This week over 200 social workers from across Northern Ireland are being recognised at the Professional in Practice Awards, for their contribution to the future of social work through learning and development.
Now in its 19th year, the Northern Ireland Social Care Council’s (the Social Care Council) award ceremony recognises the commitment to learning by social workers who have clearly demonstrated their contribution to delivering outstanding social work practice.
Always a popular event, the Social Care Council were privileged to be welcomed by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Alderman Beth Adger MBE. The event featured special guest Declan Lawn, screenwriter and director work on the BBC TV show ‘Blue Lights’, discussing how his depiction of main character ‘Grace’ has helped change perceptions of the role of social workers.
The theme for this year’s ceremony was ‘Leadership in social work’, with a focus on ensuring that the leadership shown by all social workers at all levels is recognised and acknowledged.
Opening the ceremony, Patricia Higgins, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Social Care Council, said:
“I’ve been very proud today to celebrate the hard work, dedication and achievement of our social workers. It is incredible to see their commitment to continuous professional development. Every social worker receiving an award today has shown leadership and make best use of their learning to inspire, lead and represent the profession.
“From the original event which saw just six social workers receive awards to over 200 today, it is clear that the social work profession in Northern Ireland is thriving by investing in learning and improving, providing a better service for the community.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Aine Morrison, Chief Social Worker, Department of Health NI said:
“The Professional in Practice Awards highlight the expertise and skill social workers bring to their roles. All of those being recognised at this ceremony have shown their commitment to ongoing learning in order to improve the lives of the people they support. I applaud all of your efforts and know that you will now play an important part in enriching and enhancing the quality of social work services.”
Three award categories were presented (Consolidation Award in Social Work, Specialist Award in Social Work and Leadership and Strategic Award in Social Work) to social workers from the following organisations:
- Barnardo’s
- Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
- Northern Health and Social Care Trust
- Probation Board for Northern Ireland
- South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
- Southern Health and Social Care Trust
- Western Health and Social Care Trust
- Ascert
- NSPCC
- Bryson Care West
- Children’s Court Guardian Agency for Northern Ireland
- Education Authority
- Extern
- Foster Care Associates
- Sharper Solutions
- MPA Health Recruitment
- Presbyterian Church in Ireland
- Queen’s University Belfast
- Start 360
- Triangle Housing Association
- Ulster University
- GP Federation Western
- HSC Leadership Centre
