Social Work staff from the South Eastern Trust have been recognised for their commitment to professional development and excellence at the 2026 Professional in Practice (PiP) Awards.
Organised by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC), the prestigious awards ceremony took place at La Mon Hotel with Lord Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh Council, Councillor Brian Higginson, in attendance.
A total of 26 South Eastern Trust Social Work staff received Professional in Practice Awards, with 12 recognised in the Consolidation Award category, 13 in the Northern Ireland Specialist Award category and one in the Northern Ireland Leadership and Strategic Award category.
The PiP Awards celebrate the achievements of Social Workers who demonstrate a commitment to strengthening professional practice through learning, development and reflective practice.
The theme for this year’s event was ‘Creating Safer Futures: Social Work Responses to Domestic Violence and Abuse’. Speakers reflected on the vital role Social Workers play in recognising, responding to and preventing domestic violence and abuse, as well as the importance of the trusting relationships they build with people who need support.
The ceremony welcomed keynote speaker, Marcella Leonard MBE, Director of Leonard Consultancy and Associates, who has more than 35 years’ experience in child, adult and public safeguarding and protection. Marcella shared insights from her extensive career, connecting her expertise in risk, trauma and protection directly to the everyday practice of Social Workers.
South Eastern Trust, Director of Children’s Services and Executive Director of Social Work, Marie-Louise Sloan, said the awards were a wonderful recognition of the dedication and professionalism of Social Work staff across the Trust.
Marie-Louise commented, “We are incredibly proud of all of our Social Work colleagues who have achieved a Professional in Practice Award this year. These awards recognise not only the commitment of our staff to their own professional learning and development, but also the positive difference this makes to the people, families and communities we support.
“Social Work is about building relationships, listening to people and supporting them through some of the most challenging circumstances in their lives. The compassion, expertise and commitment demonstrated by our staff every day is truly valued and it is wonderful to see their achievements recognised in this way.
“I would like to congratulate all of our award recipients on this fantastic achievement and thank them for their continued commitment to delivering high-quality Social Work practice across the South Eastern Trust.”
South Eastern Trust, Principal Social Worker, Jillian Morris, said, “The Professional in Practice Awards are a wonderful recognition of the skill, commitment and compassion that Social Workers bring to their work every day. Professional learning and development is an important part of delivering high-quality Social Work and our staff continue to demonstrate a real commitment to developing their practice and making a positive difference to the lives of the people and families we support.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievement of all of our award recipients and congratulate each of them on this well-deserved recognition.”
Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council, Tracy Reid, added, I would like to congratulate all of our Social Workers who have achieved a Professional in Practice Award. We know the hard work that goes into achieving these awards and we know that you could not do it without the support of your family and friends, colleagues and managers. Our thanks go to all of them for supporting you on your journey.
“This year’s theme reminds us that Social Workers are on the frontline of some of the most difficult and important conversations in our society. Their dedication and commitment to their lifelong learning journey in the profession through their practice, energy and passion for supporting those in need of Social Work services in the community is just wonderful to see.”