News | Thursday, 20th July 2017

Honorary doctorate awarded to Chief Social Worker for Adults

Lyn Romeo praises 'hope and optimism' of the profession

The Chief Social Worker for Adults, Lyn Romeo, with her honorary Doctor of Letters degree

The Chief Social Worker for Adults, Lyn Romeo, was awarded an honorary degree by Manchester Metropolitan University for her leadership and advocacy of the profession.

Lyn is the first and only person to occupy the prominent role after a career in frontline social work and later in management, representing the profession at the heart of government.

She was presented with an honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) degree at the graduation ceremony in Manchester’s impressive Bridgewater Hall on Wednesday (July 19).

Lyn congratulated students on their big day, highlighting the ‘challenging and rewarding’ profession social work graduates were entering. She was impressed by the University’s commitment to social work education, training and research, as well as its interdisciplinary approach to health and wellbeing.

Humbled

She told graduates: “I am very humbled to be recognised for my contribution to social work. I am particularly proud that I have been recognised for my work as the Chief Social Worker of England. Most importantly, this award is recognition for the profession, not just in England, but across the world.

“We come into social work to make a difference and we are motivated by a commitment to human rights and social justice. The value, skills and knowledge that you will apply in your practice will help create hope and optimism, and generally improve people’s lives.”

She added: “The work is difficult as well as complex. You will be asked to use a high degree of intellectual rigour to observe, analyse and understand what is happening in highly emotionally charged situations to help make life-changing decisions.

“But I never cease to be amazed by the social workers I meet day in and day out, quietly working to improve the lives of children, families and vulnerable adults.”

'You can make a difference' 

Lyn took up her post as Chief Social Worker for Adults in September 2013. Previously, she worked as the Assistant Director for Adult Social Care in the London Borough of Camden.

Graduates and families heard about Lyn’s start in the profession in her native Australia before a career in the UK. She worked as an inspector with the Social Services Inspectorate, as well as working in Yorkshire for over 20 years as both a field social worker and in a variety of management roles across children and adults.

In her role as Chief Social Worker for Adults, Lyn has been passionate about making a difference, encouraging inclusion, partnership and choice.

As a civil servant, Lyn has maintained links with practitioners on the frontline and helped to advise government ministers on social work reform. She has led on legalisation, notably The Care Act 2015.

Accepting the Honorary Degree, she offered graduates top tips for the future. Lyn encouraged them to always start with the person and their needs, and encouraged graduates to be tenacious, patient and resilient, adding ‘you can make a difference’.

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