Tam was commended for her inclusive approach to education, skill in translating theory into practice, and development of the Transracial Adoption Framework.
Rebecca was praised for developing a new social work specialism that bridges human and animal welfare.
Two academics in Social Work and Social Care at the University of Sussex have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to social work practice.
Associate Professors, Dr Tam Cane and Rebecca Stephens, have both been honoured with prestigious national awards by the British Association of Social Work (BASW) during World Social Work Month (March 2026). The awards form part of BASW’s 'Amazing Social Workers' campaign, which celebrates individuals and teams making a significant impact.
Dr Cane was named as an ‘Amazing Associate Professor’ for her exemplary teaching and leadership. She was commended for her inclusive approach to education, her skill in translating theory into practice, and her development of the Transracial Adoption Framework – an influential tool supporting culturally sensitive and ethical practice.
Ms Stephens, who is the UK’s first veterinary social worker, was named an ‘Amazing Social Worker’ and praised for developing a new social work specialism that bridges human and animal welfare. Rebecca's work includes forging new partnership models with UK veterinary practices and embedding the human–animal bond into the social work curriculum. By creating frameworks to support issues such as pet loss, bereavement, animal welfare and safeguarding, Ms Stephens is helping both professions better understand the emotional and practical complexities that arise around family pets. Colleagues described her as “an inspiration” whose positivity and commitment are driving significant, lasting change.