Record entries received for Social Worker of the Year Awards

A record number of entries have been received for this year’s Social Worker of the Year Awards, highlighting the excellent and diverse work being undertaken by practitioners.

The awards, which will be announced in November, received almost double the number of entries compared to 2011.

There are thirteen different categories which recognise the work of individual social workers, teams and departments. New categories for 2012 include prizes to celebrate the achievements of newly qualified social workers. There are also honours available for best employer and team of the year.

James Rook, managing director of headline sponsors Sanctuary Personnel, said: “We are thrilled to have seen such a significant rise in the number of entries for this year’s awards. The standard of entries is incredibly high and I know that it will be a difficult decision for our panel of judges to make their decisions.”

“It is clear that social workers across the country are doing a fantastic job and these awards will raise awareness of the challenging and diverse work that goes on and improve the reputation of social workers everywhere.”

The submitted entries are currently being judged by a high profile panel of industry leaders.

Each category will be whittled down to a final shortlist, which will be announced in early October. Finalists will then be invited to attend an exciting awards presentation which will take place at the Houses of Parliament on Friday 30 November.

Following the success of last year’s panel discussion, guests will again have the opportunity to ask questions and debate sector topics with the judging panel during an informative discussion session.

The Social Worker of the Year Awards are organised by the Social Work Awards Ltd, a charity with the sole purpose of aiding and supporting the development of the awards. Board members of the charity include James Rook (Sanctuary Personnel), Hilton Dawson (BASW), Ruth Smith (Community Care) and awards founder Beverley Williams.

For more information about the Social Worker of the Year Awards, or to see the final shortlist please see the awards’ website.