Celebrating Social Worker Impact: Hamptons Proudly Sponsors the Frontline Awards 2025

Introduction

At Hamptons, we are proud to champion the incredible work of every social worker across the UK — professionals who make a lasting difference in the lives of children, families, and communities every day. That’s why we were honoured to sponsor the Frontline Awards 2025, held in London, a night dedicated to recognising excellence, innovation, and unwavering commitment within the social work sector.

These awards are more than a celebration; they are a testament to the life-changing impact of social work and a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in those who support society’s most vulnerable.

Honouring Excellence in Social Work Practice

The Frontline Awards 2025 celebrated outstanding achievements in social work, recognising individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to the field. The awards highlighted the

dedication and innovation present within the profession.

• Frontline Award for Leadership: Kakoli was celebrated as a dedicated social worker with 20+ years at Westminster, serving as a respected service manager in the busy assessment team.

• Frontline Award for Practice: Jemma had a passion for social work and is always going that extra mile for children and families, as well as her colleagues and her wider team.

• Frontline Award for Innovation: Niketa was the winner and is the founder of Why Care, a social enterprise dedicated to transforming the foster care system in the UK through innovative recruitment, comprehensive training, and robust support.

• Frontline Award for Team of the Year: The unaccompanied asylum-seeking children’s service team in Coventry support children who have newly arrived in the UK and care leavers were the winners of this award. Hamptons are proud sponsors of this awards and enjoyed hearing about their work.

• Frontline Award for Young People: Chloe was recognised for leading an initiative in Coventry that has reformed how language is used at the local authority and has mentored eight care leavers. Felicity was another winner that is using her lived experience to help other care leavers to believe in themselves and to pursue their talents and dreams.

These awards underscore the vital role of social workers and the positive impact they have on communities across the UK.

The Role of Frontline in Shaping Social Work Careers

Frontline has emerged as a transformative force in social work education, equipping professionals with the skills and support needed to excel in their roles. Since its inception, over 2,400 social workers have qualified through the Frontline programme, collectively supporting more than 150,000 children across England . Notably, 80% of Frontline fellows remain active in the profession, reflecting the programme’s effectiveness in fostering long-term commitment.

The programme’s impact extends beyond initial training. Approximately 76% of participants achieve promotions within four years of completing the programme, highlighting Frontline’s role in cultivating leadership within the sector . Additionally, 92% of participants report that the programme effectively prepares them for the challenges of social work with children and families.

Social work apprenticeships are also gaining momentum as a viable pathway into the profession. In the 2023–24 period, 1,390 individuals commenced social work apprenticeship courses in England, marking a 31% increase from the previous year and nearly doubling the figures from 2021–22 . These apprenticeships offer a blend of academic learning and practical experience, allowing trainees to earn while they learn and contributing to a more diverse and skilled workforce.

Through initiatives like Frontline and the expansion of apprenticeships, the social work profession is being revitalised, ensuring that practitioners are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve.

Hamptons’ Commitment to Social Work Excellence

Hamptons is proud to sponsor the Frontline Awards, standing alongside organisations that champion the outstanding work of social workers across the UK. Our involvement reflects a deep-rooted commitment to supporting and elevating the profession — from recognising individual achievements to advocating for systemic improvement.

We believe in the importance of celebrating excellence in social work, ensuring those on the frontline feel valued and visible. Beyond sponsorship, we continue to invest in partnerships, talent resourcing, and leadership development that drive quality care.

Looking ahead, Hamptons remains dedicated to initiatives that uplift and empower the social work community.

Conclusion

The Frontline Awards 2025 showcased the passion, dedication, and innovation that define today’s social workers and frontline teams. At Hamptons, we are proud to support these inspiring professionals and the vital work they do every day. From celebrating award-winning achievements to championing programmes like Frontline and social work apprenticeships, we remain committed to strengthening the sector’s future.

If you’re passionate about making a difference in social care or seeking new opportunities, explore our latest roles or get in touch with Hamptons today — together, we can help shape the future of social work.