Social work superstars celebrate their achievements at all-staff forum

Portsmouth's social care practitioners came together to celebrate their achievements as part of an all-staff forum held at The Queen's Hotel in Southsea.

The city council organised an event that encouraged people to reconnect with colleagues as well as recognise staff who have gone above and beyond in their teams. Team leaders also shared their successes across different sessions as part of continuing professional development.

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

"The all-staff forum is the perfect way to recognise the achievements of social care practitioners, providing opportunities to network with colleagues from different service areas. The purpose of the event was to celebrate successes and acknowledge the efforts of team members who support families in the city.

"I would like to thank everyone in children's social care for their continued efforts to support our community as we recognise outstanding practice and those who have gone above and beyond in Portsmouth."

To recognise social care practitioners, senior team members nominated colleagues from across children's social care as part of an awards ceremony. The Portsmouth Stronger Futures Awards recognised and acknowledged the efforts of teams from across the service, held during the all-staff forum.

Managers were asked to submit a supporting statement that described the achievements of individuals and teams. Certificates and trophies were presented to social care practitioners in recognition of their work.

Adam Shepherd, head of family safeguarding at Portsmouth City Council received an award for being a caring and compassionate leader whose love for the city is infectious.

In the supporting statement, a senior team member explained that 'outstanding services don’t happen by magic and you have led a great workforce to achieve great things.'

Adam said:

"It was a real surprise to be recognised for my work in front of other team members. The award is recognition for everything we continue to do and achieve in the family safeguarding team. This isn't just for me but other colleagues who provide the support vulnerable families need."

As part of continuing professional development, social workers are required to undertake training sessions as part of their practice. The all-staff forum enables practitioners to learn from each other through team-leader-led sessions.

Sarah Daly, director, children's services and education at Portsmouth City Council said:

"Our all-staff forum meeting is held every year as a way to recognise practitioners and the positive difference they make.

"In May, Ofsted rated children's services as good, with teamwork and positive relationships highlighted as particular strengths. We felt it was only right to focus on these areas at this year's all-staff forum and celebrate the combined efforts of everyone."

Watch a short slideshow of the award winners