Social workers and social work leaders recognised in New Year Honours

‘Extraordinary public service’ was at the centre of New Year Honours List 2021, with social workers from across the UK receiving awards.

The New Year Honours List 2021, published on Thursday 31 December, demonstrates the incredible efforts of hundreds of public sector and community workers throughout 2020 and beyond.

The New Year Year Honours List is the most ethnically diverse honours list yet, with 14.2% of recipients coming from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background. Public sector workers make up 14.8% of the list.

David Pearson, Director of Adult Social Care at Nottinghamshire Council and once Chair of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), received a knighthood for services to Health and Social Care Integration. David received the honour after leading the development of an STP for health and social care services in Nottinghamshire, with the STP being named as one of the more advanced in 2017.

Graeme Betts, Director of Adult Social Care at Birmingham City Council also received an award for services to Adult Social Care; while Sean Holland, Chief Social Work Officer for Northern Ireland, received a CBE for public service.

Principal Social Workers were also featured throughout the awards. Coventry City Council’s Lee Pardy-McLaughlin was awarded an OBE for for services to Children and to Families, while Lincolnshire County Council’s Samantha Clayton was recognised for services to social work.

Speaking on Twitter, Lee said he had “been both humbled and indeed privileged” to be nominated for an OBE in the list.

Maris Stratulis, National Director, British Association of Social Workers (BASW) England, offered congratulations, saying she was “proud for you, your colleagues and the children and families you serve.”