Dr Emma Ainsley shortlisted for prestigious social work award

The Social Worker of the Year Awards is the only major national awards event for social work in England, attracting hundreds of entries every year. Emma has been shortlisted in the University Social Work Lecturer of the Year category.

All those who have been shortlisted are being recognised for their extraordinary practice. The finalists were chosen by panels of independent judges including previous award winners, social workers, industry leaders and people with lived experience of social work.

Peter Hay CBE, Chair of the Social Work Awards, said: “This year we received hundreds of entries which goes to show how passionate organisations and individuals are to shine a light on the inspirational achievements of an often-overlooked profession.

“We would like to thank all those who took the time to nominate a friend, colleague, or team for an award this year. To our finalists, we’d like to say congratulations! Being nominated for a national award, while supporting others during very challenging times in a year of big changes, is a remarkable achievement of which you should be very proud.”

Emma is delighted with her shortlisting, saying: "I feel incredibly honoured to be a finalist in the Social Worker of the Year Awards. Social work education is profoundly important because it equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to address complex social issues, advocate for others, and drive systemic change. It is a privilege to work alongside our amazing students, and to have the opportunity to shape their practice and be part of their journey into social work. I don’t work alone, and my teaching is informed, enriched, and supported by our Experts by Experience and the entire team who all do incredible work.”

Professor Christopher Burton, Head of School of Allied and Public Health Professions commented: “It is fantastic to see this recognition of Emma’s commitment to the development of her students and the social work profession. This nomination is indicative of the excellence of our academic colleagues, and the learning and teaching they facilitate. Her nomination acknowledges the importance of coproducing learning with students and Experts by Experience, which is at the core of the way we work.”

The awards ceremony will take place in London on Friday 8 November, when the winners for each of this year’s 18 categories will be revealed and the ‘Overall Social Worker of the Year’ will be crowned.  

 

For more information about the awards visit www.socialworkawards.com