Children’s Social Worker of the Year
Joanne Worley
ORGANISATION: Essex County Council
AWARD(S): Children's Social Worker of the Year
Writing assessments for court and attending hearings is known to be a challenging area of social work practice – but it’s one that Joanne Worley clearly possesses a natural talent for.
From solicitors who described her reports as “comprehensive and analytical”, to a Court taken by the fact that a mother and child hugged and thanked her at the end of a hearing, Joanne’s nomination was littered with examples of how her skilled court work has made a positive impact on both the children and families she supports, and other professionals.
Joanne has worked in Essex’s Children in Care team since qualifying in 2007 and her colleagues say her greatest asset is her “stickability” – she never gives up on the children and families she works with, regardless of how difficult the circumstances may be.
Her ability to forge meaningful relationships and creative practice also shone through her nomination. She makes certificates for her children when they achieve something – and tries her hand at anything and everything, from playing football to baking cakes.
Joanne is a social worker who takes the time to get to know the children she supports, and who is undoubtedly dedicated to making a lasting difference to their lives.
WHAT THEY SAID:
Very experienced practitioner and some really nice examples of the myriad ways social worker can help and support families.
Isabelle Trowler, Chief Social Worker for Children and Families
Consistently positive endorsements from colleagues, partner agencies and families and carers. Love the work completed by Joanne (in her own time) to make a book for a child.
Louise Walker MBE, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
Thank you for giving us the support and opportunities of late, your comments on our family have overwhelmed us and made us realise we can stop putting so much pressure on ourselves, as our boys are making us so very proud each and every day and that's not going unnoticed.
Feedback from family supported by Joanne
In the everchanging face of social work and staff retention, Joanne has shown commitment and passion about the work she undertakes with children in care and their families. When progress has not looked possible Joanne has embraced the view that change can still occur with support and direct work to enable children to return home to a family member.
Linda Pond, Service Manager, Essex County Council
THE JUDGES
Isabelle Trowler
Liam Newman
Louise Walker MBE
Plam Kara-Lewis
THE FINALISTS
Andrew Caville, Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council
Arlene McCarthy, Wiltshire Council
Brona Law, Derbyshire County Council
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Caroline Heyworth, Essex County Council
Jane Holt, Peterborough City Council
Leigh Butler, Central Bedfordshire Council
Tiffany Cook, North Yorkshire County Council
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