Top marks for commitment of children's social workers in Cornwall

Last updated: 13/05/2011 Add to My Bookmarks Subscribe

The commitment of children’s social workers who are taking demanding programmes of professional development so that they can make a real and positive difference to the lives of hundreds of vulnerable children and young people across Cornwall was celebrated at a special ceremony held at the Alverton Manor Hotel in Truro this week.

The aim of the Celebration of Success was to recognise the achievements of children’s social workers from the Council’s Children, Schools and Families directorate who have completed degree courses and post qualifying awards. 21 social workers were presented with certificates for their achievements, which ranged from successfully completing the three year social work degree course and the subsequent Newly Qualified Social Worker qualification, to completing the one year Consolidation course and the Specialist Child Care Award.

The social workers were welcomed to the ceremony by Jack Cordery, Head of Children’s Social Work Services for Cornwall Council, who praised their hard work and dedication which, he said, was making a real difference to the lives of children and families in Cornwall.

“I am delighted to be here to present these awards because you are demonstrating your commitment to improving services to children and young people in Cornwall by undertaking and achieving these professional development programmes – for many of you, on top of your job” he said.

“Social work is one of the most complex and challenging professions around. You are entitled to proper support to do your job. That means good quality professional supervision. It means access to training that meets your needs and keeps you up to speed. And it means access to the highest quality post-qualifying, professional development programmes like the Degree in Social Work, the Newly Qualified Social Work programme, the Consolidation Award and the Child Care Award.”

Explaining that the Council was committed to achieving excellence in social work in Cornwall, he said it was the knowledge and skills of the professionals who are there to safeguard children which kept them safe.

“There are two key things which will help us achieve excellence in Cornwall” he said. “These are that each practitioner and manager takes personal responsibility for the quality of their own work and that each and every one of us takes responsibility for our own professional development.

“The people receiving awards today have shown commitment, dedication and hard work in improving both themselves and the services they work in. These are the people we need in Cornwall and I take my hat off to them and wish them the very best in their future careers.”

Guest speaker at the ceremony was Professor Keith Brown, Director of the Centre for Post Qualifying Social Work at Bournemouth University who told the audience that the role of the children’s social worker was one of the most important in society.

“Children’s social workers work with the most vulnerable people in society and it is vital that they do their job to the very best of their ability” he said. “To do that they need the best possible support and Cornwall is committed to providing this support”.

“I am tired of the negative press social workers receive and we all need to stand up and celebrate what you do. You have committed your time and energy to studying to improve the way you practise and I applaud you for this”.

Receiving certificates at the ceremony were :

First degrees :

Dorian Jones, from the Children in Care team in Bodmin who was praised for his energy and passionate commitment to improving the lives of the children he works with.
Julie Best, praised as a highly competent member of the Child Protection team in East Cornwall who opted to work part time to enable her to carry out the course.
Emma Shergold, a member of the Child Protection team, who trained as a social worker with the Council and has been praised for the commitment and sensitivity she shows to her cases.

Newly Qualified Social Workers

Jo Mitchell, from the Bodmin Child Protection team, who had worked in the department for a number of years before beginning her social work training and was praised for her commitment to vulnerable children and their families.
Nathan Headland, from the Bodmin Child Protection team, who was praised for his child focus, reflective and research based approach.
Rachael Kirkland, a member of the child protection team in Truro who was praised for her team work and ability to develop a very good rapport with children of all ages.
Jenna Metherell, who works with disabled children, young people and families, and was praised as a dedicated social worker who successfully supports children and families in difficult circumstances.
Teresa Sampson, who was praised as a reflective and stable social worker who demonstrates commendable tenacity on behalf of the children she works with in Cornwall.
Lorraine Rawlings, who was praised as a highly committed social worker who is determined to provide a quality service in a professional manner.
Lizzie Hobbs, who was praised as an extremely conscientious social worker who is totally focused on the families she works with.

Consolidation Unit

Julia Baston, who was praised as a dedicated, organised and efficient member of the team who is is always child focused in her work and keen to ensure the right outcomes for children
Carolyne Mallet, who was praised as a very committed and truly child centred social worker who really cares about the children and young people she is involved with and always tries to support and motivate them to the best of her ability.
Louise Simpson, who was praised as a diligent worker with excellent skills with working with young people who is a valued member of the Child Protection team.
Val Watkins-Kazan , who works in the child protection team in Penzance and was praised as a well liked, trusted and respected child focused practitioner who works hard to achieve the best outcomes for children and their families
Sam Adlam, a member of the specialist social work team who was praised as an able social worker with a strong sense of personal and professional integrity who is confident at dealing with a wide range of people.
David Darlington, who was praised as a committed and dedicated social worker who ensures that respecting the rights of service users is high on his agenda.
Sarah Davey, who was praised as a highly capable social worker who demonstrates an excellent standard of social work

Specialist Child Care Award

Hildegard Herholdt, who works within the Child Protection team and was praised for being organised, knowledgeable, helpful and experienced with an ability to interact with parents and children in a highly professional and empathetic way which leads to the best possible outcomes for children.
David Van Dyke, who was praised as a very adaptable individual who is committed to his own learning and to supporting others.
Steve Ratcliffe, who was praised as committed to promoting independence and respecting children’s wishes while balancing the risks for young people.
Liz Williams, who was praised for the way in which she had persevered through many difficulties, including illness and injury. over the last two years to achieve the Child Care award.
Sam Law, who was praised for being an approachable and supportive individual who works extremely hard and has a refreshing “can do “attitude”.
Claire Savage, who was praised for the way she had overcome significant issues with determination and perseverance to pursue the Child Care award and improve her practice to benefit the young people she works with.

Story posted 12 May 2011