An approved mental health professional from Wiltshire Council has won gold the Social Worker of the Year Awards.

Dr Matt Simpson, who died at the start of this year, was named as the Approved Mental Health Professional of the Year 2024.

The award was presented to members of his family and colleagues from Wiltshire Council and Bournemouth University.

The Social Worker of the Year awards were set up in 2006 by independent social work practitioner Beverley Williams and they celebrate social work and promote positive stories from the profession.

A hub AMHP in Wiltshire, and senior lecturer and AMHP programme lead at Bournemouth University, Dr Simpson felt Mental Health Act assessments should be carefully considered and detention under the MHA should be a last resort.

In November 2022 he completed his PhD thesis, based on Section 13(1) of the MHA, which places a duty on an AMHP to consider a referral for a mental health assessment.

He explored AMHP decision-making at the point of referral and identified actions which can be taken at a much earlier point in the process to avert unnecessary assessment and detention.

His research struck a chord with AMHPs across the country and has directly influenced practice, with many AMHP services inspired to review their own approach as a result.

Collecting the award on Dr Simpson’s behalf, Ian Roberts, from Wiltshire Council said: “It’s so important to celebrate social workers, we often fly under the radar, we get on and do the work and often face a lot of criticism despite the fantastic work going on across the sector. It’s very important that we take the time to recognise that.”

Peter Hay, chairman of trustees for the Social Worker of the Year Awards, said: “The awards celebrate the very best in social work, showcasing the remarkable achievements of those in the profession.

"It’s a real honour to highlight the inspiring accomplishments of both individuals and organisations in this often-underappreciated field. Congratulations to all of our finalists and winners, and a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors for making these awards possible."