Children’s Social Worker of the Year 2022

Annmarie Nero only completed her assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE) last year, but she is already known across the senior leadership team at Achieving for Children, a community interest company   for her tenacious work on complex cases, and for demonstrating the insight and analysis of a more experienced social worker.  

Annmarie works in the Adolescent Safeguarding Team where she uses direct work and her ability to develop relationships with young people and deliver impactful interventions. In one complex child sexual abuse case, Annmarie’s support for the young people at risk helped to uncover the level of organised crime present and led to significant disclosures to the police, which her colleagues say will likely keep children safe for years to come.  

A practitioner whose own journey into social work started as a child, Annmarie is a champion of the use of direct work tools. Alongside her day-to-day role, she has delivered sessions to colleagues to share knowledge and skills, and is known for praising workers when they ‘find the hook that supports a young person to make a change’.  

The testimonials submitted in support of Annmarie’s nomination highlighted the positive difference she has made to so many lives, with parents describing her as ‘amazing’, non-judgemental, and supporting them ‘in every way possible’. She really stood out as a practitioner who goes above and beyond for children and their families.  

Supported by London Borough of Wandsworth.