Five days left to enter the Social Worker of the Year Awards

Social workers and social work teams have only five days left to enter the 2014 Social Worker of the Year Awards.

The closing date for nominations is 5pm Friday 5 September and practitioners can enter themselves, a colleague or their team into the awards.

The awards recognise good social work practice and the achievements of individuals and were founded by independent social worker, Beverley Williams, in 2006.

James Rook, managing director of the awards’ headline sponsor Sanctuary Social Care, said: “A real buzz is starting to build up about the awards now, which is very exciting.

“We are urging anyone who is thinking about entering to submit their nomination form before it’s too late. Winning a Social Worker of the Year Award really is a fantastic way to celebrate all your hard work and achievements.”

The awards feature 17 different categories and this year’s event includes three new accolades: Mental Health Social Worker of the Year, Principal Social Worker of the Year and Student Social Worker of the Year.

Patricia Fifield, winner of the Adults Social Worker of the Year and Overall Social Worker of the Year at last year’s event, said: “It is really good for the profession to have these awards and the more people that enter the better really. We need as much positive publicity as possible for social workers and social work.”

Entries will be judged by a panel of more than 30 leading industry professionals, which includes the two chief social worker’s Lyn Romeo and Isabelle Trowler, College of Social Work chief executive Annie Hudson and BASW England manager Maris Stratulis.

The awards are also supported the College of Social Work and BASW, category sponsors Christies Care and Core Assets, as well as media partner Community Care.

The winners will be announced on 28 November at an awards ceremony at the Lancaster London Hotel. Download an entry form to enter.