Student social worker shortlisted for top national award
Monday, 15 November 2021
A social work student has been shortlisted for a prestigious award in recognition of her outstanding achievements.
Carrie Evans, who has spent the last year working with our Children’s Services team, has been selected as a finalist for Student Social Worker of the Year in the annual Social Worker of the Year Awards.
Carrie has been with the team on a placement while training to be a social worker. She is taking part in a ‘fast track’ programme with Frontline, which involves balancing a demanding academic schedule with hands on experience.
She was nominated by her practice educator, social worker Ben Feasmen, who noted that her work was regularly exceeding the high standards set for student social workers. All the families that Carrie has worked with during the past year supported her nomination, as did many of the teachers, psychologists, and nurses who she worked with daily.
Of her achievement, Carrie said:
It’s been a steep learning curve being embedded in the team straight away, but I’ve really enjoyed doing my training with Central Bedfordshire Council as the people I work with are so supportive. I wanted to get into social work because childhood is such a pivotal point in our lives, and supporting and working with children has a positive impact on their future.
I’m really excited and proud to be nominated let alone shortlisted, but I couldn’t have done it without the rest of the team and I feel proud of the work they have put in over the course of the year too.
Councillor Sue Clark, our Executive Member for Families, Education and Children, said:
Carrie was nominated for her commitment to supporting families in Central Bedfordshire, and has received excellent feedback both from them and other partners she has worked with. Being shortlisted for a national award is a wonderful achievement and is proof of the difference she is making to the lives of families every day. We are all very proud that her work has been recognised, and we are keeping our fingers crossed for her on the big day!
Peter Hay CBE, Chair of the Social Work Awards, said:
As a charity, we are delighted to bring back the awards this year to shine a light on the inspirational achievements of an often-overlooked profession.
Carrie is one of 5 finalists in the Student Social Worker of the Year category and will find out if she has won at a special virtual awards ceremony that will be broadcast live from London on Wednesday 17 November.