Over 200 social workers celebrated for learning and development excellence

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:

1. Barnardo’s
2. Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
3. Northern Health and Social Care Trust
4. Probation Board for Northern Ireland
5. South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
6. Southern Health and Social Care Trust
7. Western Health and Social Care Trust
8. Ascert
9. NSPCC
10. Bryson Care West
11. Children’s Court Guardian Agency for Northern Ireland
12. Education Authority
13. Extern
14. Foster Care Associates
15. Sharper Solutions
16. MPA Health Recruitment
17. Presbyterian Church in Ireland
18. Queen’s University Belfast
19. Start 360
20. Triangle Housing Association
21. Ulster University
22. GP Federation Western
23. HSC Leadership Centre

Notes to editor

For any queries please contact contact: Rita McCullagh, Head of Strategic Communications and Engagement on rita.mccullagh@niscc.hscni.net or call 07874682049.

Request for photographs from ceremony

Photographs are available upon request – organisations where award recipients are from – see list in press release above.  

Award category descriptions

1. NI Consolidation Award – For newly qualified social workers or those re-entering the workforce – this award supports the development of in-depth competence, to produce well-rounded, competent and confident practitioners.
2. NI Specialist Award – For social workers involved in complex decision-making requiring high levels of professional responsibility and accountability – this award supports social workers to develop high levels of specialist knowledge, skills and expertise.
3. NI Leadership and Strategic Award – For social workers demonstrating high levels of competence, moving beyond the detail of their own practice to explore a wider perspective where they influence developments and are thought leaders.
4. Advanced Scholarship Award – The Advanced Scholarship Award provides the opportunity for social workers to have their learning and development recognised at doctoral level and beyond. The award provides:
   
   – an opportunity for social workers to progress their professional development beyond the Leadership and Strategic Award, and
   – professional recognition for PhDs and for practice which is commensurate with that level of study.

About the Social Care Council – Together we are raising standards of care

The Northern Ireland Social Care Council (Social Care Council) is a public body established by the Department of Health (DoH) to support high quality standards of social work and social care. Our purpose is to register, regulate and support the development of a strong and professional social work and social care workforce that meets the complex needs of our society.

October 2022 marked our 21st anniversary and the policy objectives set out for the Social Care Council in 2001 hold firm today:

1. to strengthen and support the professionalism of the workforce,
2. to raise standards of practice, and
3. to protect the people who use services.