Social workers recognised at national awards

Two dedicated Darlington social workers have had their efforts recognised at a national awards ceremony.

Penny Jackson and Joseph Robb, who work in children’s and adult services for Darlington Borough Council, were shortlisted in the prestigious Social Worker of the Year awards.

The awards were held in London on Friday 30 November.

Penny, who works in adult mental health services, won a silver award in her category – mental health social worker of the year. She was commended by judges for her dedication to her role and to the profession.

Joseph, an advanced practitioner in the Keeping Families Together team, was a finalist in the practice educator category for qualified social workers who have been involved in mentoring students and newly-qualified colleagues.

Suzanne Joyner, Darlington Borough Council’s Director of Children’s and Adult Services, said: “These awards recognise the very best social workers from across the country, so to be finalised was a huge achievement for Penny and Joseph. They should both be very proud of themselves, as we are of them and all the highly-skilled social workers in our teams.”

Penny, who joined the council three years ago, said: “I was surprised and really pleased to find out that I had been nominated for Mental Health Social Worker of the Year.  I was even more surprised when I won a silver award. It was great to be able to represent Darlington and to hear about good practice elsewhere.

“When I was studying, I was fortunate to learn a great deal from experienced colleagues in both social work and other professions. I am privileged to be able to support people who are undergoing difficult and possibly traumatic times in their lives, and I think I have learned the most from these people.”

Penny was presented with her award by care leaver and BBC news reporter, Ashley John-Baptiste in front of an audience of over 450 social workers and representatives of the profession.

Joseph said: “This nomination was a complete surprise, I am very grateful to judges, my colleagues and the students I have supported who nominated me for this award. This nomination would not have been possible without the fantastic support I receive from fellow practice educators, my team and managers.

“To have two social workers shortlisted for a national award shows the fantastic work social workers are doing in Darlington.”