Social work champion Peter Gilbert dies

Social work pioneer Peter Gilbert has died.

Gilbert, who had motor neurone disease, passed away on 12 December at a Worcestershire hospice at the age of 63.

The former director of social services in Worcestershire had recently been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the profession at the Social Worker of the Year Awards.

Ray Jones, professor of social work at Kingston University, said: “Peter was a real champion for social work, a man of tremendous integrity and humanity.

“He was at the forefront of thinking about spirituality and social work, about leadership, and was at the cutting edge of the development of services for people with learning and mental health difficulties.”

• Read more about Peter Gilbert’s contribution to social work