Council social worker shortlisted at the Social Worker of the Year Awards 2023

Anna Hill is a finalist for the Children’s Social Worker of the Year Award, as part of the Social Worker of the Year Awards 2023.

The national awards event attracts hundreds of entries annually, with many positive stories of outstanding social work, creative and compassionate practitioners and outstanding practice. The finalists have been chosen by an independent panel of judges, comprising social workers, sector leaders and people with lived experience of services, including young care leavers.

Anna, who has been a social worker with Wiltshire Council for more than 19 years, was nominated for the award by her peers. They highlighted how Anna always puts the children that she works for first. She is proactive and builds long-lasting, meaningful relationships with the children and families that she works with.

Last November, Anna, while acting as the duty social worker, visited a child whose Christmas wish was to see his siblings whom he had not seen for more than 12 months. Anna worked hard to make this wish come true and reunite the siblings.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: “I want to say a huge congratulations to Anna, who lives and breathes social work. Not only is she passionate about her work, she truly enjoys it. Being shortlisted for this award is a huge testament to her dedication and character.

“Anna is one of the most experienced social workers in the team, acting as a role model to others and sitting on our fostering panel to provide expert advice to her colleagues. She also delivers training to other social workers and key workers to aid them in their development.

“She is an asset to the council, and I would like to wish her the best of luck at the award ceremony in November!”

Anna said, “I LOVE my job, I love that no two days are the same, I love that I get to meet so many people from different walks of life.

“I learn new things all of the time from the children and families I work with as well as my colleagues. I try and make sure that having a social worker does not feel like a chore for people! I strive to try and make things better. Sometimes this works, sometimes it does not, but I make sure I am able to say I tried my absolute best.

“This job is never dull. I never watch the clock for home time, quite the opposite, there are not enough hours in the day! This job makes me smile, laugh, and occasionally cry, but it ALWAYS feels worthwhile.”

The Social Worker of the Year Awards ceremony is in London in November.

More about the Social Worker of the Year Awards and a list of shortlisted entries can be found at: https://www.socialworkawards.com/news/latest-news/social-workers-shortlisted-for-top-national-awards-3775/

More about Children’s services in Wiltshire can be found at: https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/children-young-people.