by Laura Roberts
Sara stepped in to support the Moving on Service in January 2024, since this time Sara has shared her knowledge, skills and passion with the whole team. Sara is a competent, enthusiastic colleague, she leads by example and is a credit to the service. Sara’s focus on ensuring that the people we support are central to all interventions. Sara advocates to ensure that the person’s voice is heard in all discussions and meetings. This includes ensuring that all support plans are legally literate, least restrictive and ensure that all the things that are important to the person are central. Sara’s unwavering commitment to social work, person-centred ethos knows no boundaries, she will often go above and beyond to ensure that the people she works with have the best opportunities. This includes advocating in MDT’s, undertaking a significant amount of Mental Capacity Act (MCA) assessments for an experts by experience to ensure that they are supported adequately in the court arena. Sara has an enthusiasm for learning & developing her knowledge. She is a wonderful mentor and line manager for her colleagues, and enthuses all things associated with human rights / MCA.
Sarah Jane Thomson
Sarah is a social worker at Child in Care Team, Sandwell Childrens Trust and has been recognised by Bernice Clarke
I would like to nominate Sarah for her exceptional work as a social worker. I have had the pleasure of observing Sarah's worth ethic both inside and outside of the workplace.
Sarah is passionate about supporting young people, particularly care experienced young people. She underpins her work and knowledge through research which enhances her interventions. Sarah encompasses strong evidence-based practice throughout her care planning. She reinforces relationship-based practice and trauma informed responses with the young people she works with.
Outside the workplace Sarah continues to work alongside an organisation that champions the rights for care experienced young people. Sarah has recently written her contributions in a book which highlights some of the real experiences of care experienced individuals.
Sarah goes above and beyond in her work with young people and continues to gain positive outcomes, despite barriers within the system. She upholds the principles and values of the profession and deserves recognition for all of her hard work.
Gareth Copeland
Gareth is a social worker at Hull City Council and was recognised by Claire Rutherford
Gareth Copeland is an Independent Reviewing Officer, he has been with Hull City Council for a number of years. He is a well respected member of the IRO Team and many social workers comment on the support they have received from him. I have come in to contact with many children who Gareth has supported, here is a quotes from a teenager:
“Gareth is no there just as my IRO, he is someone who is there for me, he listens to me and he is someone that is willing to move heaven and earth for me”
Gareth writes trauma informed letters to the children, these have been very well received from children and young people. He understand the importance of language and in his role as an IRO he has taken time to provide training to other IROs and our residential staff. Gareth is someone who puts children first and thinks family! He is a valued member of the team and children he supports feel he is also worthy of this nomination.
Georgie Batchelor
Georgie is a social worker at Southampton City Council and has been recognised by Stuart Webb
Georgie has completed the Step Up to Social Work qualification within the local authority and has successfully completed her ASYE programme within the area of our service that supports children with disabilities. Georgie is a very conscientious practitioner who always goes the extra mile for all her families. She has exceptional analytical skills as well as strong relational practice and is a naturally reflective practitioner with a beautiful, collaborative way of working. Georgie's written work is always of extremely high quality; she writes in a respectful, sensitive way that is underpinned by sound theoretical knowledge and research but that remains accessible to the families she is working with. Georgie has also thought deeply about what shapes the practitioners we become, and the need for consistent and meaningful supervision with managers as we undertake work that is high in emotional burden and can lead to experiencing vicarious trauma. Georgie has been able to seek out and use the right support she needs to continue to operate at such a very high level of professionalism, sensitivity and skill, supporting families to understand the concerns raised in respect of their children's safety and wellbeing, and advocating for them so that the right resources are put in place to ensure good outcomes for the children. The feedback she receives from the families and professionals she works with is always extremely positive, she goes over and above what would be expected of her.
Sarah Robbins
Sarah is a social worker at City of Wolverhampton Council and has been recognised by Alison Harris
Sarah should be recognised as an absolute shining star within the Social Work Profession. Sarah is an adults Social worker within the Forensic Social Work Team at the Council however there are times where her work can bridge across families and this is also an area of expertise that she has. I have witnessed Sarah working with some of the most challenging situations this year including extremely demanding legal scenarios as well as the most emotionally challenging situations you can face. Sarah is an incredibly dedicated practitioner who knows her craft but is extremely humble with it. Sarah makes fantastic connections with people and her ability to empathise and understand their situations as well as to advocate for them is second to none. The time, effort and commitment I have seen from Sarah trying to ensure that people have access to the right support at the right time and without undue delay has been nothing short of outstanding. Her work is of the best quality and I have seen superb commitment to equality and diversity and anti-racist practice in her work. Sarah manages to bring compassion and the human element to what can be extremely clinical situations and she is an absolute joy to have as part of the team. She is truly deserving of being recognised as an amazing Social Worker.
