Hillingdon social workers win prestigious national awards
Monday 27 October 2025: Hillingdon Council is celebrating the outstanding commitment and dedication of two of its social workers to children and families in the borough after their win at the 2025 Social Worker of the Year Awards.
Lashonte was recognised for her creativity and innovation when working with families, as well as her support for those studying to enter the profession. Since joining the council in October 2024, she has demonstrated exceptional skill and compassion in her role, making a significant impact on residents' lives. She has also represented the council and spoken about the role of a social worker and what to expect at national conferences and on podcasts.
Susuana, a student at London Metropolitan University, is currently training with the council to be a social worker.
The honours are the only national social work awards that recognise excellence and innovation across social work in England. Winners were selected by a panel of independent judges, including previous award winners, social workers, sector leaders and people with lived experience of social work.
Cllr Susan O'Brien, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: "The awards are a powerful reminder of the difference social workers make to people's lives every day. Congratulations to Lashonte and Susuana for the well-deserved recognition of the work they put in to go above and beyond to support families in our borough."
Lashonte said: "I was over the moon to win. It's exactly a year since joining the council and you don't really think about awards when you're working. You just try your best to do your bit and make a positive difference to someone else's life. I feel really honoured to have won."
Susuana, said: "I am thrilled to have won. I want to be an ambassador for the social work community and ensure we're talking about the most important issues being faced by some of the most vulnerable families in our communities."
