BASW England Committee member Louise Purser awarded an MBE for services to social work
BASW England Committee member, Louise Purser, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List 2019 for her services to social work and social work education.
Louise became a social worker in 1993 having worked with children and young people in residential care for 11 years.
Through a career spanning 38 years, she has worked in local government with children and young people, volunteered as a girl guide leader and has been a carer to children with disabilities.
Louise spent 22 years supporting social work students as a practice educator, being a strategic lead for the social work and social care workforce, developing skills and knowledge. In the past five years Louise changed her role to assessing newly qualified social workers.
Louise said: “It is a privilege to receive the award. My social work journey has allowed me to work with families using a systemic approach and empowering people to make positive changes within their lives.
“All the skills and knowledge I have gained working with children and young people has supported my role as a brownie guide leader and as a carer to children with disabilities - enabling me to advocate for them and help them develop their values whilst challenging themselves and growing into young people who can be proud of their achievements. Thus, promoting social work values and ethics.
“Being a practice educator has allowed me to share my passion and commitment for making a difference to children and young people through developing others.”
As well as being a long standing and active BASW member, Louise is also Chair of BASW England Professional Capabilities and Development Policy, Practice and Education Group.
Commenting on the award, BASW England National Director, Maris Stratulis said: “This is a well-deserved honour and fantastic achievement for Louise, it is a testament to her hard work, passion and commitment to the profession, supporting the next generation of social workers and her outstanding dedication to making a difference.
A number of social workers were recognised for their work in the social work profession for their commitment to helping children, families and adults, including:
Margaret Barrett, Social worker. For services to Leadership for Adult Social Services.
Sheila Simons, Social work manager. For services to social care and protection of women and children.
Louise Walker. Head of social work and professional standards. For services to adult and children's social care.
Aimee Hinton, Social worker. For services to children’s social care.
Marie Roulston, Executive director social work. For servcies to Healthcare and Young People
Ian Thomas, former director of children's services. For services to Local Government and Children's services
Maris Stratulis added: “We are absolutely delighted to see social work professionals recognised for their dedication in helping people. Very often the work of social workers goes unnoticed, but their work makes a vital difference to people’s lives. Congratulations to everyone recognised this year.”