Shatique Ottie
Shatique is a social worker at Priory Group (Priory Enfield Hospital) and has been recognised by Adwoa Gyabaah & Yolanda Wireko
Adwoa said:
She goes extra mile to help her patients. She’s so dedicated to her job and very efficientl
Yolanda said:
I am thrilled to nominate Shatique, an incredibly compassionate and dedicated individual whose commitment to the well-being of service users is exceptional. Her passion for making a positive impact is evident in every interaction, as she consistently goes above and beyond as a Social Worker.
Shatique’s patience, empathy, and genuine concern for each person allowing service users to feel respected and valued.
Sibongile Khumbula
Sibongile is an ASYE coordinator/amhp at East London NHS Trust and has been recognised by Arezo Zohor-Rahimi
Sibo has special qualities which help her to do her job well, such as empathy. Her emphatic abilities allow for work effectively as part of a team, understand and relate to a diverse client group.
Sophia Gibala
Sophia is a social worker at North Lincolnshire Council and has been recognised by Tracey Jacomb
Sophia has worked with North Lincolnshire Council’s Adult Social Care Locality teams for over 8 years, initially as a case worker and following the successful completion of the Social Work Apprentice Scheme last year, is now a qualified Social Worker. She has excelled throughout her ASYE year, demonstrating continued motivation and commitment to learn, develop and grow.
Sophia has continued to grow in confidence, she has managed cases with increased complexity with confidence and competence. Sophia is self-aware and possesses the core values of Social Work which flow naturally into her work with people. She is courteous, calm and respectful at all times, strengths based, and person centred. These attributes impact positively on her relationships with people.
It has been an absolute pleasure supporting Sophia through her ASYE, she is a supportive role model to others and an asset to the team. Sophia has the potential to achieve great things in the future and as she now supervises and supports other staff in the next stage of her develop, I have no doubt she will cascade her standards and expectations of practice which will continue to benefit the people and families we support and to the service as a whole.
Suzanne Lacey
Suzanne is a social worker at NSFT - Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation Trust and has been recognised by Lou Saunders
I am the education lead at The Dragonfly Unit which is a Tier 4 Inpatient CAMHS Unit where Suzie is the Senior Social Worker.
I have seen Suzie work hard to co-ordinate professionals around a young person to make sure that the work happens in a child-centred way. She does well when speaking to young people to show empathy while remaining realistic and not over-promising to ensure that young people don't feel let down.
She is always happy to share knowledge and encourage staff members to progress, supporting them to feel more confident with safeguarding. Suzie also has a great experience and knowledge base, she knows the things available to the young people in the area and how to support them to access them.
Suzie has an essential role at Dragonfly Unit and helps to safeguard and take care of many vulnerable inpatients. Her role is huge yet she still finds the time to give training to staff, answer any questions and supports staff to have the confidence to navigating multi agencies independently when dealing with a safeguarding concern.
This is the only unit like this in Suffolk, making her role very unique.
Tasleem Aktar
Tasleem is a social worker at City of Wolverhampton Council and has been recognised by Jade Lawton
Tasleem is an enthusiastic and committed practitioner. Tasleem is ambitious about the care that children and young people are afforded and takes pride in providing strong support to our kinship families through their fostering assessment process. This includes in circumstances of uncertainty and complexity, where Tasleem is able to make balanced and child-focussed recommendations.
Tasleem is also a wonderful colleague who makes a huge difference to our team. She is consistently willing to take on additional tasks to help out colleagues and the team whenever needed and even often puts herself forward to support before anyone is asked! Tasleem is a considerate and dedicated practitioner who we really appreciate, thank you Taz.
