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Belfast Trust Social Workers celebrate success at annual Professional in Practice Awards

9th October 2024

Over 35 Belfast Trust social workers were recently recognised for their contribution to the future of social work through learning and development at the Northern Ireland Social Care Council’s Professional in Practice Awards.

Now in its 19th year, the Social Care Council’s award ceremony recognises the commitment to learning by social workers who have clearly demonstrated their contribution to delivering outstanding social work practice.

The theme for this year’s ceremony was ‘Leadership in social work’, with a focus on ensuring that the leadership shown by all social workers at all levels is recognised and acknowledged.
Opening the ceremony, Patricia Higgins, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Social Care Council, said: “I’ve been very proud today to celebrate the hard work, dedication and achievement of our social workers. It is incredible to see their commitment to continuous professional development. Every social worker receiving an award today has shown leadership and make best use of their learning to inspire, lead and represent the profession.

“From the original event which saw just six social workers receive awards to over 200 today, it is clear that the social work profession in Northern Ireland is thriving by investing in learning and improving, providing a better service for the community.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Aine Morrison, Chief Social Worker, Department of Health NI said: “The Professional in Practice Awards highlight the expertise and skill social workers bring to their roles. All of those being recognised at this ceremony have shown their commitment to ongoing learning in order to improve the lives of the people they support. I applaud all of your efforts and know that you will now play an important part in enriching and enhancing the quality of social work services.”

Three award categories were presented (Consolidation Award in Social Work, Specialist Award in Social Work and Leadership and Strategic Award in Social Work) to social workers from organisations across Northern Ireland with nine Belfast Trust social workers picking up the Consolidation Award, 28 picking up the Specialist Award and two staff picking up the Leadership and Strategic Award.

Commenting on the success of the Belfast Trust staff at the awards, Belfast Trust’s Interim Executive Director of Social Work, Tracy Reid said: “I am absolutely delighted to have attended the Professionals in Practice Awards, to celebrate the fantastic achievements by our Social Work staff. Continuous professional development is the cornerstone of high quality, safe and impactful Social Work. I commend all staff who have achieved these awards for their hard work and dedication at a time when services are under such pressures. Well done to all.”

Consolidation Award Winners:

  • Rachel Baxter – Initial Professional Development
  • Andrea Curley – Cognitive Behavioural Practice
  • Andrea Curley – Initial Professional Development
  • Brian Dunleavey – Initial Professional Development
  • Caroline Mayock – Cognitive Behavioural Practice
  • Kerry McLaughlin – Initial Professional Development
  • Steven McMillan – Initial Professional Development
  • Niamh Molloy – Initial Professional Development
  • Morgan Patton – Initial Professional Development
  • Victoria Stevenson – Initial Professional Development

Specialist Award Winners

  • Roisin Brady-Moyes – Education and Training – Practice Teaching
  • Joanne Christian – Mental Health – Approved Social Work
  • Grainne Donaldson – Mental Health – Approved Social Work
  • Susan Donnelly – Mental Health – Approved Social Work
  • Aisling Fitzpatrick – Mental Health – Approved Social Work
  • Ciara Givens – Risk Assessment
  • Jennifer Goodfellow – Adult Safeguarding
  • Declan Kerr – Mental Health – Approved Social Work
  • Dawn Kidd – Mental Health – Approved Social Work
  • Anne-Marie Lyons – Adult Safeguarding
  • Janine Magee – Social Work and Community Development
  • Chris Maguire – Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders
  • Ryan Martin – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Mick McCallan – Education and Training – Practice Teaching
  • Claire McCormack – Social Work and Community Development
  • James McCreight – Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders
  • Brenda McCory – Education and Training – Practice Teaching
  • Caroline McIvor – Adult Safeguarding
  • Mark McLaren – Education and Training – Practice Teaching
  • Ryan Murray – Mental Health – Approved Social Work
  • Natalie Noble – Education and Training – Practice Teaching
  • Sarah Ombler – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Judith Quigley – Risk Assessment
  • Christine Reynolds – Mental Health – Approved Social Work
  • Gosia Rzonca – Mental Health – Approved Social Work
  • Rory Sharvin – Mental Health – Approved Social Work
  • Lindsay Smyth – Education and Training – Practice Teaching
  • Christina Vint – Children and Young People Observational Studies

Leadership and Strategic Award

  • Kerry McVeigh – Mental Health- Adults and Older People
  • David Wylie – Management and Leadership