A SOCIAL worker from Rugby named 2013 Social Worker of the Year launched the search for her successor at an exclusive reception in the House of Commons.
Patricia Fifield, who works for Warwickshire County Council, was invited to meet the Minister of State for Care and Support, Norman Lamb MP and MP Mark Pawsey to help officially launch the 2014 awards.
“The parliamentary reception was a really great day,” she said.
“Winning the award was lovely, it’s nice to have this sort of recognition and it’s been a big boost for the team and for Warwickshire too.
“It’s been nice to meet the Minister and hear from him and I really enjoyed meeting my local MP.”
In December, the Observer reported how she was described by judges as “a real asset to the profession” when she was given the award.
She has spent more than 41 years as a frontline social worker and currently works in the in the Adults Older People and Physical Disabilities Team at Warwickshire County Council.
Mr Lamb said: “It’s so important we celebrate great social work, it’s one of our most important public services.
“So often when something goes wrong the media has a negative focus, yet we know there are some amazing people in this field of work.
“Celebrating great practice is so important and it gives the profession self-esteem and self-confidence.”
Entries for this year’s awards will open on Friday, May 30 and close on Friday September 5. Visit www.socialworkawards.com to download an entry form.
