Practice Educator of the Year
Karen Maude
ORGANISATION: Bradford College
AWARD(S): Practice Educator of the Year
Karen Maude is a social worker who does not shy away from a challenge. In the early 1990s, she was one of the first practitioners to put themselves forward for a team responding to the humanitarian crisis in Kosovo. More recently, she led on the creation of Calderdale Council’s award-winning Gateway to Care service, revitalising the role of community social work and enabling more people to access support than ever before.
Since ‘retiring’ from local authority life, Karen’s approach to mentoring students in her role of independent practice educator has been no different. She is recognised by colleagues and students alike as a “legendary” supervisor who truly walks alongside those she supports, on hand at all hours of the day to answer questions and offer encouragement.
The feedback submitted with Karen’s nomination demonstrated how she instills trainee social workers with confidence and determination, with several commenting on how they would not have survived their placements without her genuine care and support.
Most notably, Karen’s “unshakeable” human rights ethos is at the heart of all she does and she consistently works to ensure new social workers enter the profession equipped to practice true social work values, promoting people’s strengths and upholding their rights
What was said about Karen:
“One sometimes has the opportunity to either meet or read about someone for whom social work values are hard wired into them at a very early stage. Across a long and varied career Karen has clearly had these and applied them in her own practice and, in helping students.”
Glen Garrod, ADASS President
“An excellent nomination capturing Karen's passion and commitment to the role. Clear evidence of impact both for students - with consistent positive feedback.”
Louise Walker, Raising the Profile of Social Work Award Winner 2017:
“In a nutshell Karen is amazing. When talking to her it seems like what she doesn't know about social work isn't worth knowing. I honestly feel that I would not have had such a wonderful placement experience without her there to support me. She helped me to understand my potential and the value I have to bring to social work whilst still helping me grow and develop in my practice.”
Student social worker:
“Karen is social work. She truly believes in the strengths and positivity of the profession and that is what resonates in the support she provides to the students. Karen ensures that her students receive the most comprehensive of practice support, which supplements and enhances their social work education at the College or University. She goes above and beyond in every bit of support she provides.”
Bev Maybury, Strategic Director Health and Wellbeing, Bradford Council:
THE JUDGES
Glen Garrod
Louise Walker MBE
Maris Stratulis
THE FINALISTS
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Emma Goodall, Cornwall Council
Joseph Robb, Darlington Borough Council
Karen Maude, Bradford College
Lorraine Falconer, Croydon Council