No fewer than 22 social workers from the City of Wolverhampton Council have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the profession.

They have been named Amazing Social Workers by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) as part of its campaign to champion the exceptional work happening across the UK. The awards aim to highlight the achievements of individuals and teams in the profession, whilst also raising the profile and public understanding of the critical role of social work across the country.

Nationally, hundreds of individuals and teams were nominated by their colleagues this year, including frontline practitioners, students, managers, leaders, educators and newly qualified social workers. And 22 social workers from Wolverhampton are featured as part of the campaign – the most of any council in the country.

They include Deputy Principal Social Worker Niall O’Connor, Independent Reviewing Officer Kerrie Brewer, Senior Social Workers Elizabeth O’Callaghan, Emma Kirkland and Sarah Cornwall, Social Workers Ausra Zenkeviciute-Meleris, Ayodeji Okolo, Debra Roberts, Jessica Brookes, Lorna Deans, Salma Parveen, Emma Seddon, Paul Bate, Anne Draisey, Esther Douglas, Ruth Leon and Aisha Allen, Team Managers Sara Fosbrook and Sarah Hartill, Newly Qualified Social Workers Claudia Hale and Vanessa Graham, and Social Work Apprentice Sophie Green. The BASW is featuring their accomplishments online throughout March as part of its celebrations for World Social Work Day on Tuesday (17 March, 2026).

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "All our social workers continue to demonstrate exceptional professionalism and dedication, and it’s fantastic to see so many of them recognised once again by the British Association of Social Workers.


“Their commitment to supporting children, young people and families across Wolverhampton is truly appreciated." Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing Councillor Paula Brookfield added: "Every member of our social work team should feel proud of the remarkable work they do every single day.

“Their compassion and commitment to supporting vulnerable adults, children and young people is inspiring, and it’s wonderful to see their efforts celebrated by the British Association of Social Workers." BASW UK Vice-Chair Lewis Roberts said: “BASW is proud to run our Amazing Social Workers campaign for its sixth consecutive year.

“It is a wonderful way for our profession to celebrate inspiring social work practice and pay tribute to the many individual and collective successes that deserve to be noticed. Across our communities, social workers go above and beyond to make a positive difference to the lives of adults, children and families they support.

“Whether it’s advancing people’s rights and challenging injustices, to advocating for fairness and promoting wellbeing, the role of social work has never been more important during these challenging times. Congratulations to everyone who has been recognised this year and thank you for all you do every day.

“We look forward to shining a spotlight on your achievements as part of our World Social Work Day celebrations.”