Portsmouth team leader shortlisted in Social Worker of the Year Awards

A team leader who works in children's social care has been shortlisted for a prestigious award in recognition for their exceptional practice.

Nirvana Curley, a team leader in the adolescent service at Portsmouth City Council has been selected as a finalist in the team leader category at the Social Worker of the Year Awards.

Nirvana joined the council in 2015 working within the child protection team before taking on the role of team leader in 2019. In her application, her colleague highlighted Nirvana's passion, commitment, and keenness to develop her area to ensure children, young people and families are always supported.

Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said:

"I would like to congratulate Nirvana for being selected as a finalist in the Social Worker of the Year Awards 2023. Nirvana has championed her team to become a multi-disciplinary service, using her years of experience to oversee change and transformation".

"The Social Worker of the Year Awards gives us an opportunity to shine a light on their expertise and showcase best practice. Nirvana alongside her colleagues are incredible examples of social workers who go above and beyond every day."

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.

Nirvana Curley, team leader at Portsmouth City Council said:

"I was blown away when my colleague told me I had become a finalist in the awards. It's a huge boost for my team and recognition of our work.

"When you become a social worker, you are often faced with challenging situations that require patience and care. But you are never alone, as it is always a team effort. I would like to thank everyone involved in putting me forward for this award."

The Social Worker of the Year Awards are open to qualified practitioners throughout England with a range of individual and team categories for those working in both children’s and adult social care.

Keely Mitchell, head of adolescents and young adults at Portsmouth City Council and Nirvana's line manager said:

"Nirvana has developed her team so that each and every one of them share the same passion for their work, showing kindness and empathy when working with families. I am exceptionally proud of all she and her team have achieved."

Sam Bushby, deputy director for childrens services at Portsmouth City Council said:

"This is fabulous recognition of the work that Nirvana consistently does, and shows how valued she is by her team. Her passion and creativity is inspiring to those around her, and she has made such a difference to many children and young people in Portsmouth."

The winner will be announced in November at an awards ceremony in London.

Photo: Nirvana's team alongside Cllr Suzy Horton, Keely Mitchell and Sam Busby