Bournemouth University has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award in recognition of its outstanding social work education programme.
The Social Work department at BU has been named as finalist for University of the Year in the annual Social Worker of the Year Awards.
Bournemouth University is one of two finalists in the University of the Year category and will find out if it has won at a special virtual awards ceremony broadcasted live from London on Wednesday 17 November.
Supported by Torbay Council, the University of the Year award recognises universities providing outstanding social work education for students and shaping the social workers of tomorrow.
Peter Hay CBE, Chair of the Social Work Awards, said, "As a charity, we are delighted to bring back the awards this year to shine a light on the inspirational achievements of an often overlooked profession.
"Thank you to the of people who took the time out of their day to nominate a friend, colleague, or team for an award this year. And, to all our finalists, congratulations. Being nominated for a national award, whilst supporting others to navigate through the turbulence caused by the pandemic, is a remarkable achievement of which you should be very proud.”
Head of Department for Social Work, Sam Porter, said, “It is hard to exaggerate the challenges to Social Work education that the pandemic and the lockdown caused. Yet it did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm, professionalism, and humanity of our team. I am so pleased that our colleagues from Wiltshire County Council have been kind enough to recognise the excellence that the Bournemouth University social work team have demonstrated in preparing and upskilling social workers at a time when they have never been more needed.”
