Gold award for social workers supported by University of Sunderland

Published on 27, October, 2025

A social care team have won a national award for their work in practitioner-led research through a project delivered in partnership with the University of Sunderland.

The team, made up of social workers from Darlington Borough Council, took home the gold award for Practitioner-Led Research at the Social Worker of the Year Awards for their Experts in Practice (EXIP) project.

EXIP is a research-based project, linking the University and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

The award, sponsored by the NIHR, recognises those who have made significant contributions to developing research culture within social care.

The EXIP project supports professional development by giving staff dedicated research time and opportunities to co-produce training, tools, and resources for colleagues and partner agencies.

Five of the winning social workers completed the Level 7 Reflexive Practice Research module, designed and developed by Dr Lesley Deacon from the University of Sunderland. This module is underpinned by the Facilitated Practice-based Research model designed by Dr Deacon to support practitioners to enhance their skills and boost their confidence through collaborative practice research.

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Dr Deacon, Associate Professor of Practice Research at the University, said: “This award is incredibly well deserved and I'm really pleased that at the University of Sunderland we were able to contribute towards the Experts in Practice scheme through our partnership with the Research Delivery Network in the Social Care Research Ambassador's scheme (North East and North Cumbria).

“What’s particularly important about the ‘Darlington model’ is its sustainable approach to developing practitioner researchers who feedback into research and training in the organisation meaning that their engagement with the community they serve is research informed.

“I’m very much looking forward to continuing to work with Darlington Borough Council and the practitioner researchers to further develop the scheme.”

Nick Wallis, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Darlington Borough Council, said: “We are extremely proud of all our staff, who work tirelessly to deliver the best services to our residents, and these award ceremonies are a lovely way to recognise the hard work, dedication and passion within our teams.”

Anne Marie Curry, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, added: “Each EXIP is allocated research time, whilst giving up their own time too, to create these resources that will support others. The impact of the work completed by our EXIP group has been far-reaching and continues to blossom.”

The winning team included Amy Waterfield, Amy Townson, Anna Yoxall, Deborah Parker, Linda Austin, Jacquelyn McNulty, Charlotte Swainston, Sharon Crossen, Andrew Robson, and Natalie Bell.

They were joined by therapeutic practitioner Danielle Farley and occupational therapist Louise Colley.

The award was presented in Manchester NIHR director of programmes Peter Thompson and NIHR director of operations Nicola Melody.

For more information on studying Social Work at the University of Sunderland, click here.