Hartlepool Borough Council worker receives prestigious national award for lifetime commitment to adult social services
A council official says his prestigious national award “is testament to the work that is done by all colleagues in adult social care”.
John Lovatt, Hartlepool Borough Council’s assistant director of adult social care, was presented with a Silver Lifetime Achievement Award at the Social Worker of the Year Awards.
The Social Worker of the Year Awards, held in Manchester, is the only major national awards event for social work in England, and attracts hundreds of entries every year from across 150 councils.
Nineteen awards were given out at the event, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, which celebrates individuals who have dedicated their entire working life to social work and who have consistently made a positive impact on their community.
Mr Lovatt said: “This award is testament to the work that is done by all colleagues in adult social care, not just me – I work with a lot of people who are very driven and motivated to improve services and keep people safe.”
He has worked in adult social care for Hartlepool Borough Council for more than 30 years in a variety of different roles including registration and inspection of care homes and as senior training officer in workforce development.
In his current post, he oversees all adult social care services commissioned by the council and manages all staff teams.
Councillor Gary Allen, chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s adult services and public health committee, said: “Many congratulations to John on this very well-deserved award.
“His commitment, knowledge and experience are second-to-none, and this is matched by the care and compassion he shows every day in protecting and supporting Hartlepool’s most vulnerable residents.”
Almost 400 guests came together at The Midland Hotel, in Manchester, to celebrate the outstanding commitments made by those in the social care sector.
Peter Hay, chair of trustees for the Social Worker of the Year Awards, said: "The awards are a powerful reminder of the difference social workers make to people’s lives every single day.
"They shine a light on the dedication and compassion that drive our profession forward.
"It’s a privilege to celebrate these remarkable achievements and to thank our sponsors for supporting this incredibly important event.”