Scotland: BASW announces winners in frontline social work awards

The British Association of Social Workers named John Black from Children 1st as the winner of the Scotland Social Worker of the Year award today, in its first ever awards ceremony.

Alongside Black, Grace Anne Williamson, from Aberlour Child Care Trust ROC Refuge in Glasgow, was awarded Residential Care Worker of the Year, and Jennifer Lindsay from Stirling University was awarded Student Social Worker of the Year.

Black, a project worker with Children 1st’s East Renfrewshire Family Support Service in Barrhead, which supports families affected by substance abuse, has worked in the sector with children and families since 1982.

Since February 2005, he has focused on supporting fathers and male carers, boys and young men at Children 1st, the working name for the Royal Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

Adam Ingram, the Scottish Executive children and early years minister, who attended the awards ceremony in Edinburgh today, said: “These new BASW awards provide a great opportunity to recognise the achievements of frontline staff who are dedicated to improving the lives of others.

“Today we rightly celebrate their hard work, their commitment, their professionalism and their expertise.”

All winners received a European city weekend break, a year’s BASW membership and a trophy.

Black said: “It’s great to see something positive in the news about social work. I was really pleased when I heard as I really value the opinions of those who nominated me.”

More information

BASW Scotland

Children 1st

Aberlour Child Care Trust ROC Refuge

Stirling University

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