Paul Burrows - Hampshire's 'can do' social worker is Council Worker of the Year!

A Hampshire County Council social worker was last night voted Council Worker of the Year in a prestigious national award ceremony.

Paul Burrows who lives in Bedhampton, Havant, was one of four people nominated for their initiative at work and he received his award at a gala dinner on the last night of the at the Local Government Association annual conference in Birmingham.

Paul Burrows is a care manager who works as a senior project officer in the Adult Services Department. Profoundly deaf and for a time suffering from ME, the chronic fatigue illness, he was singled out for the award after he developed a simple computerised form that replaced over 28 separate documents and freed up frontline social workers to spend more time doing what they do best - caring for people.

Paul first discovered his initiative and drive when Jason, one of his three children, was diagnosed with severe speech and language impairment and learning disabilities.

"Jason never gave up," said Paul. 'It's difficult to understand him and he has to say the same thing over and over again and think about every single word he says. But whatever life threw at him, my son always found another way round a problem." As a result, Paul has a similar 'can do' attitude and philosophy.

The Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber said: "I was there to see Paul get his award and we are all so proud that Paul's 'can do' attitude has been recognised in this way.

"Paul drew on hardships from his own life and made it his personal mantra that 'A problem is a solution waiting to be found'. His initiative has made a big difference to vulnerable people in our communities who need the specialised help and advice from our social workers.

"Hampshire County Council a top performing four-star authority and we can now proudly say that we have the Council Worker of the Year as part of our team. I would like to thank all of our partners, colleagues, staff and voluntary organisation who voted for him."

Paul has worked with over 300 staff across Hampshire training them how to use the new computerised form. He overcame the overwhelming inertia of 'we've always done it this way' by setting a personal example and proving that the IT package actually delivered better results. Paul's initiative will save 10 man-years annually, reducing costs and releasing staff to spend valuable time with service users.

Paul said he was thrilled to get the award which he dedicated to his son Jason, who was also there to see him presented with the award along with his wife Jackie.