Congratulations to our amazing social workers!

The social workers, who support a wide range of residents from adults in hospital to children in care, have been honoured by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW).

The BASW awards aim to highlight the achievements of individuals and teams in the profession, whilst also raising the profile and public understanding of the critical role of social work in our communities.

The social workers recognised for their amazing work are: 

• Sarah Taylor, Adults Social Worker, Mental Health
• Jenny Stewart, Advanced Social Work Practitioner, Mental Health
• Daniel Hazel, Experienced Adults Social Worker, Urgent Care
• Michelle Hewitt, Area Manager
• Denise Brewer, Advanced Adults Social Worker
• Abi Thompson, Social Worker, Children’s Services
• Robyn Yarnold, Team Manager, Children’s Services
• Sophie Fry, Team Manager, Children’s Services
• Charlotte Whitelock, Social Worker, Children’s Services

Kerry McCrossan, Assistant Director for Adult Social Care at Worcestershire County Council said: “I am exceptionally proud of all of our Social Workers at the Council. Social Work is such a rewarding profession but equally challenging!  I observe daily the passion and drive our staff have to support people to live good quality, meaningful lives, in the safest way possible, recognising individuals strengths and wishes. It is an absolute pleasure to work with such a fantastic service whom I regularly observe going above and beyond every day because they truly care about the people they support. A huge congratulations to the nine social workers who were recognised by BASW; it couldn’t be more deserved.”

Adam Johnston, Strategic Director for Children’s Services at Worcestershire County Council added: “Congratulations to our fantastic social workers who have been recognised for their commitment to supporting children and young people to have the very best start in life. Having worked alongside each of our social workers in a multitude of scenarios I can personally attest to their motivation and dedication in always seeking to achieve the best possible outcomes for those children they work alongside. They are an absolute credit to Worcestershire Children’s Services.”

BASW UK Vice-Chair Lewis Roberts said: “BASW is delighted to once again run the Amazing Social Workers campaign. It’s a wonderful way for our profession to come together to celebrate, applaud and shine a spotlight on exceptional social work practice, while also thanking and paying tribute to the individuals and teams making it happen.

“Every day, social workers across the UK go above and beyond advocating for the adults, children and families they support. Their role is key to upholding human rights, promoting social justice and making a positive difference to people’s lives.”

Worcestershire County Council are delighted to be shining a spotlight on their award winners this Social Work Week 2025. You can read more about the winners and why they were nominated in the bios below:

Michelle Hewitt from Bewdley is an area manager within Adult Social Care and was nominated a phenomenal NINE times! Her colleagues said: “Michelle has been a truly inspirational and motivational leaders to the team and upholds strong ethics and values of the social work profession. She encourages a positive work life balance, and models this too. She knows what wellbeing means to us and never forgets a birthday. She is our rock and the very heart of our team. Michelle really does deserve to be recognised as an exceptional Team Manager and Social Worker.”

On her award Michelle said: “It was really lovely to receive the e-mail from BASW advising me some members of the team had nominated me. Reading the lovely comments as well I felt very honoured and humbled to receive such lovely things said about me in my role. I have been managing the Worcester City Area team since 2018, I am extremely proud of the work we all do.”

Sarah Taylor from Malvern is a social worker specialising in adult mental health. Sarah was nominated by a colleague who said: “As well as holding an individual case load Sarah actively contributes to the Social Work Team Duty system.  Many people can find duty somewhat anxiety provoking by virtue of its nature of being unpredictable, fast paced, of high intensity and often with the need to make quick decisions to mitigate risk although Sarah seems to thrive on the unpredictability and diversity duty affords her. Sarah is never content to sit back and rest on her laurels and is an excellent example of social work dedication and the positive effect social work can have on individuals quality of life”

On her award win Sarah said: “I am incredibly grateful and proud to be recognised for my contribution to the team and to social work.  I'm genuinely thankful for the appreciation you've shown and serves as a reminder of the impact I can make and encourages me to continue giving my best. Thank you so much.”

