Link Officers play a key role in championing evidence-informed practice and ensuring their organisations get maximum benefit from Research in Practice resources. We were delighted to announce the winners of this year’s Link Officer Awards at our Link Officers’ Annual Meeting (LOAM).
This year, LOAM was a joint hybrid event, bringing together our adults and children & families Link Officers from across our Partner network to explore collaborative working across the lifespan in the health and social care sectors.
This year’s Link Officer Award winners are:
Adults Link Officer of the Year - Victoria Hartland-Sandiford, London Borough of Barnet
In her nomination, Victoria was described as ‘a passionate, enthusiastic and proactive Link Officer’ who ‘champions Research in Practice resources at all opportunities’.
Victoria takes the time with new staff to support them with creating their Research in Practice account, explaining how they can use it for their CPD and how they can find events and resources that will supplement their knowledge and skills.
Highly commended were Rachel Cam, Naomi Pearce and Annette Lomas, Cheshire East Council.
Children & families Link Officer of the Year - Louise Shorthouse, Coventry City Council
Louise’s nominators described how she always makes time to ‘provide advice and guidance’ to colleagues and promotes Research in Practice ‘at every opportunity when supporting newly qualified and more experienced practitioners/practice educators’.
Louise makes sure we all know what is available to us through Research in Practice to support our own knowledge development. She has set up a research group to get people together that are interested in accessing and sharing evidence, research and best practice. She always makes sure I know what is available to me to enable me to develop a positive approach to learning.
Highly commended was Yvonne Thatcher, Oldham Council.
Newcomer of the Year - David Houdmont, Sheffield City Council
In his nomination, David was praised for sharing Research in Practice resources widely with colleagues, helping to ‘promote an open learning culture where reading and discussion are highly valued’.
David has taken the lead in promoting Research in Practice throughout our Adult Care and Wellbeing service. He has adopted a step-by-step approach, making the most of every opportunity to encourage staff to engage with the resources. This is a huge undertaking in an organisation with over 1,000 employees.
Highly commended were Sarah Smith, Joanna Cook and Sarah Gawne, Cambridgeshire County Council.
Network Teams Champion - Joanne Worthington, South Gloucestershire Council
Joanne has been a continuously supportive voice on the Research in Practice Network Teams Channel. She frequently communicates with other Link Officers from across our Partner network, offering peer support, opportunities to collaborate, and suggestions to improve engagement.
Highly commended were Mary Day and Mayuri Mistry, London Borough of Islington and Maria Karlsson, Family Action.
