Prestigious national awards shortlists MPFT for Social Work Employer of the Year page thumbnail

The commitment of Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) staff in delivering the best possible social care to the people of Staffordshire has been recognised with a national award nomination.

MPFT has been shortlisted in this year’s Social Worker of the Year Awards in the Social Work Employer category, with the winner to be announced on 17 November.

The nomination recognises the work of the Trust in delivering its partnership with Staffordshire County Council to provide integrated health and social care services in the county.

In place since 2009, the partnership was renewed in April 2020, with MPFT now providing statutory adult social care services in support of people with mental health issues, older people, people with physical disability and those with sensory impairment.

Jo Cowcher, Director of Adult Social Care for MPFT and Assistant Director of Adult Social Care and Safeguarding for the county council said: “I am so proud of each and every one of our staff who has worked so hard over the past 12 months and longer – this nomination is testament to that dedication. In spite of what has been a very challenging period for us all, staff have never backed down and have met this challenge head on.”

The Trust’s Social Work Learning Academy has been a particular success in supporting staff to enhance their skills, recognising and nurturing talent and encouraging career progression.

Jo added: “This highly successful partnership is greatly valued across both organisations, with social care remaining a bedrock across the Trust in delivering real change to the lives of local people.”

Councillor Julia Jessel, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Care said: “Social workers can often face challenging circumstances at the best of times, but recent events have tested them in ways not seen before.

“The pandemic has put a spotlight on those who do essential work, usually out of sight of the public eye and, win or lose on the big day, I am delighted to see that the work of our dedicated professionals in Staffordshire has been recognised this way.”