Posted on Friday 23rd January 2026
Nick Lakin, here with the award winners, says the wins are "fantastic recognition for our service."
Staff in Staffordshire County Council’s Care Leavers team are celebrating having scooped two national awards.
Nicole Brooks won the prestigious PA of the Year award at the annual Personal Advisor (PA) Awards, while the Lichfield team won Team of the Year.
The awards recognise the remarkable work of Personal Advisors who support young people aged 16 to 25 as they transition from care.
Judges praised Nicole’s dedication and strength as a corporate parent, advocating for young people and always supporting them like she would her own children.
Talking about her award, Nicole said:
“It was such a genuine surprise and I’m so honoured. Our care leavers amaze me every day and this award reflects their courage as much as my work.
“Supporting our care leavers into opportunities with the national care leavers bench forum gets their voices heard and supports care leavers nationally. I’m incredibly proud to be a PA and to be a part of my young people’s journey and watching them grow and develop over the years.
“I am also proud with what we as Staffordshire have to offer and support are young people to help them achieve their goal and so much more.”
The authority’s Lichfield team were also praised for their outstanding initiative and leadership in raising funds, building community partnerships and organising Staffordshire's first residential holiday for care leavers.
Nick Lakin, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“Winning these two national awards is fantastic recognition for our service.
“Both Nicole and the Lichfield team embody what it means to be an invested and effective corporate parent and have made a huge difference in the lives of our care leavers. A massive congratulations to our winners, they should be very proud of their achievements.”
The winners were chosen by a panel of judges, including care leavers, employees of the National Care Leavers Benchmarking Forum and last year's PA of the Year winner.
Further information about the county council’s support for children and young people can be found on its website.