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Promotion of the Profession

Programs and public work that promote social work, recognize the profession, and celebrate social workers.

Awarded to Outstanding Social Workers

CASW Distinguished Service Award (BC)

The Canadian Association of Social Workers honours a member of partner provincial associations with the CASW Distinguished Service Award during National Social Work Month. The BC CASW Distinguished Service Award 2025 was presented to Dr. Bruce Wallace.

Please send nominations for the 2026 BC CASW Distinguished Service Award to bcasw@bcasw.org, outlining how the nominee meets the selection criteria. Nominations close January 9.

Inspiring Social Worker of the Year Award

This award is co-sponsored by BCASW and the UBC School of Social Work to recognize BC social workers whose compassion and dedication to serving has inspired others. Recipients share their experiences at the Paul Cheng Memorial Lecture held early in September at the UBC School of Social Work.

Nominations will be received from April 16 to July 16, 2026. Nominations should be emailed to bcasw@bcasw.org with “Inspiring Social Worker Award” in the subject line.

The BC Association of Social Workers Lifetime Achievement Award

On behalf of the members of the BC Association of Social Workers, Executive Director Dianne Heath presented Elizabeth Jones with the BC Association of Social Workers first Lifetime Achievement Award on October 28, 2022. The second BCASW Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Richard Sullivan at the AGM on May 29, 2025.

The Janusz Korczak Association of Canada Award for Distinguished Social Work Practice Protecting the Rights of Children

This award is co-sponsored by BCASW and the Janusz Korczak Association of Canada. It recognizes a social worker whose work improves children’s lives and well-being in ways that reflect the philosophy of Dr. Janusz Korczak. Nominations close February 28, 2026.

Dr. Korczak was a pioneer in child advocacy. His philosophy and practice have an important role to play in confronting today’s challenges.

Nominations may be submitted by any person with knowledge of the nominee’s social work practice and should specify the aspects of Dr. Janusz Korczak’s philosophy that relate to the nominee’s social work practice.

  • Jamie Horne, 2025
  • Arnold Martinez, 2023
  • Ferne Strain, 2022

Bridget Moran Award

This award is granted by the Northern Branch of BCASW. The Bridget Moran Advancement of Social Work in Northern Communities Award honours one individual who has contributed to the advancement of social work ideals.

For more information, please contact the BCASW Northern Branch.

The 2024 Bridget Moran Advancement of Social Work in Northern Communities Award recipient was Dr. Jim Campbell. The 2023 recipient was Brent Goerz.

Heart of the Grasslands Award

Granted by the Thompson/Nicola Branch of BCASW, this award goes to a social worker who holds membership in BCASW. Nominees are evaluated on their social work service to the community and the profession. The ceremony takes place during Social Work Week. For more information, please contact the BCASW Thompson/Nicola Branch Representative.

  • 2025 award: Susie McCabe
  • 2024 award: Jo Berry
  • 2023 award: Nadine Ryan

Copper Shield Award

This award is granted by the Northwest Branch of BCASW. The ceremony takes place during Social Work Week. For more information, please contact the BCASW Northwest Branch Representative.

A Standing Ovation

BCASW invites submissions to Perspectives that highlight social workers who are exemplars of social work practice. Submissions should be 600 words or less and can be emailed to BCASW at any time.