Hull student social worker shortlisted for top national award

A student Social Worker from Hull has been shortlisted for a prestigious award in recognition of their extraordinary practice.

Denford Duri, Student Social Worker at the University of Hull, has been selected as a finalist for Student Social Worker of the Year in the annual Social Worker of the Year Awards. He was jointly nominated by Hull City Council’s Adult Social Care team and the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Hull.

He first started his first placement with the council in September 2021, excelling within the team and in his own learning. Alongside his commitment to his studies, Denford is a family man, working an evening job, whilst still maintaining a high standard of academic studies. Denford also dealt with some difficult situations on his placement, showing a high degree of professionalism and proactively supported his colleagues.

He is one of six finalists in the Student Social Worker of the Year category and will find out if he has won at a special awards ceremony in London on Friday 4 November.

Supported by Torbay Council, Student Social Worker of the Year is for university students studying social work who are showing outstanding potential in their studies; surpassing expectations and have a thorough understanding of social work theory and practice.

Denford, who is in his final year at the University of Hull, said: “Being short-listed has come as a real surprise. I am really happy and humbled by this consideration. I am thoroughly enjoying studying social work and supporting clients in my area has been such an amazing experience.

“I left my previous career with the aim of giving back to the Hull community as I now consider Hull my home, having arrived in here from Africa two decades ago. I never thought my efforts would be noticed and acknowledged in this way right in the beginning of my social career. I am truly honoured and grateful for those who felt I deserved to be shortlisted."

Councillor Linda Chambers, portfolio holder for Adult Services at Hull City Council said: “The council offers a huge congratulations to Denford on this fantastic achievement.

“Social work is a very rewarding and fulfilling job, where somebody can make a massive difference to someone’s life. The council is committed to building a good quality social care workforce, with the right ethos, values and training. Denford is a real rising star and I’m sure he is set to achieve even more in his social work career.”

Dr Karin Cooper, Head of School Psychology and Social Work in the University’s Faculty of Health Sciences, said: “Denford is inspirational, his commitment and passion for social work is outstanding. It is wonderful to see the professional knowledge, skills and values developed during his social work programme so clearly demonstrated in what can often be complex and challenging placement situations – congratulations Denford.”

Peter Hay CBE, Chair of the Social Work Awards, said: “We are delighted with the fantastic entries received this year. As a charity, our aim is to shine a light on the inspirational achievements of an often-overlooked profession. Thank you to all the people who took the time out of their day to nominate a friend, colleague, or team for an award this year. And, to all our finalists, 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.”

For more information about the awards, visit Social Work Awards website.