A Somerset County Council social worker has been recognised for her outstanding work and won a national award.
Louise White, Somerset County Council service manager for Safeguarding, was one of the winners at the Safeguarding Adults Board ‘We See You – We Hear You’ Excellence Awards held virtually on November 25.
The awards, which are judged by a panel of leading Safeguarding Adults Managers and board members from across the country, are designed to acknowledge professionals in the sector who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to safeguarding adults and their families.
A number of staff from across Somerset’s Adult Social Care service were nominated including social workers Samantha Upham, Kelly Robinson and Jess Rogers, meanwhile the Council was recognised along with system partners for a collaborative response to a recent safeguarding concern at a nursing home.
Louise White, who was named as an Accountability Champion, said: “It is an honour for my peers to nominate me for this award.
“The calibre of nominations this year was very high and all candidates should celebrate the work they do and the difference they make.
“Safeguarding Adults needs a greater platform in society to help eradicate abuse, and ensure support is given to those who need it most.”
Cllr Heather Shearer, Somerset County Council Executive Lead Member for Adult Social Care, added: “It is great to see several staff members nominated for these awards. For Louise to have her compassionate practice, dedication and hard work recognised and celebrated by her own sector on a national scale is a most fitting tribute to the impact she has made here in Somerset.
“It was a fitting end to Safeguarding Adults Week, where the team held several workshops to raise awareness on how to recognise, respond and report concerns of abuse or neglect.”
Louise’s success comes on the back of her nomination in the national Social Worker of the Year awards: Somerset social workers shortlisted for top national award | Somerset County Council Newsroom.
For more information about Adult Safeguarding in Somerset, including practical information and guidance, visit the Somerset Safeguarding Adults Board – Somerset Safeguarding Adults Board (safeguardingsomerset.org.uk)
If you’re interested in joining our Adult Safeguarding Service as a Social Worker, visit the Somerset County Council website.