27th March 2025
Eight inspiring social workers, teams and organisations from across Northern Ireland have been recognised for their contribution to their profession after winning top honours at the 2025 Regional Social Work Awards, held at the Manor House, Fermanagh this week.
Organised by Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust), the awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of practitioners and teams working in the statutory, voluntary, independent, education, justice, probation and training sectors in Northern Ireland. They also help raise the profile of Social Work as a profession and the positive impact it has on people’s lives.
Frontline social workers, managers, leaders, and teams were among those nominated for an award this year. Twenty-two finalists were shortlisted, from a record number of nominations, by panels of independent judges that included representation from the various sectors and service users.
The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust’s (Belfast Trust) North Community Social Work Team picked up top honours in the hotly contested Co-production Award category. This team works with people who have a high level of fire risk due to the combination of lifestyle choice, physical disabilities and/or cognitive impairment. The Team work closely with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and co-produced resources, delivered training and organised events. This holistic approach resulted in everyone involved increasing their understanding of fire risk and potentially saved lives.
Winner of the Co-Production Award, North Community Social Work Team, Belfast Trust with Executive Director of Social Work, Western Trust, Dr Tom Cassidy and Chief Social Worker, Department of Health, Aine Morrison.
Interim Executive Director of Social Work, Tracy Reid, paid tribute to social workers across the Trust,
“Congratulations to all those who were nominated and shortlisted at the NI Social Work Awards, as well as a well-deserved win for the North Belfast Community Social Work Team in the Co-Production category.”
“I want to thank all our social workers, we are so proud of them and the fantastic ambassadors they are for the profession and the immense contribution they make across Health and Social Care. Well done and thank you for all you do.”
Deputy Executive Director of Social Work at Belfast Trust, Eileen McKay, said,
“I am delighted with the North Belfast Community Social Work Team success at this year’s NI Social Work Awards. This project is a great example of co-production, working alongside our partners in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, and is much needed in keeping older people safe in their homes. I also want to commend all our nominees for their hard work and dedication.”
Awards were presented in a range of categories that reflected the breadth of Social Work and highlighted the exceptional practice of the individuals and teams that have dedicated themselves to making a difference.
The ceremony was hosted by international award winning Science Communicator, turned musical comedian, Emer Maguire. Awards were presented by Executive Director of Social Work, Dr. Tom Cassidy and the Chief Executive of the Western Trust, Neil Guckian. The Chief Social Worker for Northern Ireland, Aine Morrison, was also in attendance.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Dr. Tom Cassidy, said:
“The awards are a unique opportunity to demonstrate the dedication and innovation of many compassionate and dedicated social workers, and to hear about the outstanding social work practice being delivered across Northern Ireland.
“Being regionally recognised is an outstanding achievement not just for our winners but for every one of the twenty-two finalists. I’d like to acknowledge each of them, they should be extremely proud of their achievements.”
Aine Morrison, Chief Social Worker, Department of Health, said: “I want to say huge congratulations to all the award winners as well as those who have been nominated and shortlisted. Each of you has demonstrated excellence and I applaud you all. You should be deeply proud.
“Social Workers are very often called to support people when they are at their most vulnerable. That is vitally important work and can be very rewarding, but also often personally and professionally stressful, particularly given current workforce pressures.
“But please be assured of the difference you are making to those you care for and their families in communities right across Northern Ireland. These awards reflect your commitment, professionalism, and empathy. Well done to you all”
The Belfast Trust finalists were: The North Community Social Work Team (Co- Production Award); Jane McCullough, Social Work Governance Manager (Nurturing Development Award); Jacintah McCaffrey, Assistant Services Manager (Contribution to Social Work Award); and the East Community Social Work Team (Sunshine Award). For more information on our finalists, please visit the Western Trust’s website: