workers given their moment in the spotlight for all the right reasons.
We would also like to applaud the tremendous effort that has gone
into organising this prestigious
annual event with its influential
cast list of judges.
We commend the Social Work
Awards Ltd on what it has achieved
in a relatively short space of time.
Like you, the government is wholeheartedly committed to strengthening the social work profession and the status of
social workers."
The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP
Secretary of State for Education
Children’s Minister meets Celia Parker
8 March 2012
Celia Parker, the children’s social worker from Southwark who won the title of Social Worker of the Year 2011, met with Minister for Children, Tim Loughton MP last week (01 March) to talk about her experiences and the work her team does in one of London’s most deprived areas.
Celia, employed by Southwark Council, was described as ‘a unique and inspiring leader’ when she won the title of Team Leader of the Year (Children’s Services) and Overall Social Worker of the Year 2011, sponsored by Sanctuary Personnel. She has worked in the profession for over 30 years.
“Winning Social Worker of the Year has been very special and a huge accolade for my whole team, who work with families affected by long standing social issues and deprivation. It’s very tough work but we have strong support from Southwark Council. This Minister was interested to hear about my experiences and my views on the issues affecting our profession,” said Celia Parker.
Following the meeting, Minister for Children, Tim Loughton, said: “Social workers like Celia are some of this country’s most important resources but are too little commended for their achievements. It is heartening to see the accomplishments of the profession celebrated for once and social workers given their moment in the spotlight for all the right reasons. I have been delighted to extend my support to the Social Worker of the Year Awards.”
Celia fought off tough competition from nine other category winners to scoop the top prize with final judging being made by Board members from the Social Work Awards Ltd, a new charity set up to aid the awards development.
Present during the meeting with the Minister were two of the board members of the charity, awards founder Beverley Williams and James Rook, Managing Director, Sanctuary Personnel who added: “Celia is an inspiring and committed social worker who is a fitting role model for the whole profession and we were delighted to name her as the overall winner. Her first hand experience was of great interest to the Minister.”
Amongst the topics which Celia and the Minister discussed were the adoption process and special guardian orders, which the Government are currently reviewing
Later this year Celia Parker will be attending a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace with colleague Caroline Curtis from Southwark, who won the Children’s Social Worker of the Year category (sponsored by NSPCC) in the annual awards. Celia and Caroline were selected to attend the Queen’s Garden Party by Southwark Council as a result of their success at the Social Worker of the Year Awards, held on 16th December at the House of Lords.
Catherine McDonald, cabinet member for Children’s Services at Southwark Council concluded: “Southwark Council is extremely proud that Celia’s excellent work has been recognised in this way.Celia and her team support some of the most vulnerable residents in Southwark, making a significant difference to their lives often within challenging circumstances."
Photo Caption: Celia Parker, Southwark Council (Social Worker of the Year 2011) meets Tim Loughton MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Children and Families at the Department for Education.