ESSEX County Council has won Social Work Employer of the Year at the prestigious Social Work Awards covering both Adult Social Care and Children and Families services and a social worker from Essex has won the national accolade of Adult Social Worker of the Year Gold Award.

The judges praised Essex County Council’s “focus on transforming outcomes for people and communities, with social work at the centre.”

Melanie Noel, who works for Essex County Council, won the top prize of Gold Award Winner at the virtual awards ceremony which took place on Wednesday 17 November.

Social Worker of the Year Awards is a registered charity aiming to recognise and celebrate excellent social work in England.

Councillor John Spence, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Social work is a challenging and diverse profession, but it is also one of the most rewarding.

“It is often misunderstood and that is why it is so important that we recognise the hard work and positive impact that social workers have on the lives of vulnerable children, families and adults.”

“We do not hear enough about the wonderful work of social workers, and their hard work and dedication in helping to transform people’s lives – and never have their challenges been tougher than during the covid period, so to win it this year feels very special.”

“We are very pleased and proud on an individual level for Melanie’s award and on a team level for Essex County Council winning Social Work employer of the year. It’s recognition from social work professionals from across the country.”

Melanie Noel, Social Worker at Essex County Council, said: “When I work with people who have had difficult lived experiences, but you’re still able to make them feel special, that’s my proudest achievement.”

The judges praised Melanie for having an exceptional depth of social work practice, adding she ‘comes alongside people, they trust her and she’s genuine, and they can develop a relationship with her to address their mental wellbeing goals.’
Since 2006, Social Worker of the Year Awards has celebrated the outstanding achievements of social work practitioners and teams up and down the country. It recognises and celebrate the challenging work that qualified social workers do day in, day out, and highlights their achievements.