Sussex academics recognised in national awards for pioneering social work
By: Caroline Sutton
Last updated: Friday, 20 March 2026
Dr Tam Cane, Associate Professor (Social Work and Social Care) School of Education and Social Work
We're proud to announce that two our academics - Dr Tam Cane and Rebecca Stephens - have both been honoured with prestigious national awards for their outstanding contribution to the social work profession.
’ is a campaign championing the exceptional work happening across the UK social work profession. It is run by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), the UK’s largest professional body for social work.
The awards aim to highlight the achievements of individuals and teams in the profession, whilst also raising the profile and public understanding of the critical role of social work in our communities.
work has explored race, identity and care in adoption. She was the first to examine HIV in the context of the UK adoption system and is the founder of the Anti-racist Framework for Decision-making in Transitioning (AFDiT) children from minoritised racial and ethnic groups into transracial adoptive families.
The framework was codeveloped with adoptees, adoptive parents, birth parents with lived experience of transracial adoption and social workers. It provides practical guidance for decision making and is now widely implemented across child welfare and adoption services in the UK.
The judges from BASW said: “This framework not only reflects Tam’s relentless dedication to cultural sensitivity and ethical practice but also provides a meaningful tool for practitioners seeking to foster stability, belonging, and positive outcomes for children.”
Dr Cane said: “I feel incredibly honoured to be recognised in this way. Meaningful change happens when we truly see one another, especially those most in need, and when we act with shared responsibility, solidarity and humanity. My hope is that the work we all do together, continues to promote humanity, support culturally conscious practice and lifelong wellbeing for children, adults, families and communities.”
, is the pioneer of veterinary social work in the UK. Her work and research explore the vital role pets play in people’s lives and how animal welfare and human-animal interactions can alert social workers to child and domestic abuse. Her work offers guidance on how social workers can collaborate with veterinary teams and animal welfare organisations.
The British Association of Social Worker judges praised Rebecca saying: “As the first Veterinary Social Worker in the UK, Rebecca has shown tenacity and perseverance in pioneering this new specialism, which will significantly support and strengthen the ability of the human and animal sectors to work together effectively, changing the landscape of the fields forever and for the better.”
Rebecca said: “My research and work have shown me that meaningful change doesn’t start with certainty but with curiosity, commitment, and the courage to create space for something new. For me, this recognition isn’t just about receiving an award; it’s about gaining a new platform to convey an important message: that human and animal welfare are interconnected, so when we protect animals, we protect people too.”
Over 300 individuals and teams were nominated by their colleagues this year, including frontline practitioners, students, managers, leaders, educators and newly qualified social workers.
BASW are their accomplishments on their website and social media channels throughout March as part of their celebrations for World Social Work Day.
Commenting on the awards, BASW UK Vice-Chair Lewis Roberts said: “BASW is proud to have run our Amazing Social Workers campaign for its sixth consecutive year. It is a wonderful way for our profession to celebrate inspiring social work practice and pay tribute to the many individual and collective successes that deserve to be noticed.
“Across our communities, social workers go above and beyond to make a positive difference to the lives of adults, children and families they support. Whether it’s advancing people’s rights and challenging injustices, to advocating for fairness and promoting wellbeing, the role of social work has never been more important during these challenging times.
“Congratulations to everyone who has been recognised this year and thank you for all you do every day. We look forward to shining a spotlight on your achievements as part of our World Social Work Day celebrations.”
’ is a campaign championing the exceptional work happening across the UK social work profession. It is run by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), the UK’s largest professional body for social work.
The awards aim to highlight the achievements of individuals and teams in the profession, whilst also raising the profile and public understanding of the critical role of social work in our communities.
work has explored race, identity and care in adoption. She was the first to examine HIV in the context of the UK adoption system and is the founder of the Anti-racist Framework for Decision-making in Transitioning (AFDiT) children from minoritised racial and ethnic groups into transracial adoptive families.
The framework was codeveloped with adoptees, adoptive parents, birth parents with lived experience of transracial adoption and social workers. It provides practical guidance for decision making and is now widely implemented across child welfare and adoption services in the UK.
The judges from BASW said: “This framework not only reflects Tam’s relentless dedication to cultural sensitivity and ethical practice but also provides a meaningful tool for practitioners seeking to foster stability, belonging, and positive outcomes for children.”
Dr Cane said: “I feel incredibly honoured to be recognised in this way. Meaningful change happens when we truly see one another, especially those most in need, and when we act with shared responsibility, solidarity and humanity. My hope is that the work we all do together, continues to promote humanity, support culturally conscious practice and lifelong wellbeing for children, adults, families and communities.”
, is the pioneer of veterinary social work in the UK. Her work and research explore the vital role pets play in people’s lives and how animal welfare and human-animal interactions can alert social workers to child and domestic abuse. Her work offers guidance on how social workers can collaborate with veterinary teams and animal welfare organisations.
The British Association of Social Worker judges praised Rebecca saying: “As the first Veterinary Social Worker in the UK, Rebecca has shown tenacity and perseverance in pioneering this new specialism, which will significantly support and strengthen the ability of the human and animal sectors to work together effectively, changing the landscape of the fields forever and for the better.”
Rebecca said: “My research and work have shown me that meaningful change doesn’t start with certainty but with curiosity, commitment, and the courage to create space for something new. For me, this recognition isn’t just about receiving an award; it’s about gaining a new platform to convey an important message: that human and animal welfare are interconnected, so when we protect animals, we protect people too.”
Over 300 individuals and teams were nominated by their colleagues this year, including frontline practitioners, students, managers, leaders, educators and newly qualified social workers.
BASW are their accomplishments on their website and social media channels throughout March as part of their celebrations for World Social Work Day.
Commenting on the awards, BASW UK Vice-Chair Lewis Roberts said: “BASW is proud to have run our Amazing Social Workers campaign for its sixth consecutive year. It is a wonderful way for our profession to celebrate inspiring social work practice and pay tribute to the many individual and collective successes that deserve to be noticed.
“Across our communities, social workers go above and beyond to make a positive difference to the lives of adults, children and families they support. Whether it’s advancing people’s rights and challenging injustices, to advocating for fairness and promoting wellbeing, the role of social work has never been more important during these challenging times.
“Congratulations to everyone who has been recognised this year and thank you for all you do every day. We look forward to shining a spotlight on your achievements as part of our World Social Work Day celebrations.”