Teresa Lowbridge
Teresa is a social worker at Adults East Locality Team City of Wolverhampton Council and has been recognised by Beverley Cummings
Teresa Lowbridge is an experienced Social Worker within the Adults East Locality Team working with adults with varied needs to support each person to achieve their desired goals and outcomes. I would particularly like to highlight and recognise the good work that Teresa is doing with an individual with complex and challenging daily needs. Teresa continues to work tirelessly to support this person. Teresa is working within a multi-disciplinary team and upholding Social Work values and ethics to support the individual to work towards a positive outcome for them.
The work continues, however, this is an opportunity to recognise Teresa's hard work, commitment and professionalism.
Tracy Hynes
Tracy is a social worker at The Children's Social Work Academy, Oldham Children's Social Care. and has been recognised by Stephanie Dixon
Tracy has been an absolute star, from starting her apprenticeship to now being in her second qualified year. She has shown true commitment to the children and families of Oldham, and works very hard to secure good outcomes for all those who she works with.
Tracy has gone above and beyond in securing her own knowledge, skills and understanding of the social work role and is currently supporting others on their social work journey. She is open to continued learning and will encourage others to do the same. In any group situation, Tracy is vocal and interacts, never afraid to ask questions to support her progression.
Tracy has also supported the social work recruitment process in Oldham, stepping up to support not just the council but promote the role of social work as well. Her heart is in it, and this shines through.
Chantel Walsh
Chantel is a NQSW at NHS LPFT and has been recognised by Tracii Edwards
I would like to nominate Chantel for a social work award to recognise her outstanding dedication, professionalism, and the profound impact she has had on those around her. As a fellow social worker who trained alongside her last year, I witnessed first-hand her exceptional skills, humanity, and unwavering commitment. Her support and encouragement were instrumental in helping me navigate the challenges of my placements and university requirements as a more mature, disabled student social worker.
Her ability to balance her own responsibilities while consistently offering her time, empathy, and expertise is truly inspiring. She has a remarkable talent for building genuine connections with service users and colleagues alike, ensuring that everyone feels valued and supported. Her organisational prowess and insightful approach to problem-solving have set a standard I aspire to emulate in my own practice.
Beyond her technical skills, it is her compassion and drive that make her exceptional. She embodies the core values of social work, demonstrating integrity, respect, and an unwavering focus on empowering others. Her influence has been pivotal in my journey, and I am continually in awe of her dedication to making a difference. She is a shining example of excellence in social work and truly deserving of recognition.
Choice Jacdonmi
Choice is a NQSW at Priory Group (Priory Hospital Enfield) and has been recognised by Shatique Ottie
Choice is a newly qualified social worker who is part of a small team at Priory Hospital Enfield. The Social Work team is only made up of two individuals. Choice has come into a work environment where Social Workers don't always feel valued but she has adapted to new work strategies while prioritising her patience, which is on the medium secure. She has advocated for the Social Work department in so many ways, in her short time of being a social worker(seven months) she has demonstrated the core values of being a social worker. I am nominating choice as she is a wonderful colleague and a hard-working social worker with great values and ethics.
Emily Wilson
Emily is a NQSW at North Somerset Council - South Team B and has been recognised by Jo Mumford
I have been a social worker for a number of years and have worked with many experienced and newly qualified social workers. I have not come across a social worker with as much love and passion for her job as Emily does in a long time. She is still young in her career but if you didn't know that you would be surprised as I was. Emily works so hard and is very determined to achieve positive outcomes for the young people she works with. She is passionate and strongly advocates for them, she isn't afraid to say she doesn't agree with other professionals which in my view makes her advocacy all the stronger.
She works so hard for the team she is attached to and is always one of the first to say she will help, she will go with someone on a visit or carry one out on their behalf, she thinks nothing of nominating herself to drive a young person miles if that's what is needed. She is always there to listen when you need to offload and you feel her absence when she is not in the office. She is popular with the children she works with and I can see why.
Kate Biddleston
Kate is a NQSW at James Lee (Assessing permanent carers) and has been recognised by Hannah Ions-Cole
Kate is just amazing! We are lucky to have her in our team! Over the last year she has continued to impress me with her skills and the way she builds relationships with the carers she both assesses and supports. Kate has brought a wealth of experience to her role as a social worker and she takes everything in her stride, despite dealing with some very challenging and complex situations. She is incredibly reflective and always puts the needs of children and young people first. Kate is a very confident and competent practitioner and I have seen her confidence grow in her role over the last year. Kate is very open, honest and self aware during our regular mentor sessions and catch ups and it has been an absolute pleasure to be Kate’s mentor. Kate is an asset to the assessing permanent carers team and her ability to build relationships with people shines through both in feedback gained from carers but also from the discussions I have had with her.
