Digital innovation in children’s services earns national award nomination

North East Lincolnshire Council have announced that its Children’s Services and IT teams have been shortlisted as finalists in the 2025 National Social Work Awards, under the category of ‘Technology Enabled Lives and Innovation in Practice’.

This national recognition celebrates the council’s innovative use of digital technology to improve the lives of children and young people, particularly through the transformation of its Integrated Front Door. The Integrated Front Door is the first point of contact for professionals and the public to raise concerns about the safety and welfare of children, request help, or seek advice and to for the multi-agency partnership to share timely and holistic information to inform decisions for children, enabling them to receive the right support at the right time, preventing escalation and promoting early intervention.

By combining technical expertise with a shared vision for safeguarding, the council has developed a more efficient and responsive electronic system that enables frontline staff to act quickly and effectively. The improvements include simplified digital forms, faster processing, and the pioneering use of live data reporting through a specialised system, a first in the country. These enhancements have significantly  enhanced timeliness, sharpened workload prioritisation and manager oversight and are ensuring children and families receive the help and protection they need.

The system is now fully embedded across the Integrated Front Door and is making a real difference in the lives of children and families in need.

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:

“This nomination highlights how smart digital solutions are transforming the way we protect and support children. By working together in an innovative way, we’ve positioned North East Lincolnshire at the forefront of digital technology in children’s services. Well done to all involved.”

“This nomination is a testament to the power of partnership, innovation, and relentless ambition,” said Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services.

“To be recognised on the national stage is a real testament to the hard-work and dedication of the teams involved who have all kept children and young people at the heart of everything we do.”

Finalists were selected by a panel of independent judges, including previous award winners, social workers, sector leaders and people with lived experience of social work. The winners will be revealed at a special event later this year.

Now in its 19th year, the Social Worker of the Year Awards is the only major national awards event for social work in England. It celebrates outstanding achievements in the profession and aims to improve public understanding of the challenging and rewarding work social workers do every day.