The Northern Ireland Social Care Council (the Social Care Council) is encouraging the nomination of registered social workers practising in Northern Ireland for the Regional Social Work Awards 2026. The awards recognise those social workers who have made significant positive contributions to their community and the profession.
The regional awards, which are being hosted by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (Belfast Trust), will take place on Friday 4th December 2026 at Belfast City Hall.
The Regional Social Work Awards 2026 aim to ‘Shine a Light on Excellence in Social Work’ across all sectors, recognising outstanding practice and the positive difference it makes to people’s lives. The Awards also celebrate the tenacity and creativity of individuals and teams who keep showing up, day after day, to support, advocate and deliver meaningful change in their own unique way.
Nominations for the awards can be made for individual social workers and social work teams working from all sectors, (statutory, community and voluntary, private, education, justice, probation and training sectors).
Tracy Reid, CEO, Social Care Council, said: “We are delighted to support the launch of the 2026 Social Work Awards. These awards offer an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the very best of the Social Work profession. So, if you know a social worker, or a team that has gone above and beyond to support you, or service users and carers, or a social worker who has shown exceptional leadership, please take the time to nominate them for an award and help them receive the recognition they deserve.”
The application form, information about the award categories and advice on making a submission can be found on the Belfast Trust website here.
Nominations should be submitted by 4pm, 30th June 2026.
When making a nomination you should demonstrate the positive contribution made by the nominee or team and show how their work involves and benefits people who access social work services.
The six awards categories are:
- Beacon of Light Award
- Bright Spark Award
- Constellation Award
- Lighting the Way Award
- Torch of Co-production Award
- BASW NI Legacy of Light Award
If you require advice on making a nomination, or have a query about the management of the Social Work Awards, please email the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust planning team at RegionalSWAwards@belfasttrust.hscni.net.
If you require technical assistance with submitting the online application, please contact businesssupport@niscc.hscni.net.