Training for social workers begins with the Social Work Degree and it is vital that it continues throughout their careers. Employers’ support for new social workers is key in enabling them to build on their initial training and develop a full skill set to match the demands of their new role. Ongoing training as part of the post-qualifying framework helps to continuously develop the skills and confidence of social workers.
The Government has committed to all newly qualified social workers (NQSWs) being provided with a tailored programme. The GSCC has worked closely with Skills for Care (SfC) and with the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) to develop two such programmes. CWDC has begun recruiting for the second year of its pilot programme to support NQSWs during their first year of work in a children’s setting. The second year will run from September 2009 – September 2010. In the first year of the pilot, the programme was joined by 970 NQSWs working for 89 employers.
The programme offers a 12 month support package, designed to ensure that NQSWs have access to the best possible opportunities, helping to build on their degree and extend their experience and learning in a supported environment. The NQSWs benefit from protected time for development activity, managed caseloads and quality supervision during their first year of employment. Employers receive support to help them deliver the programme, including funding, guidance materials and training.
"Now I am part of the NQSW programme, which is proving really useful in these early days post-qualifying. It means my time is a little more protected and the weight of case load responsibility is eased… I have a confidence in my own decisions, judgement and communication skills..." Ruth, Children's Service
The new SfC framework recognises that NQSWs need a range of support at different stages of their careers and is based on what NQSWs, people who use services and employers have said needs to be in place to ensure a smooth transition from professional education to practice. There is agreement in principle to provide funding to 116 employers and 1,149 newly qualified social workers and their supervisors this year. In addition, a support package including Action Learning Sets and web-based support will be available.
Further information
If you are a newly qualified social worker or an employer interested in finding out about these two NQSW programmes, please contact:
CWDC: nqsw@cwdcouncil.org.uk
0113 244 6311
SfC: nqswproject@skillsforcare.org.uk