Kate you really are amazing at what you do, which is why I am nominating you.
Katie Durber
Katie is a NQSW at Learning Disability Operations Team and has been recognised by Maddie Smith
Katie has always been an inspiration to me since I started working at GCC. She is a talented Social Worker who has worked so hard to get to where she is today. She does her best for everyone that she works with. Katie is a fantastic colleague who has a natural ability to connect with others, she is resilient, empathetic, compassionate and absolutely deserves recognition for her valued role and contributions as a Social Worker.
Lucy Ellerington
Lucy is a NQSW at Hull City Council and has been recognised by Claire Rutherford
Lucy joined Hull City Council via the Step-Up Programme and is currently completing her ASYE, she finished July 2024. Lucy is employed within a safeguarding team and provides support to families in the East of the City. Lucy’s values absolutely align with the principles of the Children’s National Framework and the practitioners required to support the exciting changes ahead.
Lucy has embraced her ASYE year, she is someone who understands the importance of critical reflection and has made it her business to enhance her learning linked to trauma informed practice. As a result she is someone that is already well respected within her team and continues to see the importance of having a ‘growth mindset’ which is proving fruitful in-terms of her personal progression.
Lucy is a persistent and determined social worker, she is proactive and seeks her own learning via supervision and group supervisions. Lucy works well with partners and always ensures that families are inclusive of all decisions. she comes to work and consistently tells people how much she loves social work. No matter how difficult and challenging the role can be, she brings a positive mindset with her to work.
Lucy is a kind and enthusiastic and places the children and families at the heart of all she does. She has a selfless attitude and people react well to her can do attitude, she will now continue to flourish in her ASYE Plus 1 journey with Hull.
Magdalena Borzecka
Magdalena is a NQSW at Hull City Council and has been recognised by Claire Rutherford
Magdalena is a newly qualified social worker, she joined the authority as an apprentice and has now joined the team to undertake her ASYE.
Magdalena supports children in care, she wanted to make a difference to children who had experienced separation from their parents or carers. Magdalena is gifted to speak several languages, which is well received from families she supports. In recent weeks Magdalena’s work has been audit, despite being at the start of her social work journey, she has been able to evidence purposeful work with children, she has built positive relationships and listened to children, what is important to them, what they need and what makes them feel safe. This has led to them trusting her and she has been able to act on their needs and provide a quality service. Magdalena has done this in various ways and ensured that the direct work she does is planned and purposeful. Building trusting relationship from the outset is seeing her achieve change for the children she is supporting- a great start to her career
Nicola Crawshaw
Nicola is a NQSW at City of York Council and has been recognised by Rachel Lovelady and Sian Gibb
Nic has worked with a variety of families with differing needs and has demonstrated her adaptability, commitment and drive to be the best social worker she can be.
Nic's biggest strength, in our view, and the reason we nominate her for this award is her commitment to diversity and cultural competent practice.
A specific example which has been noted, is that Nic learned some British Sign Language in order to communicate with a family who were Deaf. She ensured that before the final review meeting for this child, she could say her name and that she was the social worker for (and then this child's name). She also learned to sign "your assessment is positive" meaning this parent understood the outcome before it was interpreted for them. The family all clapped in response and were grateful for her commitment to communicating with them.
Nic has worked with a child with complex health needs. This has been emotionally challenging for everyone. Her commitment to understanding and advocating for his needs has been outstanding. She has asked challenging questions of medics and advocated for no delay for this child resulting in this child being cared for in a caring, loving home.
Sarah Amponsah
Sarah is a NQSW at Southampton City Council and has been recognised by Stuart Webb
Sarah is a newly qualified social worker who has recently completed her ASYE with Southampton City Council. Sarah has consistently provided strong evidence of her relational social work skills, her ability to come alongside children in distressing situations and both advocate for them and help them understand the reasons that hard decisions are being made about where they live. Sarah has shared her creative ideas with others in the team and service, for example in recent training for the new ASYE cohort about completing single assessments, someone mentioned that Sarah had taken them on a visit where she had completed the assessment triangle with the parents, as a way of both gathering information but also of exploring with curiosity the difference in perspectives of other agencies working with the family in terms of their parenting capacity. Sarah has a complex caseload including Court proceedings despite being so newly qualified and she is managing this complexity well, seeking support and guidance and always being measured and fair in her assessment work, striving to build on the strengths of a family network and also to protect children at risk of harm. She is a very reflective practitioner and delivered a high quality ASYE presentation, thinking about the impact of her own social graces in her practice, some of which she shared with the family she was working with, and how this created both opportunities and additional challenges. We were all captivated! She will go far, she is a real asset to the communities and families she works with. Thank you Sarah for all your hard work, dedication and passion, and for somehow always managing to keep a healthy work life balance. You are a great role model to those now starting their ASYE journey in social work.
