Step up and support Portsmouth's families as a social worker

A national drive to encourage more people to become social workers has launched with the step up to social work programme.

Funded by the Department for Education, this 14-month programme trains people at Portsmouth City Council to become a children's social worker. Those starting the programme will work towards completing a post-graduate qualification as well as providing support to families by shadowing other social workers.

Since launching in 2010, the programme has trained 2300 people to become social workers in England. Those who enrol on the programme are given a tax-free bursary of £19,883 for living costs with tuition fees covered by the Department for Education.  

Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said: "There is a significant need to train and develop more people in England to become social workers. We're playing our part in Portsmouth to nurture talent right here in the city.

"Social work is both a challenging and rewarding career where you can make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families. You will need to build relationships with families facing difficult times, show a lot of patience and be a good listener."

To qualify for the programme, applicants will need to have a minimum 2:2 degree in any subject and have GCSEs in English and mathematics at grade C or above (or equivalent qualification). They will also need to have at least six months experience working with children, young people or families in a paid or voluntary role.

Sam Bushby, deputy director, for children social care at Portsmouth City Council said: "This is a fully-funded programme that makes a career in social care accessible for more people. If you have experience of working with children or families, the step up to social work programme is a great option to consider.

"Social work sees you building relationships with families and agencies. Our approach is collaborative and restorative, ensuring you have the support of a team around you to make a difference."

Online applications are now open for the programme. Applicants will be invited along to a local assessment centre in June/July 2023. If successful, the programme begins in January 2024.

The step up to social work programme runs once every two years. People are encouraged to apply before 23 March 2023 when applications close.