This years World Social Work Day Event celebrated the Teaching Parnerships first ‘Practice Educator of the Year Awards’. This was a particularly poignant moment for the Teaching Partnership as the inaugural award was dedicated to Mr Martin Hunt who had sadly passed away last year. Martin had worked within Kirklees Local Authority for many years championing students on placement and Practice Educators.
The Teaching Partnership received a large number of nominations from students across the region, each keen to put their practice educator forward for the award. Martin Kelly (Assistant Director) and Samantha Clayton (Head of Effective Practice) of North Yorkshire County Council presented the awards to five very deserving practice educators.
North Yorkshire County Council’s award went to Emma Rimmington. Student Nadine Miller, commented on Emma’s passion for supporting students, adding that ‘not only is Emma an excellent Practice Educator, she is an amazing social worker. She is someone who goes above and beyond and really does show passion and compassion in her work’.
Calderdale Council’s award winner was Karina Aspinall. Student Michelle Ngwenya nominated Karina for the award and commended her encouragement and constructive feedback. She said she had felt empowered to become a better student social worker as a result of Karina’s input.
Brian Griffiths won City of York Council’s. His student, Anna Boddy, noted that ‘On top of being my practice educator he is currently working as an AMHP and despite the demanding role, always makes time to answer my questions and ensure that my placement is enjoyable and purposeful’
Salma Yusoof received Kirklees Council’s award.
Her student, Toni Power, said Salma has been ‘100 percent committed to me as her student since the start of my placement…showing me support when it is needed and pushing me to be a better version of myself’.
Finally, for the independent sector, Vikki Garside of ‘Orange Grove Fostering’ was successfully nominated by her student, Irene Cartwright. Irene notes that Vikki made her feel welcomed, and asked questions that prompted her to make her own links and connections into social work practice.
The event was a great success. We would like to congratulate all winners, their support, advice and guidance to students is invaluable. We are proud to acknowledge and appreciate our hard working practice educators who aim to bring out the potential in each social work student and encourage them to be the very best they can be.
Click this link to the Work Social Work Day Event to read about the event, watch the event video or access the resources. If you are only wanting to see the awards this starts at 2:26:28 in the youtube video.
