The Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) programme was established as an enhanced 12-month package of support for social workers working with children and families. Organisations have used it to help retain social workers and give them a firm foundation for a long-term career within social work.

The programme has been available to all statutory and voluntary and community sector (VCS) employers within England. During its lifetime, over 97 per cent of local authorities and 17 VCS organisations have engaged with the programme and it has supported approximately 5000 social workers.

Programme structure

The NQSW programme structure features 11 outcome statements which describe what a social worker should know, understand and be able to do by the end of their first year in practice. Drawing on the social worker’s daily activities, NQSWs are expected to evidence their progress against the outcome statements by meeting a number of evidence requirements.

NQSWs also receive the following package of support, delivered through employers:

  • regular and structured supervision sessions;
  • a managed workload;
  • the production and use of a bespoke training and development plan to meet individual learning requirements;
  • 10 per cent of their time ring-fenced for training and development activities (approximately half a day per week);
  • free guidance materials; and
  • formal line management arrangements.

Supervisors’ role

NQSWs receive the support of an assigned supervisor that provides regular and structured supervision sessions designed to help them reach their full potential. The supervision sessions are held every two weeks for the first three months and then monthly thereafter for the remaining nine months of the programme. This provides NQSWs with a platform on which to reflect on learning practices, general wellbeing and caseloads.

Moving forward

The NQSW programme has now closed to new registrations and the programme is scheduled to close on 31 March 2013. From September 2012, employers and NQSWs have been able to benefit from a funded single Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme covering both the children and families and adults’ sectors. The Department administers the ASYE programme for the children and families sectors.

Contact details

Newly Qualified Social Worker Team
Email: socialwork.sg@education.gsi.gov.uk