Portsmouth social care practitioner wins silver at national awards ceremony

A team leader in children's social care at Portsmouth City Council has won a silver award.

Nirvana Curley won the silver award in the team leader of the year category. In her application, her colleague highlighted Nirvana's passion and commitment to develop her area to ensure children, young people and families are always supported.

The Social Worker of the Year Awards was held on Friday 3 November in London hosted by broadcaster and presenter, Ashley John-Baptiste.

Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, at Portsmouth City Council said: "A big congratulations to Nirvana for winning silver at the Social Worker of the Year Awards in recognition for her work as team leader. She has gone above and beyond what is expected. Her enthusiasm to develop her team in different ways is truly inspirational.

"Her achievements are clear and have been highlighted on a national stage. I would like to thank everything Nirvana and her colleagues continue to do in children's social care, supporting vulnerable families across the city."

Nirvana joined the council in 2015 working within the child protection team before taking on the role of team leader in 2019.

Nirvana Curley, team leader at Portsmouth City Council said:

"When my manager told me I had been shortlisted for the team leader award, I was absolutely shocked. It was such a wonderful feeling to be recognised by a team member for my work.

"To then win silver at the ceremony was amazing. It's recognition for my teams work to help children and young people reach their full potential in the city."

Finalists were selected for showing clear leadership skills and evidence of how they have either nurtured an effective working environment, achieved cultural change, or improved service quality and outcomes.

Sam Bushby, deputy director, children's services at Portsmouth City Council said:

"I am delighted to see Nirvan's amazing work being recognised in this way. Nirvana leads her team with compassion and a relentless focus on the needs of children and their families. This was a great opportunity to celebrate the difference Nirvana and her team make to families in Portsmouth."