‘If ever there was a time to celebrate the commitment of social workers, it is now’

By Ray Jones, professor of social work at Kingston University and St George’s, University of London, and chair of the Social Work Awards charity

If ever there was a time to celebrate and profile the commitment and contribution of social workers, it is now. Social workers are busier than ever assisting more and more children and families, disabled and older people. For them, life is getting harder as they experience the impact of cuts to benefits and vital services.

But just look around and we see all those practitioners, managers, teams and organisations working tirelessly and demonstrating tremendous care, compassion and wisdom. Social work deserves a stronger profile across the local, regional and national media. Your colleagues, team and organisation ought to get recognition for their major contributions and achievements.

The Social Worker of the Year Awards help to generate that strong profile locally and beyond for social work. With the closing date for the 2015 event fast approaching, now is the time to grab this opportunity and celebrate good practice in the profession.

The awards were initiated by Beverley Williams, herself a frontline social work practitioner, and there are categories relevant for all social workers, managers, teams and organisations. Just have a look at the Social Worker of the Year Awards website – and do get your nominations submitted by 5pm on Friday 24 July.

There is a big opportunity here to give credit to inspirational colleagues and for managers and leaders to give recognition to their teams and organisations. Get your nominations in on time and we look forward to seeing you at the awards dinner in London in November.