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Your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)

ASYE programme now closed

Thank you for your interest in joining Portsmouth's ASYE programme

Portsmouth City Council's Assessed and Supported Year in Employment is now closed

While the programme is no longer open, you can still find out more information about Portsmouth's Assessed and Supported Year in Employment before applications open next year.

#ProudToBePortsmouth promise

  • Upon completion of your ASYE, successful applicants will automatically progress from band eight (£35,235) to band nine (£37,937)
  • All social workers on ASYE will receive a £2000 market supplement payment in 12 monthly instalments
  • On completion of ASYE social workers in specified teams* will receive a £3000 market supplement in 12 monthly instalments
    *Teams that qualify include all family safeguarding and support teams plus building your futures (children we care for)

In conversation: Social workers share ASYE experience

Clare Poyner, principal social worker for children's social care at Portsmouth City Council is joined by Jill Alexander and Hoda Agha who talk about their experience from the ASYE programme. They reflect on the support they received and provide more information on what team they work in now.

About ASYE programme

Clare Poyner alongside Donna Egan and Karley Middleton discuss the ASYE programme in more detail. The video includes information on the Stronger Futures Academy - the support you receive as part of the programme and what the programme will cover during your placement.

Essential criteria

  • A BA, MA, BSc, or apprenticeship degree in social work (or equivalent gained outside the UK and recognised by Social Work England).
  • A full UK driving licence, as you will be visiting various locations across Portsmouth and will need to travel between them. A car will be provided if you do not have use of one.
  • An excellent communicator
  • A desire to further develop your working knowledge of theory and legislation and maintain your continuing professional development for your registration.

More information about the ASYE programme

"The Portsmouth ASYE programme as supported via the Stronger Futures Academy, revealed a consistent view of a responsive and supportive ASYE programme which is open to evolving, change and development."
Skills for Care Programme review 2022

In Portsmouth, we know that good social work practice leads to positive outcomes for children and families. The Portsmouth model of practice (family safeguarding, being trauma informed and restorative) underpins our values and beliefs that building strong relationships with children, families, partner agencies and each other is the best way to deliver social work intervention.

Our 12-month ASYE programme provides 'on the job' training to help you understand and unpick the work you are completing. In addition, we offer monthly half day study days, funding to purchase your own resources*, on-site assessors and peer led action learning sets.

You will be based in our family safeguarding teams working with children in need or child protection and court, or the building your future's team, for children we care for. After you have completed your ASYE programme, we will continue to support your social work career in Portsmouth through a dedicated post-ASYE development pathway.

* via the ASYE Co-ordinator

Top questions
When does the programme reopen?

Applications for Portsmouth's Assessed and Supported Year in Employment programme reopens in January 2026. There is no set closing date for applications. We only close the programme once it has reached capacity.

What are the entry requirements for the programme?

You must be completing your social work degree or masters to start the programme. If you have any questions about the programme, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What happens after the ASYE programme?

Portsmouth City Council's post-ASYE programme provides ongoing support, embedding your knowledge using the Portsmouth model of family practice. The children's social care team will work with you on your next steps after you complete the programme to identify opportunities to continue your work with us. For more information on the post-ASYE programme, read our recent guide.

What other opportunities are there?

If you are already qualified, there are other opportunities to consider. You can view the latest vacancies in children's social care or subscribe to our quarterly newsletter.

Why do I need a driving license?

While Portsmouth has a good transport system, you may be required to travel to families further afield. A car is the best option to do this. While you aren't required to own a car, we do ask applicants for the ASYE programme have a full UK driving license or demonstrate that one is being worked towards.

Be the first to hear about the ASYE programme reopening

Subscribe to the Stronger Futures newsletter and be the first to hear about applications reopening in January 2026.

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