Sarah Taylor
Sarah is a social worker at Worcestershire County Council and has been recognised by Anne-Marie Hodges
Sarah has demonstrated herself to be a dedicated and enthusiastic member of Malvern Social Work Team. Sarah had many years experience as a social care worker but took it upon herself to self fund her way through the Dipsw programme whilst still in active employment. Sarah successfully completed this and has just recently completed her ASYE year. Sarah is always willing to share her experiences and expertise with fellow team members and often joint works cases with those less experienced. Sarah is adept at cutting through the immaterial and centering in on the core issues of a case with a strong sense of social justice and desire to respect and promote an individual’s rights and desires whilst still ensuring risks are mitigated via positive risk takings measures. She manages the power that comes with authority in her role well and promotes independence and justifiable autonomy in those that she is working alongside. As well as holding an individual case load Sarah actively contributes to the Social Work Team DUTY system. Many workers can find DUTY somewhat anxiety provoking by virtue of its nature of being unpredictable, fast paced, of high intensity and often the need to make quick decisions to mitigate risk although Sarah seems to thrive on the unpredictability and diversity DUTY affords her. Indeed, she seems to enjoy this type of work so much that she is an active participant of WCC’s out of Hours teams covering occasional evenings and weekends. Sarah has always displayed and exercised autonomous initiative due to her innate ability to creatively ‘think outside the box’ and seek out support and advice from her peers, other professionals and other mangers when necessary. Sarah is self-aware and regularly talks about the innate tensions between the professional social work role and the desire to encourage and promote client autonomy in supervision and peer discussions. Sarah has consistently demonstrated a clear interest and expertise in working with some of the teams more challenging and complicated service users and therefore it is no surprise that Sarah has taken the decision to advance her career further by accepting a position within the pathways planning team. Sarah is never content to sit back and rest on her laurels and is an excellent example of Social Work dedication and the positive effect Social work can have on individuals quality of life.
Taiyab Patel
Taiyab is a NQSW at Bury Council Adult Social Care and has been recognised by Sue Massel
Taiyab should be very proud of his achievements throughout his ASYE. He has demonstrated continued development in a complex area of social work practice within the Safeguarding Team in Adult Social Care. The voice of the individual is always predominant in Taiyab’s practice and reflections. He demonstrates great levels of self-awareness and a strong ability to reflect and critically analyse complex situations, applying theory and professional curiosity. He advocates well: working in challenging environments, under pressure and achieving positive outcomes. His final reflections and personal development plan show a commitment to continued progression. He has shown an increasing capability in self-management of complex cases. He has developed a strong understanding of multi-agency working and can work effectively in partnership with others. Taiyab evidences increasing confidence in his own practice and recognizes areas of strength and development. He consistently receives positive feedback from service users, families, his social work peers and his managers. Taiyab is a valued member of our social work service and we look forward to watching his career in social work progress – he is an asset to the profession.
Toby Spaxman
Toby is a NQSW at City of York Council and has been recognised by Sue Naylor
Toby is a newly qualified social worker within the Assessment Service. I would like to nominate Toby for his amazing start to his social work career and the way in which he so sensitively and respectfully approaches all of his work with children and families. Toby has a brilliant ability to see beyond the obvious with families, to meet parents and children at their own level, taking the time to understand in depth, barriers that there may be, to view situations that takes consideration of this, to be creative in how he approaches direct work with children that often involves thinking outside of the box and as a result build meaningful plans for families that can ensure safety and wellbeing moving forward. All within the first 3 months of his social work career! Toby has an excellent future ahead of him and I think it's important this is recognised for him. Well Done Toby!