Jenny from Bromsgrove is an Advanced Social Work Practitioner for adults within the Mental Health Team. Jenny was nominated by a colleague who said: “Jenny is supportive, encouraging, and always provides a safe environment for me to talk through any worries. Jenny is a strong advocate for the individuals who use our service - ensuring they receive best practice from all professionals involved in their care. Jenny has an excellent sense of humour and can always brighten the darkest of days. I am so grateful to have her as my colleague.”

On her award win Jenny said: “It was a lovely surprise, and I’m touched to be acknowledged. Becoming a Practice Educator reignited my passion for social work. I enjoy the challenge of working with students. I want to be a part of and shape new generations of social workers and share my learnt experiences. I feel the role of a Practice Educator is multi-faceted focusing on mentoring, assessing, and supervising. It allows me to keep up to date with social work knowledge, highlight ongoing development within practice and develop my leadership skills. I am passionate about learning and enjoy encouraging others.”

Abi Thompson from Stourbridge is a children’s social worker and was nominated by a colleague who said: “Abi is an amazing social worker. She is always at the end of the phone when needed, she listens to the views of the young people and advocates strongly for them. She is always honest and straight forward. Whenever advice is needed she seeks it promptly. For Abi it's not just a job, it's a way for her to make positive outcomes for children that have experienced challenges and trauma in their life.”

On her award win Abi said: “It’s an honour to be recognised by external agencies who see the time and effort I put into my job. I am so passionate about my role, and I strive for all my young people to achieve their best outcomes.”

Robyn who lives in Evesham is a Team Manager for Children’s Services at the Council. She was recognised by a colleague who said: “Robyn always goes above and beyond for her team.  She is always available to offer support and guidance no matter how daft or small or, if you are feeling overwhelmed, she is there for you, and you feel listened to, which in our roles is needed, valued and appreciated. Because of the fantastic leadership we get from Robyn, our team is like a family.  I almost gave up on my dream of being a social worker, but thanks to the leadership of Robyn, I continued on my journey and I'm happily in my role two years on.”

On hearing about the award win Robyn said: “It feels great to be recognised for the support I have given. I try to promote a positive learning environment in my team, so I am pleased that this has been felt by my team.”

Sophie from Worcester is a Team Manager for Children’s Services at the Council She was nominated by a colleague who said: “Sophie is an exceptional manager who is truly relational, dedicated and focused.  Sophie has taken on extra work with the oversight of the Approach to Social Work Unit this year and nothing has been too much for her, she has been proactive, supportive and acted as a true mentor and shared her expertise! Sophie you are an amazing social worker and a truly inspirational leader!!!”

Sophie said: “I am really humbled by this recognition; it’s a privilege to work with such vibrant and enthusiastic teams of social workers here in Worcestershire. It is an honour to develop our social workers of the future in such an inspiring and fulfilling profession.”

Daniel Hazel lives in Redditch and is an experienced adults social worker for the urgent care team within Redditch hospital. He was nominated by two of his colleagues who said: “Dan's works within a health setting, which highlights the contrast between the medical and social model on a daily basis. His approach is unwavering, often challenging Social Work values which Dan holds firm within his practice. Dan is a role model to the Social Work profession and the wider team often refer to Dan as ‘The ideal Social Worker'. Dan's approach is always consistent, calm, considerate and reflective of his own practice. He has a sound knowledge of legislation and theory when working with service users and their families, which he uses to manage expectations with sensitivity in often challenging situations.”

On being recognised Daniel said: “I had Just come back from annual leave when I saw the initial email, it felt good to see what had been passed on, it is easy to forget all the different things we do each day, and how many different topics we need to be knowledgeable in, just to get through the average week! It’s also a reminder that others may remember our actions better than we do at times, and that we do have a positive impact on those around us, both on those we support and our colleagues.”

Denise Brewer from Worcester is an advanced social worker for adults and was nominated by a colleague who said: “Dee is a very supportive, she takes the time to listen to any issues or concerns, is always available to discuss cases, ensures that those that she supervises have regular 1-1s and ensures  health and wellbeing is supported.”

Denise said: “It was a lovely surprised when I received the email saying I had been nominated and the reason why, our jobs can be challenging and receiving a compliment like this makes all the difference.”