A Senior Social Worker from Liverpool has been shortlisted for a National Lifetime Achievement Award for her work with children and families.
Maria Moore, a Senior Social Worker and Practice Educator with Liverpool City Council, has been named a finalist in the prestigious Social Worker of the Year Awards 2025.
She has been shortlisted in the Lifetime Achievement Award category, in recognition of her exceptional practice and commitment to making a difference to the lives of children and families as well as inspiring and nurturing the next generation of social workers in Liverpool.
Finalists were selected by a panel of independent judges, including previous award winners, social workers, sector leaders and people with lived experience of social work. The winners will be revealed at a special event in October at The Midland Hotel in Manchester.
Now in its 19th year, the Social Worker of the Year Awards is the only major national awards event for social work in England. It celebrates outstanding achievements in the profession and aims to improve public understanding of the challenging and rewarding work social workers do every day.
There are 18 Awards overall, with the winners chosen by the Board of Trustees from all the gold-winning entries.
One colleague of Maria’s described her as a “role model”, saying: “I am so grateful to have a mentor like her on our team.
“Maria has always been a role model to me, through her nurturing and kind nature towards others and in her practice as a social worker. We are very lucky to have Maria, and I can think of no better person who deserves this award.”
Cllr Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Services with Liverpool City Council, said: “On behalf of the council, I want to congratulate Maria on this well-deserved nomination.
“Throughout her career, Maria has shown unwavering dedication, compassion, and professionalism in supporting children, young people and families in Liverpool.
“This recognition is a testament to the lasting impact Maria has made in our community, and we are incredibly proud of her contribution.”
Jenny Glennard, Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Services, said: “I am delighted that Maria has been nominated for this prestigious award.
“I am incredibly proud of the difference she makes every day and it’s wonderful to see that her dedication is being recognised and celebrated at a national level.”
Peter Hay CBE, Chair of the Social Work Awards, said: “Our heartfelt congratulations to Maria. Being shortlisted is a powerful endorsement of their contribution to social work.
“This recognition honours not only their dedication but the values that drive the whole profession; compassion, resilience and a commitment to change.”
For more information about the awards, visit the social work awards website.
