Ann Munroe, who is studying the MA in Applied Social Work: Practice Education, has been shortlisted for the Practice Educator of the Year prize at this year’s Social Worker of the Year Awards.

Ann, who is a social worker at Luton Borough Council, is one of 78 finalists across 15 categories - the winners from each category will then be in with a chance of being named Overall Social Worker of the Year.

Ann, 48, from Hitchin, Hertfordshire, said: “I am very humbled to be nominated for this award and am grateful to the team I work in, my colleagues and in particular my tutor Kathryn Jones and Dave Thomas, who have enabled my development in practice teaching over the years.

“I chose to do my MA at Bedfordshire because it is a welcoming Institution that has supported me in my studies previously. I feel supported there as a mature student.”

As well as studying part-time at the University and working as a social worker, Ann is also a Practice Educator and has a pivotal role of guiding and supporting other social work students at the University to develop in their careers.

The University’s Head of the School of Applied Social Studies Amanda Thorpe, said: “We are immensely proud that Ann has made it to the final of this prestigious award. She is an extremely committed Practice Educator and provides our students with supportive, challenging and well managed opportunities to learn in practice.

“Ann is also the second Bedfordshire Practice Educator to reach the final in this category which is a testament to the quality of practice learning provided for our Social Work students.”

Another social worker from Central Bedfordshire Council, Louise Purser, who works closely with the University’s School of Applied Social Studies to guide students in their future careers, also has cause to celebrate – she has been shortlisted for the Lifetime Achievement award.

Ann and Louise will find out if they have won their awards at a glittering awards ceremony on 27^th November.

For more information about the Social Worker of the Year Awards please visit www.socialworkawards.com