Portsmouth City Council launches website to recruit qualified social workers

Portsmouth City Council has unveiled a new campaign for children's social care recruitment that is designed to inspire qualified social workers to join the team. Stronger Futures supports the need to recruit newly qualified and experienced social workers locally to help support the city's children, young people and families.

The Stronger Futures' website provides a range of useful resources including video testimonials and content designed to inform those interested in either joining the profession or how to become a children's social worker.

Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said: "Social work is an immensely rewarding profession and Portsmouth is a great place to practice. With strong partnerships and a commitment to innovation and professional development, the website enables us to showcase what the service has to offer by personalising the experience through care ambassador videos and testimonials.

"Those who visit the website will hear from social workers as they offer an insight into the profession and what it is like to work for the service."

In 2018, Ofsted rated children's social care services as "good" with a wide range of strengths. The website with its Stronger Futures branding showcases Portsmouth City Council's efforts to become outstanding.

Sarah Daly, deputy director of children and families services at Portsmouth City Council said: "In Portsmouth, we are very lucky to have an experienced workforce who do a fantastic job supporting the city's families, children and young people every day.

"We are committed to continuous training and staff development in a culture that shares expertise. The Stronger Futures website allows us to tell our story, encouraging those with the right experience to apply for a variety of exciting roles."

Stronger Futures is part of the Health and Care Portsmouth programme, to provide joined up services for families, young people and children in the city. This unique partnership between Portsmouth City Council and the NHS ensures the community receive the support they need.

Alison Jeffery, director of children, families and education at Portsmouth City Council said: "Working in children's social care is a rewarding career for many people. It's really important we showcase all aspects of the profession, in a transparent way. Social workers do a great job in supporting the city's families, but it is also challenging. Those who join will need to be resilient as well as professional."

Qualified individuals who apply will benefit from an average caseload of 17, a retention bonus of up to £5,000, flexible working and continuous professional development opportunities.