Southwark social worker scoops top industry awards
Published 20 December 2011
A Southwark Council social worker has been named as the country's best social worker at a top industry awards ceremony.
Celia Parker, who has worked for Southwark for eight years, was crowned social worker of the year at the annual social worker of the year awards 2011 at the House of Lords.
The award recognises the high standards she has brought to her work with children and their relatives and the carers and staff who support them, throughout her 30 years in the sector.
Celia, who is responsible for the care plan for 60 children and also won the children's services team leader of the year award, said: "It's a great honour to receive this level of recognition for social work and I feel so proud of what my team has achieved."
Judges praised Celia for her "vast knowledge" of child care issues, inspiring her team members and for her commitment to the profession.
One of her team said: "Celia is an inspiration to us all in the manner she delivers services and support to social workers as well as the children. All her decisions and work are because of the passion and care she has for all the looked after children and wanting the best for them."
Catherine McDonald, Southwark's Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: "This is a fantastic achievement and I am delighted that Celia's exemplary work has been recognised.
"Celia and her team support some of Southwark's most vulnerable residents and undoubtedly make a positive difference to their lives, often within challenging circumstances."
James Rook, managing director of headline sponsors and awards organisers Sanctuary Personnel, added: "These awards are about recognising the best work in the profession and to reach the finals is an outstanding achievement in itself.
"The awards aim to raise awareness of the challenging and diverse work that social workers do and they are helping to improve the reputation of social workers everywhere."
Before the award ceremony on December 16, nominees were invited to a 'meet the judges' event.
The judging panel included representatives from the College of Social Work, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services and the Children's Workforce Development Council, Professor Eileen Munro and Andrew Flanagan, Chief Executive at the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children).
