‘Shining a Light on Excellence in Social Work’
Nominations for the 2026 Regional Social Work Awards are now open.
The Regional Social Work Awards, which are being hosted by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (Belfast Trust), will take place on Friday 4th December 2026 in Belfast City Hall.
The Awards celebrate the exceptional work and dedication of social workers across Northern Ireland. There are six award categories, all providing the opportunity to shine a light on the excellent work of social workers across the region.
Launching the awards, Kerrylee Weatherall, Executive Director of Social Work at the Belfast Trust, said: “It is a great privilege for us to host the Regional Social Work Awards in December 2026 on behalf of colleagues across Northern Ireland.
This year’s theme is light. Social workers often step alongside people at some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Through compassion, skill and commitment, they bring hope, guidance and reassurance — helping to light the way during times that can feel uncertain or overwhelming.”
Aine Morrison, Chief Social Work Officer, Department of Health (DoH) said: “Social work is a profession grounded in values — dignity, respect, human rights and social justice. Every day social workers work alongside individuals, families and communities to empower people, address challenges and promote positive change.
These awards are an opportunity to recognise the dedication, professionalism and compassion that social workers demonstrate across Northern Ireland.”
Tracy Reid, Chief Executive, NISCC said: “Northern Ireland is fortunate to have a diverse, skilled and deeply committed social work workforce. Across statutory, voluntary, community, justice, education and independent sectors, social workers play a vital role in improving the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.
The Regional Social Work Awards are an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate that contribution, sharing stories of excellence helps highlight the value and impact of social work to the wider public.”
The Awards are open to social workers and teams working in the statutory, voluntary, independent, education, justice, probation and training sectors in Northern Ireland.
Applications are welcome from individuals/teams in all areas of Social Work – you do not have to be working in a unique project to submit an application.
The BASW NI Legacy of Light Award is open to social workers in the service or who have retired.
Previous applicants are welcome to reapply if their application has a different practice focus.
Please read all the information in the Guidance Document and Awards Checklist before you complete and submit your entry.
Nominations Close at 5pm On 30th June 2026.
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Beacon of Light Award
Nomination Type Award Criteria Individual Award Nominations can be made for an individual social worker at any stage of their career and in any role – an opportunity to recognise leadership at all levels.
Submissions for this Award should evidence how this person leads with the values of care and compassion.
Examples should include one or more of the following:
- Leading self: leadership capability to intentionally behave and communicate in ways that facilitate change.
- Leading with others: harness the intelligence and resourcefulness of the people they work with to achieve positive change and inspiring others.
- Leading practice: supporting excellent practice and developing excellent practitioners through fostering innovation, learning and evaluation.
- Leading the profession: contributing to the future evolution of the profession to meet current and future challenges.
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Bright Spark Award
Nomination Type Award Criteria Individual Award Nominations can be made for an individual social worker who is within their first two years of practice at the time of applying (inclusive of the AYE year).
Submissions for this Award should evidence the positive attitude and attributes of this recently qualified social worker.
Examples should include one or more of the following:
- Passion: for the profession and the role of social work in making a difference in people’s lives.
- Professional Curiosity: practice that questions ‘how we do things’ and identifies areas for improvement and innovation.
- Development: willingness to learn and develop self and others.
- Partnership: working with and for those who use services; connecting with communities and other professions and agencies to bring about change.
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Constellation Award
Nomination Type Award Criteria Team Award Nominations can be made for a team of social workers or a multidisciplinary team which includes social workers.
Submissions for this Award should evidence the positive characteristics of a motivated team.
Examples should include one or more of the following:
- Demonstrates exceptional teamwork through trust and shared responsibility.
- Provides hope, advocacy, and compassionate support to individuals and families during their most challenging times.
- Works together to create collaborative solutions to complex challenges; working with communities and organisations to innovate.
- Fosters a culture of mutual support, compassion, kindness, resilience and encouragement that strengthens both team members and the people they work alongside.
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Lighting the Way Award
Nomination Type Award Criteria Individual or Team Award
Nominations can be made for an individual social worker or a team of social workers or a multidisciplinary team which includes social workers.
Submissions for this Award should evidence the nominee(s) commitment to having learning and development at the heart of their practice.
Examples should include one or more of the following:
- Enables: makes a difference to the development of others.
- Encourages: promotes a vibrant, continuous learning culture.
- Innovates: takes a unique approach to learning and development and research to ensure social workers are knowledgeable, skilled and confident.
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Torch of Co-production Award
Nomination Type Award Criteria Individual or Team Award
Nominations can be made for an individual social worker or a team of social workers or a multidisciplinary team which includes social workers.
Submissions for this Award should provide examples of the nominee(s) working alongside people with lived experience to create an outcome that benefits all.
Examples should include how the TORCH approach to Co-production (DoH, 2021) has underpinned practice:
- Together: bringing the talents and knowledge of everyone together.
- Opportunities: creating opportunities and addressing issues.
- Relationships: inclusive and meaningful.
- Change: real, positive change should result.
- Hear: not just listen but hear what has been said – by everyone
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BASW NI Legacy of Light Award
Nomination Type Award Criteria Individual Award Nominations can be made for an individual social worker who has made a lasting contribution to social work.
This Award celebrates a social worker who has made an exceptional contribution in their professional role. Submissions for this Award should provide examples of the long-lasting impact made by the social worker in ‘leaving their mark’. Examples should include one or more of the following:
- Championing best practice in the nominee’s area of social work expertise.
- Demonstrating innovative and creative approaches to social work practice.
- Contribution to education, training and the development of others.
- Publishing research.
- Making a difference to the lives of children, families, or individuals through dedicated and compassionate practice, working with service users.
- Demonstrating an enduring commitment to the promotion of social justice through campaign activities or social work practice