Children’s Services held their first Celebration Event this week which was a wonderful opportunity for colleagues from Children’s Services and our Foster Carers to come together to reflect on the successes of the past year, be inspired and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the team.
It also proved perfect timing with Ofsted report being published on the same day which recognised Torbay Council’s Children’s Services as ‘good’.
Special guest Debbie Bright, who along with her partner Dave Bright and her wider family have fostered children for over 30 years. Debbie is also familiar to many as Lydia Bright’s mum from The Only Way is Essex. Alongside the love, care, and commitment she shows to every child she had fostered Debbie has helped raised the profile of fostering across the UK in her role as fostering ambassador for the Government.
As well as recognising our Foster Carers who have provided care for over 20 years, we had nine awards for which we received over 130 nominations.
The results are in, and you can read all about who won in each category below.
Foster carer long service awards
- Sue and Mike Jackson - 20 years
- Siobhan Norman - 22 years
- Anne-Marie Radmore - 22 years
- Alison & Mick Blunt - 26 years
Calm in the eye of the storm – shows significant resilience when things are hectic
Staff award
Winner: Claire Mayhew, Business Support Team Leader, Education
Finalists: Cynthia Kanyati, Social Worker, Team 4, Operational Services; Loan Tran, Social Worker, Cared for Children Team
Foster Carer award
Winner: Andy Boyd
Finalists: Abigail and Darren Chidler, Susie Payne, Diana Smith
The Hidden Gem - those who quietly possess an outstanding value, skill or talent or delivers extraordinary work.
Staff award
Winner: Lucy Shaw, Referral Coordinator, MASH
Finalists: Madelane Sneap – Social Worker, Operational Services; Vicky Fildew, Exploitation Coordinator.
Foster Carer award
Winners: Lisa and Tony Moore
Finalists: Carrie and Nick Quine, Sam and Kevin Mason, Sheila Williams
The Innovator – those who actively seek out new methods, ideas up to date best practice to provide the best outcomes and efficiencies.
Winner: Bexs Rushton, Restorative Practice Lead
Finalists: Beth Chitty, Assistant Tea Manager, Family Intervention Team; Patrick Edwards, Newly Qualified Social Worker, Children with Disabilities
The Mountain Mover – those who actively engage in tackling blockers and barriers to achieve the best outcomes.
Staff awards
Winner: Gina Powell, Service Manager, Placements Day Services Short Breaks Direct Payments, and Family Time Team
Finalists: Angela Ryeland IRO, Safeguarding and Reviewing Service; Clare Smith, Advanced Social Work, Operational Services
Foster Carer award
Winner: Nicola Blackaby
Champion in providing outstanding support to children and young people
Staff awards
Winner: Lauren Perriton, Social Worker, Operational Services
Finalists: Lindsay Amiotti, Community Care Worker, Care Experienced Team; Daisy Dooley, Community Care Worker, Family Intervention Team
Foster Carer award
Winners: Jacqueline and Rob Adams
Finalists: Jade and Jeremy Harris, David and Lesley Giles
Champion in providing outstanding support to parents/carers
Winner: Andrew Wright, Community Care Worker, Family Intervention Team
Finalists: Molly Blackler, Community Care Worker, Operational Services; Shara Amoui-Arabi, Advanced Social Worker, Operational Services
Champion in providing outstanding support to provisions/providers/partners
Winner: Sarah Pengelly, Project Manager HAF (Holiday, Activities and Food Programme)
Finalists: Loan Tran, Social Worker, Cared for Children Team; Katie Buckley, Exploitation Manager
Outstanding Leadership Contribution (leadership at every level, not just managers) – possesses a determination and belief to create change, positivity and inspire others.
Winner: Iain Brown, Team Manager, Operational Services
Finalists: Kathryn Morley, Team Manager, Single Assessment; Hannah Spencer, Senior SEND Officer
Team of the Year
Winners: Operational Services Team 5
Finalists: The Placements, Day Services, Short Breaks, Direct Payments and Family Time Team, The whole of Operational Services
The judges:
- Anne-Marie Bond
- Nancy Meehan
- Martin Phillips
- Steve Hart
- Claire Burgess
- Cordelia Law