Two Oxfordshire social workers recognised in national awards

Two Oxfordshire County Council social workers have been recognised nationally as part of the British Association of Social Workers’ (BASW) ‘Amazing Social Workers’ campaign.

David Proudfoot and Louise Haworth have been recognised for their work in the campaign that celebrates outstanding social work practice across the UK and highlights the vital role social workers play in supporting adults, children and families.

More than 300 individuals and teams were nominated this year by colleagues across the profession.

David Proudfoot, who works in Didcot and qualified as a social worker in 1995, has dedicated his career to supporting adults across Oxfordshire and was described by his nominator as “a powerhouse within the team.”

David is known for his detailed knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act legislation and his dedication to helping others strengthen their practice. He provides training for staff across the council, and, as a Practice Educator, regularly supports students on placement.

His nominator praised his commitment to his team, noting that he meets each member regularly to ensure they are supported.

Reflecting on the recognition, David said: “My head did swell a little bit when I received the email! It is always very gratifying to receive thanks or praise – especially when it is unexpected.”

Louise Haworth, who lives in Bicester, has also been recognised for her significant contribution to social work in Oxfordshire. Her nominator praised her role in shaping co‑production practice, saying Louise has been “vital in sharing practice stories that have helped shape thinking in how we do co‑production”.

Co‑production is an approach where professionals and people with lived experience work together as equal partners to design and improve services, ensuring decisions are shaped by the voices of those who use them.

Louise works with older adults with mental ill-health and is part of a small but essential team supporting some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.

Louise said: “I feel very proud to be recognised. Supporting older adults with mental ill-health is a privilege, and I’m glad that the practice stories I share have helped strengthen co‑production and the way we work with people in Oxfordshire.”

Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “David and Louise exemplify the dedication, compassion and professionalism that underpin social work in Oxfordshire.

“Their commitment to the people they support and to strengthening the practice of colleagues across our services is inspiring.

“We are incredibly proud to see them recognised nationally as ‘Amazing Social Workers’.”

BASW will feature all recognised social workers on its website and social media channels throughout March as part of its celebrations for World Social Work Day on Tuesday 17 March 2026.

BASW 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.

“Congratulations to everyone who has been recognised this year and thank you for all you do every day.”

More information

• The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) is the independent professional association for social work in the UK, with just under 21,000 members. Their mission is to act for social workers, the profession and for a better society.
• The Amazing Social Workers campaign will form part of BASW’s celebrations for World Social Work Day on Tuesday 17 March, an international event raising awareness and visibility of social work. This year’s theme is “Co-building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society.”
• More information about the Amazing Social Workers campaign can be found on BASW’s website.

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