Social worker shortlisted

AN SIC employee has been shortlisted for an award as social worker of the year.

Elinor Thompson, who is team leader for the council’s social work team, is one of eight nominees in the category at the Scottish Association of Social Work’s annual awards ceremony, taking place in Edinburgh on Tuesday evening.

She was nominated by social work colleagues, who acknowledged her leadership and the support she provides to allow them to do the best for the children and families they work with.

SIC children’s services director Helen Budge said: “Social work can be a challenging profession and social workers can often have to make difficult decisions.

“Elinor leads by example and has a quiet resolve and dignity in the face of competing demands. She has led the service through a well thought-out period of improvement and is a well-deserved nominee for this national award.”

Elinor said she was “humbled” to have been shortlisted for the award.

“Nothing we achieve is achieved alone,” she said, “and this is a recognition of the commitment and professionalism of the children and families team and all work that we do as a multi-agency team here in Shetland.”