Dorset Council is proud to announce that two social workers from the area were shortlisted for prestigious awards in recognition of their extraordinary support for adults.
Christine Norman won a Silver award in the Newly Qualified Social Worker of the Year category, and Laura Lowe was shortlisted for the Practice Educator of the Year category in the annual Social Worker of the Year Awards.
Christine has worked in Dorset since 2012 and undertook her professional social work training, qualifying in October 2020. She was nominated for the national award in recognition of the work she has undertaken with her local community, as well as her involvement in developing and supporting a national network designed to support social work students.
Laura’s nomination recognised that her passion lies within the professional development of others. She has been a Practice Educator for the last 8 years, successfully supporting student social workers during their training, through to qualification. Laura has also successfully coached and mentored newly qualified social workers and watched them flourish into proficient social workers.
Both Christine and Laura demonstrated a passion and commitment in the work they undertake with Dorset residents, and this was reflected in their successful shortlisting.
Christine and Laura, both one of eight finalists in their respective categories, attended the live stream of a special virtual awards ceremony broadcast live from London on Wednesday 17 November.
The Newly Qualified Social Worker of the Year award recognises social workers with less than one year’s experience who have made a positive difference to the lives of adults or families through their outstanding work.
The Practice Educator of the Year award recognises social workers who are involved in mentoring and supervising students and newly qualified social workers.
The awards are organised by the Social Work Awards charity, which aims to improve public awareness and understanding of social work by showing the positive impact of social workers in the wide range of roles they undertake.
Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Education, Children & Early Help said:
“We are absolutely thrilled that Chris and Laura were nominated and shortlisted, and special congratulations to Chris on her Silver Award. The past 18 months have been really tough for everyone, but social workers especially have had to find new and innovative ways to help the people they support.
“We’re extremely proud that we have such talented and committed social workers here in Dorset, who really do go the extra mile to help and support children, adults and families.”
Peter Hay CBE, Chair of the Social Work Awards, said:
“As a charity, we are delighted to bring back the awards this year to shine a light on the inspirational achievements of an often-overlooked profession.
“Thank you to all of the people who took the time out of their day to nominate a friend, colleague, or team for an award this year. And, to all our finalists, congratulations. Being nominated for a national award, whilst supporting others to navigate through the turbulence caused by the pandemic, is a remarkable achievement of which you should be very proud.”
For more information about the awards, visit www.socialworkawards.com
