A social worker from Cornwall Council’s Adult Social Care has won a Silver Award at the prestigious Social Worker of the Year Awards in London.

Emma Goodall, who lives near Truro, was awarded in the Practice Educator of the Year category on Friday, November 30, in recognition for her hard work with newly qualified social workers and students on placement.

The Social Worker of the Year Awards were founded in 2006 by independent practitioner, Beverley Williams MBE, with the aim of improving the understanding and reputation of the profession.

Emma was presented with her award by care leaver and BBC news reporter, Ashley John-Baptiste at the an event attended by more than 450 practitioners and high profile figures from the profession.

Cornwall Council’s Strategic Director of Adult Social Care and Health, Helen Charlesworth-May said: “Emma is an exceptional practitioner so it was an honour that her work has been recognised nationally, and she fully deserves the accolade of the silver award.

“This award highlights the quality of support that students and trainees are given when they join Cornwall Council on the start of their career.”

Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder for Adults Rob Rotchell said: “Social workers have to deal with challenging cases and make difficult decisions every day. It is important that they are recognised for all their hard work and dedication in helping to transform people’s lives.

“I am extremely proud of Emma winning the award and highlighting the council’s great work in Adult Social Care.”

Emma, who has worked in social care for over 10 years, has been a Practice Educator at the council since 2016, supporting and facilitating the learning and development of social workers within the Adult Social Care service of the local authority. She is currently undertaking a Doctorate in Education, alongside her full-time role.

Emma said: “I am really proud to represent Cornwall Council at the Social Work Awards and raise the profile of practice education in Adult Social Care.

“I am thrilled to be recognised for my work with learners and winning a silver award is such an honour.

“This is a reflection of the great practice that my Practice Educator colleagues offer to our students and social workers every day.

“I am so pleased to be able to represent the good work, both locally and nationally.”

Ann-Marie Brierley, Head of Safeguarding Children at award sponsor North Lincolnshire Council, said: “I was delighted that the Silver Practice Educator of the Year Award was awarded to Emma. She is inspiring the next generation of social workers and is committed to providing students with unique and creative learning opportunities to inform their practice and achieve their very best.”

The judges commended Emma for her personal commitment to constantly developing her knowledge and skills, helping her to successfully support and mentor students. They also described her as ‘a very gifted educator operating at a very high academic and student development level’.

Emma was one of 93 finalists across 16 categories and the winners from each category also competed against each other to be named the Overall Social Worker of the Year 2018.

The prestigious awards ceremony is the leading celebration of its kind in the social care sector, and recognises the achievements and successes of the profession’s most innovative and dedicated social workers.