Entry deadline extended for Social Worker of the Year Awards

The deadline for nominations for the Social Worker of the Year Awards 2013 has been extended, giving social workers and social work teams more time to submit their entries. The closing date is now 5pm on Thursday 12th September.

The Social Worker of the Year Awards is open to social work practitioners throughout England and there are a wide range of categories available to recognise the achievements of individual social workers and social work teams in children’s and adult services.

So far this year there have been over 90 entries – a testament to the improving reputation of the profession that more social workers are feeling confident of their success and are taking the time to enter the awards.

There has also been a high increase in entries in a number of categories compared to last year – including Adult Social Worker of the Year and Newly Qualified Adult Social Worker of the Year.

The awards have gained further credibility in 2013, following the announcement that both BASW and The College of Social Work have signed up to become ‘corporate partners’ of the Social Work Awards Ltd (the registered charity responsible for the awards) and will work together to help shape and develop the 2013 ceremony.

Also showing their support for the 2013 award ceremony are chief social workers, Lyn Romeo and Isabelle Trowler and Professor Eileen Munro, who have all volunteered their time to join the prestigious panel of judges.  

Speaking ahead of awards, founder Beverley Williams said: “We are really excited about the 2013 awards ceremony. We’ve already had some fantastic entries submitted and we are keen for as many social workers and social work teams as possible to take the time to enter.”

There are 13 categories available for the Social Worker of the Year Awards, with specific prizes including ‘Best Employer’, ‘Practice Teacher of the Year’ and a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for anyone who has spent over 20 years, working in the profession.

Entry forms for each category can be downloaded from the Social Worker of the Year Awards website. The closing date for entries is 5pm on Thursday 12 September and the shortlist will be announced in October. The full list of winners will be announced on the 29 November 2013 at the Lancaster Hotel, London.

The Social Worker of the Year Awards is supported by awards founder Beverley Williams, media partner Community Care, headline sponsor Sanctuary Social Care (sponsor, Overall Social Worker of the Year) The College of Social Work (sponsor, Outstanding Contribution to Social Work), BASW (sponsor, Lifetime Achievement Award) and Christies Care (sponsor, Adult Social Worker of the Year). Further sponsors are expected to be announced shortly.