Do you know this year’s Social Worker of the Year?
By Dan Allard
Do you know a fellow social worker, manager or team who deserves to be recognised for the outstanding work that they do? In a very special year for the Social Worker of the Year Awards (its 10th year as a charity), this year’s virtual event’s theme is ‘Reconnection and Recognition’.
Taking place at the end of the November, the online event will highlight the social work community’s incredible work during the last 12 months. Judges will turn their attention to how invaluable the social work community has been in supporting people to reconnect and move forward from their experiences during the pandemic.
Sanctuary’s ongoing support
Commenting on the awards, CEO of Sanctuary Personnel, James Rook said:
“As the main sponsor and keen supporter of the Social Worker of the Year Awards for many years, we are delighted to continue to support such a hugely important awards programme. Last year’s virtual event was incredibly humbling as our social work colleagues took to social media to share their stories and celebrate in each other’s success. It has been an incredibly difficult year and a half (almost too difficult for words), yet there are so many accounts of social workers who despite everything, continue to go above and beyond despite their own challenges. These awards, more than ever, recognise the resilience of a profession that deserves a huge amount of respect. If you know someone, or perhaps an entire team, whose efforts ought to be recognised, I encourage you to enter the awards.”
Peter Hay CBE, Chair of the Social Worker of the Year Awards, added:
“This year, as we navigate through the turbulence caused by the pandemic, it’s so important for us to take the time to reconnect with each other. As a charity we also feel the time is right to bring back the awards to recognise outstanding social work practice during the pandemic. We hope the Social Worker of the Year Awards 2021, which also falls on our 10th anniversary, inspires social workers across England to connect together, reflect on the last year and look forward to the future.”
How to enter
There are 12 award categories, including two new additions:
Adult Social Worker of the Year
Children’s Social Worker of the Year
Team Leader of the Year
Mental Health Social Worker of the Year
Student Social Worker of the Year
Newly Qualified Social Worker of the Year
Practice Educator of the Year
Team of the Year (any team including MDTs)
Employer of the Year
Outstanding Contribution during Covid-19 (winner of winners)
NEW - University of the Year
NEW - Social Justice Advocate of the Year
There’s no fee to enter and all nominations are now open and will close on 23 July 2021! To enter, simply visit the Social Worker of the Year Awards website. As you’d expect there are a few basic rules. The awards are open to qualified and student social workers currently working in England. Nominees must be fully qualified and registered with Social Work England. You can enter your yourself (or your team) or a third party may nominate you.
For help and advice, the Awards team is on hand and available to answer any questions by emailing awards@socialworkawards.com.
