Suzy Rook, who works for Dumfries and Galloway Council, was named social worker of the year at The Scottish Social Services Awards.
The prestigious title recognises the very best examples of individuals demonstrating their deep commitment to their profession and going above and beyond in their role.
Shocked to win, Suzy said: “I can’t believe it. When they called out my name, I was in shock but getting up there to collect the award, I was absolutely buzzing!
“It’s such an honour. It’s amazing to be recognised for the job you do, but to be recognised by your peers and industry professionals is incredible. Nobody does this job for the praise, we do it because we care about people and want the best outcomes for everyone.
“Being recognised for doing your best really means a lot.”
She has worked in the criminal justice team since October 2021 but her nomination also relates to her previous role in children and families. She was in fact nominated by two of the families that she worked with during this time.
Suzy added: “Covid was a really difficult time for everyone but seeing families struggling and the consequences of that were really difficult. It really hit families that I supported hard.
“I think my strength is relationship-based practice. It’s all about building relationships. People need to be supported by social workers who are down to earth and personable, then you are able to see and speak to people and identify what they need. There is strength in any family. It is identifying those strengths and working with the families to achieve the best outcomes for everyone.”
Congratulating her, chair of the council’s social work services committee, Cllr Andy Ferguson, said: “It is an amazing achievement. Her efforts of going above and beyond for local families have been recognised and rewarded as the best in Scotland – this is something to be very proud of.
“I know that all our social workers in Dumfries and Galloway demonstrate this level of commitment every single day. This is one of the most challenging and difficult jobs but our social work staff are so dedicated to achieving the best for the people they support.”
