And the award goes to… social work!

For one night, social workers from across England gathered to celebrate the best of the profession.

The Social Worker of the Year Awards in November was attended by nearly 500 people to recognise colleagues across 18 categories.

Overall winner this year was the People from Abroad Team at Norfolk County Council, which also received the gold award for team of the year in children’s services.

The judging panel said: “The People from Abroad Team stood out as a group of social workers who have enabled the displaced and often stigmatised people they support to feel welcome, comfortable and safe.”

Sherry Malik, vice-chair of the award’s Board of Trustees, added: “The People from Abroad team provide a vital service for families and individuals fleeing their own countries and arriving here in circumstances none of us could ever imagine.

“They support them to rebuild their lives, step by step. They do it with compassion, kindness and without judgement and in creative ways with diminishing resources. Their work truly deserves this accolade.”

Honoured for lifetime achievement was Susan Banyard from West Sussex County Council, a children’s social worker for more than 30 years.

Judges described her as “a much-loved colleague” with a “heart of gold” who “embodies true social work values and ethics”.

Adult social worker of the year Chloe Lambert, of Shropshire Council, was described as “simply an excellent practitioner” by her director of service while judges applauded someone who “doesn’t shy away from positive risk-taking”.

Children’s social worker of the year Cherry F Ricketts was recognised as a “kind, empathetic and reliable practitioner” by colleagues and praised for a commitment to improving the lives of young homeless people by judges.

Tienga Ngale was named social work student of the year, with judges noting he “has far exceeded expectations during his social work training”.

As well as excelling academically, they said he has brought “a flair for creativity to his studies, writing poetry on his experiences and placements” and being involved in the university’s podcast.

The supportive social work employer award was won by the London Boroughs of Richmond and Wandsworth. Judges noted how the council’s social workers find a ‘zest for systemic ideas’ in the service and are able to practise “creatively and dynamically”.

A focus on career development and supervision also means a low social worker turnover rate of 16 per cent and only nine per cent of staff being agency workers.

Gaining the award for team leader of the year in adult services was Sue Bunker of Shropshire Council, who was said to inspire others with her “infectious enthusiasm, passion and positivity”.

Winning a similar accolade in children’s services was Clare Luxton, of Bath and North East Somerset Council, who was recognised for having a gift for “practising with kindness and compassion”. Judges added: “She leads by example in never being afraid to be open and honest about her own feelings, while always reaching out to colleagues to ensure they feel supported to do the same.”

The social justice advocate award went to the Anti-Racist Movement, an independent platform for Black female social workers. Judges said: “The group provides a safe space for global majority female social workers, and uses reflective supervision to empower members to recognise their contributions to the profession.”

One group member said: “I never knew how much I needed this space until it arrived. When we are feeling downtrodden, the group enable us to rise.”

 Maris Stratulis, national director of BASW England which is headline sponsor of the awards, congratulated all the winners for their “hard work, passion and dedication”.

She added: “Thank you for your invaluable contributions and for embodying social work values and ethics in all that you do, everyday.

“We know that the social work profession faces many challenges with increasing pressures felt by the diverse and unique communities we support. During these difficult times, the role of social work is ever more critical, from upholding rights and challenging injustices, to advocating for fairness and promoting wellbeing.

“That’s why it’s important that through these awards we highlight your individual and collective achievements, recognise the exceptional services you deliver for children, families and adults, celebrate the diversity and intersectionality of our profession, and shine a well-deserved spotlight on exceptional social work practice happening across the country.”

Peter Hay CBE, chair of Trustees for the awards, said: “The Awards celebrate the very best in social work, showcasing the remarkable achievements of those in the profession. It’s a real honour to highlight the inspiring accomplishments of both individuals and organisations in this often-underappreciated field.”

Other winners

Social work lecturer of the year: David Marsland, University of Hull

Newly qualified children’s social worker of the year: Holly Shreeves, Central Bedfordshire Council

Newly qualified adult social worker of the year: Elizabeth Okankor Badu, Central Bedfordshire Council

Practice educator of the year: Zainab Sulaiman, Cambridgeshire County Council

Technology-enabled lives and innovation in practice award: TACT Connect – TACT – The Adolescent and Children’s Trust

Mental health social worker of the year: Fran Ashton, Humber NHS Teaching Foundation Trust & Hull City Council

Approved mental health professional of the year: Dr Matt Simpson, Wiltshire Council/Bournemouth University

Team of the year, adult services: Reconnect: Care After Custody, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust

Practitioner-led research award: Anna Bouch, Brighton and Hove City Council

See the full list and more information on the awards website