Funding to train 900 new children’s social workers

Social work charity Frontline, which recruits people into the social work profession, has secured £45 million in funding from the DfE to create 900 places on its children's social work programme.

The announcement of additional funding comes as new Frontline-commissioned research, undertaken by ComRes, reveals that 44% of adults aged 18-34 are considering a change of career this year. The research also shows that a quarter of millennials would prioritise purpose over pay (25%).

Frontline has already brought over 1,000 people onto its programme since 2013. Frontline is currently recruiting for its largest ever cohort of 452 trainees, with over 40 vacancies in the South West for the first time, and all trainees will benefit from generous bursaries of up to £20,000.

Education Secretary Damian Hinds said: "Social workers are heroes, often unsung, of our society – working on the frontline to offer care and support to some of the most vulnerable children and families in the country.

"Children’s social care is only as good as the people who deliver it, which is why we want to recruit, retain and develop the best social workers, so they can continue to offer the much needed lifeline to those who need it most.

"That’s why the Government is supporting Frontline with £45 million to continue their work in attracting and training bright graduates and career changers, who aspire for a rewarding career as a social worker."

 

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