Issue date: 30 October 2026
West Sussex County Council social workers have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the profession after winning prestigious national awards at a ceremony held at the House of Commons.
Jennifer Benbow won the Gold Award for Practice Leadership and Management at the Social Worker of the Year Awards, while Shona McLaughlin, received Silver in the Newly Qualified Social Worker category.
Jennifer joined the county council in 2004 and is now a service manager in Adults' Services. She was recognised for her previous work as a team manager supporting adults with complex needs, for her partnership work with the NHS, and for improving outcomes for residents, as well as for her leadership and focus on best practice and improvements.
In her nomination, colleagues described Jennifer as "a constant source of support and calm" and "an emotional anchor during demanding periods."
Jennifer said: “It was lovely just to be nominated and to read all the personal testimonies people had written. Taking a moment to celebrate all the hard work and passion people have for this job is really important. I’ve been in social work for about 20 years, so to receive this recognition in the awards’ 20th year feels particularly special.”
Councillor Richard Bates, the council's Cabinet Member for Adults' Services, said: "Jennifer's Gold award is a wonderful and well-deserved achievement. Her compassionate leadership and commitment to excellent social work practice have made a lasting difference to residents, colleagues and partner organisations across West Sussex. This national recognition reflects Jennifer's outstanding contribution to adult social care over many years. We are all very proud of her achievement."
Shona, who received the silver award for newly qualified social worker of the year 2026, started her career with West Sussex County Council as a child and family worker in family safeguarding. She went on to do a social work apprenticeship, completing it in 2025.
Her nomination recognised her compassionate and child-centred approach to practice, her commitment to improving the lives of children, young people and families, and her focus on placing families' needs at the centre of her work to help deliver significant and lasting positive change.
Councillor Sam Raby, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning and Lead Member for Children, said: "Receiving a Silver award at a national ceremony is a fantastic achievement. Shona has demonstrated remarkable dedication, professionalism and empathy at the very start of her social work career. Her commitment to listening to children and young people, understanding their individual circumstances and helping families make positive changes represents social work at its very best. I congratulate Shona on this well-deserved recognition."
Social workers Rangeley Shallis-Barnes in Children's Services and Karen Golding in Adults' Services, along with the Quality, Practice and Service Team in Adults' Services, were also shortlisted, highlighting the strength and quality of social work practice across the council.
This year marked the 20th anniversary of the Social Worker of the Year Awards, which attract hundreds of entries annually and celebrate the positive difference social workers make to people's lives.
Discover more about our social care services, plus opportunities for careers in our Adults’ Services and Children's Services teams.
