Finalists in Social Work Awards 2023

We are delighted that three current and former Think Ahead trainees and one of the programme’s academic tutors are finalists in the Social Work Awards 2023.

Karla Coppendale (2022 cohort), James Hussain (2021 cohort), Eleanor Hinchcliffe (2017 cohort) and David Bulmer (Senior Lecturer in Social Work for Middlesex University) have each been nominated and announced as a finalist in their respective awards categories.

The Social Work Awards aim to ‘recognise inspiring social work’ across England, with more nominations this year received than ever before.

Karla Coppendale – Student Social Worker of the Year Finalist

Karla joined the programme last year and is a finalist for Student Social Worker of the Year. After one year of studying for her postgraduate diploma in social work and working for West London NHS Trust Inpatient Forensic Service, she “truly appreciates the nomination”.

Reflecting on her first year, she feels that “not many people get to say they love their career, but I do. I look forward to the rest of my journey as a registered social worker.”

“It’s not a job you do for the recognition but it’s really humbling when it comes.”

Eleanor Hinchliffe, Think Ahead alumni

James Hussain – Newly Qualified Adult Social Worker Finalist

Part of our 2021 cohort, James has been working for Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust whilst completing his master’s degree in social work from Middlesex University. James “never expected to be nominated… so was shocked when the nomination came through.”

Following the end of our programme, James has remained working for Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust as a Lead Social Worker and “appreciates all those who nominated and supported him with his journey so far.” He feels “privileged to be part of such a wonderful and caring organisation.”

Eleanor Hinchcliffe – Team Leader, Children’s Services Finalist

Eleanor’s social work career started when she joined Bradford Metropolitan District Council as part of our 2017 cohort and remained working in Bradford after finishing the programme.

She was a Consultant Social Worker for our 2021 Cohort, acting as a mentor for a group of new trainees, and last year moved to South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust as a Team Manager at a Secure Children’s Home. Eleanor is “shocked and really honoured to have been nominated for the award”, commenting that “it’s not a job you do for the recognition but it’s really humbling when it comes”.

She is “really pleased that the Social Work Awards are raising the profile of social workers in lots of different settings, showing the vast range of roles and areas that social workers work within.”

“It is a pleasure to have supported so many motivated participants with strong values to become successful social workers.”

David Bulmer, Senior Lecturer in Social Work 

David Bulmer – University Social Work Lecturer of the Year Finalist

Previously a social worker for 15 years and now a Senior Lecturer in Social Work for Middlesex University, David teaches the law and social policy for social work module to our Year One trainees. David said it was a “humbling but lovely surprise to be nominated” for University Social Work Lecturer of the Year.

David is also an Academic Tutor to Think Ahead trainees based across England including in Wiltshire, Durham, Lancashire, South Cumbria, and North Somerset.

“It’s a great job. I strive to communicate my experience and knowledge of social work. I am supported by the Middlesex academic team. It is a pleasure to have supported so many motivated participants with strong values to become successful social workers.”

The award ceremony will be held in November this year where the winners will be announced. We wish David, James, Karla, Eleanor and all the finalists the best of luck!

Find out more about the Social Work Awards 2023 here.