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Cafcass shortlisted for Social Worker of the Year Awards 2024.

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Cafcass is delighted that three individual colleagues have been shortlisted for the 2024 Social Worker of the Year Awards. 

 

Hilary Barrett and Rachel Humphries – Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual who has dedicated their entire working life to social work and has consistently made a positive difference within their community.

Hilary Barrett is an Assistant Director who began her long and successful career in social work in 1984 and has worked at Cafcass since 2010. Throughout this time, Hilary has demonstrated her resolute focus on doing the right thing for children, focusing on improving their lives and giving them a brighter future. As a leader, she champions a culture of learning and makes social workers and their managers feel safe through her support. 

Rachel Humphries has dedicated her life to her social work practice, including over 20 years at Cafcass. She takes great pride in making sure that the children she works with are protected from harm while ensuring that their voice is captured and represented. Rachel goes above and beyond her role as a Family Court Adviser; she leads on reflective discussions and offers advice and respectful challenge to improve practice. 

 

Hema Johal – Children’s Social Worker of the Year Award

The Children’s Social Worker of the Year Award recognises social workers who have made a positive impact through their outstanding work with children and families.

Hema Johal has worked at Cafcass since 2010, originally as a Family Court Adviser and Children’s Guardian. In 2023, she was appointed as Cafcass’ specialist children’s complaints manager where she has already achieved impressive outcomes for children. She engages her colleagues with empathy and provides the lessons from complaints in a way that encourages a growth mindset and professional development. Alongside this, she continually embodies Cafcass’ commitment to amplify the voice of children in the way we learn from their complaints.