91Ö±²¥

91Ö±²¥ is proud to announce that Lynda Hughes has been selected as a finalist for University Social Work Lecturer of the Year in the national Social Worker of the Year Awards 2023. 

Lynda, a University Teacher in Social Work, joined the Department of Sociological Studies in 2016 after many years in frontline social work practice. Initially involved in teaching as a Social Work Practice Consultant, she subsequently led the BA Social Work Degree Apprenticeship Programme for four years.  She has always had a strong commitment to the development and support of social workers and ensuring that practice and academia are informed by and remain relevant to each other is something she is passionate about.  

Lynda has been nominated for this prestigious award in recognition of her work with 91Ö±²¥ City Council’s Adult Social Care Service on an ambitious project to embed critically reflective supervision across the service. Lynda’s collaboration with council workforce development colleagues has involved the development of a ‘train the trainer’ model using best evidence, tools and techniques to help social work managers alter the way they deliver supervision to their staff. Having worked with over 30 managers so far, early indications are that this transformative approach to supervision is benefitting individual practitioners and having a positive impact on the overall service in terms of reduced staff absences, continuous learning, career development and an improved use of research and knowledge.   

Supported by Essex County Council, the Award is open to Lecturers of Social Work at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) who provide outstanding and effective social work education for their students.

Peter Hay CBE, Chair of the Social Work Awards, said: 

This year we received the most entries ever which goes to show organisations and individuals are keen to shine a light on the inspirational achievements of an often-overlooked profession. We would like to thank all those who took the time to nominate a friend, colleague, or team for an award this year. To our finalists, we’d like to say congratulations! Being nominated for a national award, whilst supporting others during very challenging times, is a remarkable achievement of which you should be very proud.

This nomination is a fitting tribute to Lynda's outstanding contribution to our social work programmes, and to the training of social workers in our city region. It recognises Lynda's dedication to providing a supportive and engaging learning environment for our students, particularly for our apprenticeship programme, and the high regard she is held in by colleagues and students.

Professor Sarah Neal

Head of the Department of Sociological Studies

As one of five finalists in the University Lecturer of the Year category, Lynda has been invited to a special awards ceremony in London in November where the overall winner will be announced. We wish her luck. 

For more information about the awards, please visit