Social worker shortlisted for top national award

Ellie Taylor, a social worker in Children’s Services has been selected as a finalist for ‘Newly Qualified Children’s Social Worker of the Year’ in the Social Worker of the Year Awards 2023.

Ellie was nominated for her passionate support of children and families, regularly going above and beyond for those she supports, including young people seeking asylum for who she implemented her own system to help them settle into life in the UK. Ellie used picture messaging to help young people gain some basic knowledge in English before they entered education, and to check in with them afterwards, to find out how they are settling in. A passionate advocate of young people, Ellie makes sure they feel valued and listened to.

She is one of four finalists in the Newly Qualified Children’s Social Worker of the Year category and will find out if she has won at a special awards ceremony in London on Friday 3 November.

The Newly Qualified Children’s Social Worker of the Year award is for those with less than one year’s experience who have made a positive difference to the lives of either adults or children and families through their outstanding work.

Cllr Stephen Davies, cabinet member for children’s safeguarding and early years at Gloucestershire County Council said: “I am delighted that one of our social workers has been shortlisted in the Social Worker of the Year awards, it is great to see the hard work of Gloucestershire Children's Services recognised."

“The award recognises Ellie’s dedication and commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families in Gloucestershire and particularly our care experienced children and young people.

“It is wonderful to see the difference she makes recognised at a national level, and I wish Ellie the very best of luck.”

Peter Hay CBE, Chair of the Social Work Awards, said: “This year we received the most entries ever which goes to show organisations and individuals are keen 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, whilst supporting others during very challenging times, is a remarkable achievement of which you should be very proud.”

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