A new scheme to enlist highly skilled graduates into children’s social work is rolling out across the UK.
Having launched in 2013, the Frontline scheme has already trained 220 graduates.
The scheme, which is proving extremely popular in the South East and Manchester, has just announced it will be recruiting another 180 graduates. Those wishing to fill the available roles will be expected to take up posts from as soon as July.
Frontline’s website says that their graduate programme is ‘a unique opportunity for high-achieving university leavers and career changers to join one of Britain’s toughest and most rewarding professions.’
Research conducted by the Government has revealed that there were 4320 vacancies in the social care sector in 2014, indicating that there is a massive gap to be filled.
The Frontline programme has now been backed by government to be rolled out nationally, meaning 1000 new professionals will be available to support some of the most disadvantaged children and families in Britain by 2020.
“Frontline is attracting the brightest and best graduates into social work. They will make a dramatic difference to vulnerable children’s lives,” said Nicky Morgan, Secretary of State for Education
“Schemes like Teach First have helped transform teaching into one of the most prestigious and high status professions in the country, and we must now do the same for social work. Frontline mirrors that approach by attracting the brightest and the best graduates into social work – giving them fast-track, top quality training in children’s social work. It’s no surprise then that there are more than 10 applicants for every place,”she added.
The scheme aims to change peoples’ views of social workers. There are many high profile cases in the media as of late, meaning that social works are now under scrutiny more than ever before. The charity aims to improve this outlook as it recognises that the vast majority of social workers work to exceed expectations.
Government ministers wish to attract a number of skilled workers to the new posts by offering more incentives, including a focus on the recruitment of skilled graduates fresh out of university.
Rebecca joined the HRreview editorial team in January 2016. After graduating from the University of Sheffield Hallam in 2013 with a BA in English Literature, Rebecca has spent five years working in print and online journalism in Manchester and London. In the past she has been part of the editorial teams at Sleeper and Dezeen and has founded her own arts collective.
