The Integrated Front Door (IFD) team won the Partnership Working Award for their work to support children, young people, and families. The team provides a single point of contact for reporting concerns about child safety and well-being, bringing together agencies, including social workers, health professionals, schools, and the police. This means agencies can share information and support each other, helping families access the support they need at the right time.
The judges said:
The Integrated Front Door epitomises effective partnership working and serves as an amazing initiative bringing agencies together under one roof. This collaborative environment fosters the sharing of knowledge and experience, enabling quick, real-time decision-making. As a result, it significantly enhances the ability to achieve positive outcomes for young people accessing their services.
Furthermore, a social worker was highly commended in the Children and Families Social Worker Award. Suzanne Gayford completed her training with the Council in September 2020 and qualified as a social worker in August 2021.
The judges said:
Suzanne is an exceptional social worker whose personal experience profoundly informs her practice. Her ability to empower young people and families, combined with her leadership in crisis situations, truly transforms lives. By fostering trust and understanding, she inspires hope, helping individuals thrive and achieve their potential. Her dedication is truly commendable.
Councillor Steve Owen, Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:
The National Children and Young People Awards celebrate excellence in care for children, young people, and families, and it is an honour for our staff to be recognised. Congratulations to the IFD team on their well-deserved win and to Suzanne for being highly commended! This recognition highlights the tremendous difference our teams make in our community.