National recognition for Social Work Education and Practice in our region
4 November 2024
Winners of the Social Worker of the Year Awards 2024 will be announced this week – and the University of Hull and our regional practice partners are well-recognised amongst the finalists.
The prestigious annual awards, which include 18 categories from Social Work Lecturer of the year to Team Leader of the Year, celebrate high-quality practice, practice education, leadership, teamwork, innovation, research, teaching and advocacy within social work.
The significant number of shortlisted candidates reflects the strength of Social Work partnerships in our Humber region incorporating local authorities, the NHS and independent agencies across Hull, North and East Lincolnshire and the East Riding of Yorkshire.
University of Hull Lecturer David Marsland, who is shortlisted for University Social Work lecturer of the year, said: “It is a most unexpected honour to be nominated for this national award. More importantly, the high number of shortlisted candidates from our region reflects the quality and commitment of our graduates and the commitment of our partners in practice alongside our own efforts at the University. Working together in the region our Humber Social Work Teaching Partnership contributes to producing highly skilled Social Workers who will go on to support some of the most vulnerable citizens in our communities.”
Finalists were chosen by a panel of judges independent of the organising charity, the Social Work Awards Ltd, including previous award winners, social workers, sector leaders and people with lived experience of social work.
Caron Hodgson, head of service for workforce policy and professional practice at Hull City Council, said: “The Hull City Council Adult Social Care team is thrilled to congratulate all those shortlisted for this year’s Social Worker of the Year Awards. We are especially proud to highlight the nomination of Helen Hewitt, one of our own dedicated team members.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the breadth of practice across our city, showcasing the positive outcomes and significant contributions of the social work profession to individuals, families, and communities.”
Shortlisted from our region are:
University Social Work Lecturer of the Year
David Marsland, University of Hull
Newly Qualified Adult Social Worker of the Year
Tafadzwa Nathaniel Gonditii, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust & Hull City Council
Social Justice Advocate Award
Helen Hewitt, Change, Grow, Live and Hull City Council
Mental Health Social Worker of the Year
Fran Ashton, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
Team leader of the Year, adult services
Hazel Welburn, North Lincolnshire Council
Team of the Year, adult services (including multidisciplinary teams)
Hull Community Mental Health Team, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
Practice Educator of the Year
Clare Alexander, North Lincolnshire Council
The chair of the Social Worker Awards, Peter Hay, said: “This year we received hundreds of entries which goes to show how passionate organisations and individuals are to shine a light on the inspirational achievements of an often-overlooked profession.
“We would like to thank all those who took the time to nominate a friend, colleague, or team for an award this year. To our finalists, we’d like to say congratulations! Being nominated for a national award, whilst supporting others during very challenging times in a year of big changes, is a remarkable achievement of which you should be very proud.”
The category winners, along with an overall social worker of the year, will be announced at the Social Worker Awards ceremony in London on 8 November 2024.
Related News
13 December 2024
Plan ahead for a healthy festive season: Order your repeat prescriptions now!
Bondholders13 December 2024
Drax and Pathway Energy agree heads of terms on sustainable biomass deal to supply new US SAF Plant
Bondholders13 December 2024