West Sussex County Council employees have earned recognition at a prestigious national honours programme.

Five teams and individuals from the authority’s social care division have been selected as finalists in the Social Worker of the Year Awards.

The nominees span both adult and child-focused service areas.

Cabinet member for children, young people and learning Councillor Sam Raby expressed congratulations, noting that the nominations demonstrate the significant positive influence the council’s social work professionals have on residents’ lives.

Raby emphasised that whether staff members assist children and families during challenging periods or help individuals achieve greater stability, they consistently display high professional standards, understanding, and unwavering dedication to securing optimal outcomes for those they serve.

Among those nominated are the adults’ services Quality, Practice and Service Development Team, along with four individual practitioners.

Children’s social worker Rangeley Shallis-Barnes received nomination for her commitment to assisting families and young people with additional requirements and neurodivergent conditions.

Newly qualified children’s social worker Shona McLaughlin, who finished her apprenticeship in the previous year’s summer months, was put forward for her empathetic approach centred on children’s wellbeing.

Mental health social worker Karen Golding earned recognition for her extensive work spanning three decades.

Adult services manager Jennifer Benbow was acknowledged for leadership guided by strong principles and the measurable difference she has made to provision for individuals with complicated needs.

Adults’ services cabinet member Councillor Richard Bates conveyed pride in the nominations, stating that they underscore the creativity, guidance and specialist knowledge present within West Sussex social care, alongside the beneficial effects staff members have on service users.

Bates added that national acknowledgment of these accomplishments was gratifying and extended best wishes for the ceremony.

The Social Worker of the Year Awards ceremony, where victors will be revealed, is scheduled for October.

Separately, the council’s Moving and Handling Team has reached the final stage of consideration for the Social Care Team of the Year honour at the National Back Exchange Excellence Awards 2026.

The recipients for those awards will be disclosed on September 14.