Peterborough and Cambridgeshire social workers recognised for going above and beyond

The awards ceremony was due to take place on March 17 which is World Social Work Day, but this was cancelled due to restrictions to limit the spread of coronavirus.

However, both councils wanted to make sure that colleagues know they are valued and appreciated for all their hard work and have announced the results.

Out of 33 nominations, Cambridgeshire County Council’s Social Work Stars 2020 are:

· Knowledge Mpofu from Children in Care South Team 2 - Knowledge was nominated for going the extra mile for young people and one nominee said he stands out as a brilliant social worker in Cambridgeshire.

· Emily Hogg from South Family Safeguarding Team 2 - Following Emily’s work with students at Anglia Ruskin University, one nominee said her “wealth of experience, professionalism and professional leadership skills were inspiring the next generation of social workers”.

· Sophie Bradley was recognised for her work with a young person with severe mental health issues.

The winner of Peterborough City Council’s Social Work Stars of 2020 was Bethany Smith from Children in Care Team 2.

She was recognised as a role model for other social workers and her nominee said the service was “lucky to have her”. In her feedback, she was described as a “competent, reliable and knowledgeable social worker who is making positive changes to children’s lives on a daily basis and securing them permanency”.

Wendi Ogle-Welbourn, executive director for people and communities at both councils, said: “It is so important to recognise the work that our children social workers have done in the past year, even more now during the situation we are all facing. I want to personally congratulate our winners for the support they have provided and a give big thank you for keeping the children in our county/city safe.”

Cllr Simon Bywater, chairman of the Children and Young Peoples Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “Congratulations to all the winners and nominees and thank you to all our social workers for the work you do.

“Our teams work so hard and make a huge difference to children’s lives across the county all year round.”

Cllr Lynne Ayres, cabinet member for children’s services, education, skills and the university at Peterborough City Council, said: “All our staff in the children’s social service teams are fantastic and I want them all to know how valued and appreciated they are.

“The work they do is vital, especially now as we face this incredibly difficult time.”