2018 kicks off with recognition of social work in New Years Honours list

BASW welcomes the recognition of social care and social work in the 2018 New Years Honours list, and would like to congratulate BASW member David Thomas who received an MBE for services to social work education and people with disabilities.

Al Coates, an adoptive father of six, was awarded an MBE for his services to children. Coates gave up his role as a project manager in 2008 to look after his growing family and study to be a social worker. He also advises the government on adoption.

Also recognised for services to children was Sarah Hogan, a Team Manager of the Child Protection and court team for Bath and North-East Somerset, who received a BEM. 

A knighthood was handed to Alan Wood who recently retired from the role of director of children’s services in the London borough of Hackney. He was also a former president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services.

Another former president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services, Dave Hill (presently executive director of social care at Essex county council) received a CBE for services to children.

Ray James, former national president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services was awarded a CBE for services to adult social care. James was recognised for his longstanding leadership on health, housing and adult social care in the London borough of Enfield. He was recently appointed the first national learning disability director at NHS England.

Another recipient of a CBE was Andrea Sutcliffe, the chief inspector of adult social care at the Care Quality Commission, while Nick Whitfield also received a CBE for his services to children.

Further gongs were awarded to Judith Hay and Martin Kelly in the form of an OBE.

Hay and Kelly’s awards represent a double boost for North Yorkshire county council, with Hay being assistant director for children and families and Kelly heading up resources for children and young people’s services.

Scotland and Norther Ireland social care was also recognised in the list. Geraldine Doherty, former registrar of the Scottish Social Services council was awarded an OBE, while Jacqueline Williamson - who grew up in care - was given an MBE for her services to carers and children in Northern Ireland through her charity Kinship Care, which supports kinship carers and their children.