Children’s Social Worker of the Year

The pages of glowing feedback from children and families Emily has worked with speak volumes about her social work. Foster parents write warmly of her communication skills, while one mother simply expresses gratitude for “having faith in my ability” to parent her son.

Emily’s talent for delivering excellent, thorough assessments was spotted soon after she joined Suffolk’s child in need team in 2012. Her subsequent move to a child in care team was seen as an opportunity for her to build these skills and develop her expertise –something her service manager describes as being a “privilege” to observe.

Perhaps the most striking section of Emily’s nomination discusses her ability to forge relationships with families who have been hostile and reluctant to deal with services. In two cases highlighted as examples of her practice, she was able to build rapport with mothers –one who was a care leaver, and another with substance misuse issues – and eventually help enable their young children to return home to them.

Emily’s approach has inspired respect within her team and beyond for being risk-sensible, as opposed to risk-averse, and always solutions-focused. The panel commented on her “absolute commitment to achieving the best outcomes for families”.