We’re investing in the future of our outstanding social workers. The Authority has a good track record in growing our own Social Workers and in May 2023, we are launching our Social Work Apprenticeship scheme, where we are giving the opportunity to 10 workers from across the council to train to become social workers. Our 10 social work apprentices will graduate in 2026. Alongside this we are also hosting the 2024 Step up to Social Work Cohort.  The 2024 Step Up to Social Work programme is a unique opportunity to receive support while you are training to start a new career in social work.  Both pathways combine academic study and hands-on experience in a real-life role, it’s a comprehensive education in social work. At the end of course, you’ll be awarded with a Postgraduate Diploma and the opportunity to register and practice as a social worker. Once qualified the Authority has a Social Work Academy that supports ASYE’s in their first year and beyond.

Across all of our roles within Children’s Social Care, we work to our 4 C’s model to provide a reliable framework for delivering effective care for children and families across all of our teams –

Conversations

To use conversations to build relationships with children and their families.

Curiosity

To practice with respectful curiosity to help us understand the lived experience of children and young people who need our help.

Courage

To practice with courage, not being afraid to fail and try new things supporting our children and families through change.

Considerate

Our practice will be considerate, respectful of diversity and difference, we will practice with care to ensure the best outcomes for our children and families.