Essex flying the flag at Social Worker of the Year Awards

Essex is celebrating after an incredible NINE nominations in the Social Worker of the Year Awards – making up more than 10 per cent of the shortlisted entries nationwide!

Of the 78 finalists, Essex County Council’s flagship approach to social work has secured nominations in six categories, including social worker of the year, team of the year and best employer.

Among the nominees are Essex’s Family Operations team, which is now championing best practice nationwide, a social worker who helped an orphan asylum seeker at risk of radicalisation, and another who helped safeguard a child at risk of sexual exploitation.

Cllr Dick Madden, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Children, said: “We’re serious about social work in Essex and our approach focuses on supporting and empowering our residents to achieve the positive outcomes they want.

“The Social Worker of the Year Awards are a fantastic way of celebrating the contribution all our social workers make, as well as a chance to highlight the specific skills and experience they utilise to improve the lives of local people.

“I’m delighted our social workers are receiving the recognition they deserve. To make up more than 10 per cent of the shortlist nationwide is testament to our dedication and innovative approach.

“I would like to wish everyone who has been shortlisted the very best of luck at the awards ceremony next month.”

The Social Worker of the Year Awards 2016 will take place on Friday, 25 November, in London.

Garry McCord, Chief Executive Officer of Servelec Corelogic, who are sponsoring this year’s Creative and Innovative Social Work Practice category in partnership with ECC, said: “We are extremely proud to jointly sponsor the Creative and Innovative Social Work Practice category alongside our partner, Essex County Council.

“We are inspired by the ongoing commitment, dedication and care demonstrated by social workers. The work they do plays a key role in driving forward the delivery of the new care models and transforming the lives of vulnerable children and adults.”

For more information about the Social Worker of the Year Awards please see www.socialworkawards.com.

Principal Social Worker of the Year – Mandy Nightingale

Best Social Work Employer – Family Operations, ECC

Team Leader of the Year, Children’s Services – Bianka Lang

Team Leader of the Year, Adult Services – Shirley Semple

Team of the Year, Children’s Services – Fostering Recruitment and Assessment Team

Team of the Year, Adult Services – Older People Tendring Team 1

Newly Qualified Children’s Social Worker of the Year – Connie Hazell

Children’s Social Worker of the Year – Aimee Weston, Danielle Martin