Triona Patterson
Triona is a NQSW at Southampton City Council and has been recognised by Carly Arnold
Triona started with the Fostering Team at Southampton City Council just under a year ago. During this time she has been completing her ASYE programme and has just completed this with outstanding feedback.
Throughout this time Triona has been an absolute asset to our team. She has brought a level of enthusiasm that is second to none and has kept her carers and young people at the centre of everything she does. Triona is highly skilled in balancing risk and analysis to support in decision making and her work has been used as exemplary practice within the team.
Triona is also a foster carer so has used her own knowledge and skills to enhance her social work values. She has been pivotal in ensuring carers voices are heard throughout our development planning and has brought another dynamic to the care and support we offer to our carers.
Alex Humphries
Alex is a team manager at North Somerset Council and has been recognised by Rose Kilbride
Alex has a talent of staying cool, calm and collected during the toughest times. Her exceptional organisation skills enable her to stay on top of things even when juggling more than a human should be capable of! Alex has been a consistent manager for Children in Care and has not only supported her own team but stretches herself to support those who do not have a consistent manager. She remains positive and spreads this amongst the team, keeping us all looking towards a bright future rather than getting caught up in the waves.
As well as this, Alex is able to make quick and well thought through decisions under pressure and always has a child-centred and creative approach.
I always feel well held and supported; she is the champion for staff as we always strive to be as social workers for our children.
She has driven high standards which has a positive impact for our children and families and she brings stability to what can sometimes feel like chaos in the wonderful world of children's social care.
Alison Harris
Alison is a team manager at City of Wolverhampton Council and has been recognised by Paula Morris
Alison Harris is a Senior Social Work Manager, leading two busy adult social work teams in the vibrant and diverse city of Wolverhampton. Alison has a can-do attitude to everything. She is always positive, solution focused and a glass half full kinda woman.
Alison is an extremely knowledgeable, skilled, experienced practitioner, manager and leader. What she brings to her teams (and Adult Social Care generally) is a passion for the profession of social work and the positive impact it has on so many people’s lives. She brings a desire and a drive to always do what is right by people and their families. She is an advocate for social justice, and always carries out her vocation with kindness.
In Wolverhampton, we pride ourselves on being trauma-informed and strengths-based in our social work approaches. Alison epitomises that. She is open, honest, fair, inclusive, always strives to be the best that she can be and supports her team to be the best they can be too. Alison loves a problem that she can un-pick and solve, she (also loves data and spreadsheet), but most of all, she puts people first. I am so proud and in awe of her for just being an amazing social work manager.
Allison O'Grady and Lisa Barry
Allison and Lisa are team managers at Intensive Support Service, Adult Social Care, City of York Council and has been recognised by Suzanne Runacres on behalf of the whole Intensive Support Service Team
Both Allison and Lisa are the glue that holds ISS together, and they create a culture and an ethos that makes it a team you want to be a part of. They both seem to approach their work in a really natural way – that understated thoughtfulness which I think then radiates through the team and makes us all want to do the best we can, both for each other and most importantly for our communities who we support. Examples of this would be the empowering way they allocate work, considering the distances people may have to travel and allowing workers to say how much work they can take on, their highly effective communication skills when delivering information, their dedication to managing supervision, and how they come on board with our work, for instance, supporting us through their physical presence in challenging meetings, court work and safeguarding. I’ve never doubted that sense that they absolutely advocate for their team both within CYC and also with external agencies. Even when under immense pressure, they are both such calm, reassuring and positive people, who are honest about the pressures we face but who also come up with creative solutions. You always know they are alongside you and that keeps us all going. They always have time for us and I always feel 100% confident in both their leadership and their knowledge of our customers, and the frameworks that guide the work we do. The trust they show in the team and the boundaries they set for our work also allows us to be creative and feel a sense of achievement in what we do.
Bethany Pearson
Bethany is a team manager at City of York Council and has been recognised by Charlotte Drury
Beth joined City of York Council and our Team at the start of 2024 as our Practice Supervisor. Within a couple of months she was asked to cover as our manager on a short secondment. Beth rose to the challenge and provided us with fantastic management and oversight as well as maintaining her availability to provide us with ad hoc support and guidance and ensured that we were provided with regular and meaningful supervision and reflection. Beth never allowed the stresses on her from higher management or the expectations of her role to filter down to the team and continued to be positive, encouraging and reassuring during this time. Beth will regularly check in with us to make sure we are doing ok if she knows that we have had a tough visit or meeting or have things going on for us in our personal lives. She promotes self care and taking breaks and never left us feeling pressured or negative about ourselves or our work. Beth did an amazing job and we were very lucky to have her taking the reins!
Carla McAleese
Carla is a team manager at North Yorkshire Council and has been recognised by Andrea Crane
Carla is an outstanding social worker who always goes above and beyond to support children and families to overcome adversity, marginalisation, and discrimination. However, she is also an absolute amazing manager going over and above to support her team not only with work but also personally. I feel I speak for everyone when I say she is an absolute credit to our team in which she ensures everyone feels valued and will go all the way to support staff and families. She always has a smile even in the most difficult days and there have been many whilst she has been in her role. I am nominating Carla to say a huge thank you from myself but also from the rest of the team! Carla keep being you, you are truly an angel and an absolute asset/ credit to our team. Outstanding manager Thank you!
Colin McPherson
Colin is a team manager at Southampton City Council, Children Services and has been recognised by Alicja Kozodoj
Colin is an amazing manager and highly experienced Social Worker, who goes above and beyond for his staff as well as the children and families he supports. Colin is child focused in his approach and never fails to fully advocate for those that need support and assistance.
Colin is hugely involved in community support including the local Christmas Toy Appeal Event which he has been running for several years, ensuring that every child receives a gift during the festive Christmas period. Without him Christmas season would not be the same. Colin is a well-respected individual by his work colleagues as well as everyone he comes into contact with; partner agency colleagues including Police and Health, alongside foster carers who support our children in care.
Colin has a great sense of humour and shows his authentic self to others, which makes him approachable, caring and reliable. We are proud of Colin being our Team Manager and we all aspire to be just like him.
Danielle Mason
Danielle is a team manager at City of Wolverhampton Council and has been recognised by Chloe Linforth and Chris Wood
Danielle has really stepped up into the role as team manager and goes above and beyond for the team. Danielle has been a really hands on manager supporting on visits where needed, offering advice and helping us challenge our thinking. At times where staff levels are low, Danielle will always try to uphold the wellbeing of the team and create an open and friendly environment whereby the team feels more like a family. She has stepped into the secondment and has been so natural in the team manager role. When working late Danielle will always check in and if working late in the office, Danielle will stay with team members to ensure they feel supported.
Dimpal Dabb
Dimpal is a team manager at City of Wolverhampton Council, Children and Young People in Care and has been recognised by James Fox
I have nominated Dimpal as from my time within the children in care service Dimpal has just flourished and progressed. Dimpal was the senior social worker (SSW) in her team going back over 12 months ago and Dimpal stepped up to support in her role at that time when it was a difficult time. Dimpal raised the team morale and was so very supportive, Dimpal also achieved an employee of the month award at that time. Dimpal after this SSW role was also seconded to an independent reviewing officer role, to which Dimpal received compliments and recognition. This just evolved Dimpal’s practice further and Dimpal proceeded to continue with her natural leadership and managerial skills knowledge and values and achieved the Team Manger position in her team. The team are thriving and therefore so are the children and young people, her performance is recognised at the leadership meetings and Dimpal is a super team manager, thank you Dimpal.
Gerrie Murphy
Gerrie is a principal social worker & AMHP and has been recognised by Sam Thurston
Gerrie is my line manager, she has been very supportive ever since the restructure. When I have faced exceedingly stressful situations which included, placement breakdowns, personal matters etc. Gerrie has been there and assisted me through every step of the way, she is always going above and beyond for the team and also for the workers she line manages. Gerrie retains a lot of information and works in line with multiple legislations and is always willing to find the time to sit and explain in detail. Gerrie will always maintain a positive outlook and is highly professional. Gerrie lives and breathes Social work and deserves this.
Grace Adams
Grace is a team manager at City of York Council and has been recognised by Cat Middleton
Grace is a very skilled and inspiring manager - she supports her team not only to focus on achieving best outcomes for children but also to support and develop each other's practice. Grace has social workers in her team who produce excellent direct work and who are always there to advocate on behalf of the children they work with. Grace is able to support her team to be independent and autonomous whilst still promoting consistency in practice. Grace is able to challenge her colleagues and managers to ensure that plans are scrutinised and she takes time to think about the best way to achieve safe outcomes for children.