New employee benefits
Portsmouth City Council has introduced a package of new incentives for social workers in children's social care.
New market supplement payment
ASYE→Team Leader
Paid over 12 monthly instalments, social care practitioners (ASYEs through to team leaders) in qualifying teams will receive a market supplement payment of up to £3,000.
Enhanced health and wellbeing package
As an employee, you will benefit from third party support services including GP access and retailer discount schemes. This package is extensive and bespoke to your needs.
Relocation help
For specific roles and where there is an employment need, Portsmouth City Council may help with costs associated with relocating.
New career progression pathways
Experienced social workers can now progress to advanced social worker as part of new progression opportunities.
Partnerships that work
Great relationships with organisations across the city ensure local residents benefit from joined up working from the get-go.
Join Team Portsmouth
If you are considering your next steps, join Portsmouth City Council as a qualified social worker in children's social care.
Councillor Suzy Horton
Suzy Horton
My name is Councillor Suzy Horton, and I'm the Cabinet Member for Children and Families and Education here at Portsmouth City Council. This is a council that has strong commitment to children and young people in our city. This is a council that works with a wide range of stakeholders to circulate a very clear and united vision. Just recently, there was an event called Imagine Portsmouth where those stakeholders were brought together to collate their ideas about what this might look like. This is a council that is keen on innovation. For example, we've set up a family safe guarding model where social workers and other interested agencies work with families to keep them together and to help them muddle through difficult times. Just launched is the Mockingbird model of care, where we create a community of carers to support each other. This is a council where with a cross departmental view. So whilst I am the cabinet member for children, families, and education, I also see it as my business to work with people who lead on housing and who lead on play and culture in our city. This is a council that embraces initiatives. Just recently, we've set up something called Pompey Pirates and I'm volunteering for that. So I'm very keen to get involved. And that's a project which works in improving literacy and developing a love of reading in the most underprivileged children in our city. This is a council that was doing a lot of that anyway, but I think we have to acknowledge that now we need to have that approach more than ever with the impact of the last eight months now of a pandemic, we need to make sure that we are there for our families in this city. And we need people to come and work here who share those values.
A message from Sarah Daly, director of children's services at Portsmouth City Council
"We are on a journey to outstanding. We have worked hard to create the right environment for young people, children and families to flourish.
We know there will be challenges along the way however with your help you can make us change lives and improve outcomes for Portsmouth.
Stronger Futures enables us to showcase what Portsmouth City Council has to offer social workers at all stage of their career. Some of our team have talked about their journey into the profession, giving those interested in joining the team a realistic picture of what it is like to work here.
If you'd like more information on what we do, we're always happy to help."
A message from Sam Bushby, Deputy Director, Children’s Services
Welcome
I’m Sam Bushby, Deputy Director, Children’s Services, and I’m thrilled to extend a warm welcome to experienced social workers considering joining our dynamic team.
At Portsmouth City Council, we are dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of children and families. Our work is both challenging and rewarding, and we value the expertise, commitment, and compassion that experienced social workers bring to this field.
Here, you’ll find a supportive environment where your skills and insights will be appreciated and amplified. We prioritise continuous professional development, innovation, and collaboration, ensuring that every team member has the tools and opportunities they need to excel.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to creating positive, sustainable outcomes for children and families, we’d love to have you join us. Together, we can make a real impact.
Thank you for considering this opportunity. I look forward to welcoming you to the team.
A message from principal social worker, Clare Poyner
"I am delighted that you are interested in working in Portsmouth. Our children's social care service is a great place to work and develop your career.
At Portsmouth, we are keen to promote a high support, high challenge environment where you will be given opportunities to develop as a practitioner and learn new skills through our comprehensive learning and development offer. Our staff tell us they feel valued, enjoy working in Portsmouth and are well supported by their managers with regular reflective supervision and good access to training and action learning sets.
If you are interested in working in a relationship-based way and are committed to developing your social work practice and skills to deliver an excellent service for Portsmouth's children, then we look forward to welcoming you."
Senior leaders in the council champion the needs of children, families and young people, ensuring they reach their potential in education and employment.
Children are actively encouraged to share their views and be involved in issues that matter to them.
The support given to children who need help and protection is outstanding overall, highlighting impressive early help services and the skilled and specialist help available to children, including those with complex needs.
Going Home Project
The Going Home Project is designed to help children return to their families safely, with a focus on long-term stability and positive outcomes.
By working closely with families, social workers, and community partners, we provide the tools, resources, and emotional support necessary for successful reintegration.
Key aspects include:
- Holistic assessments: We identify the needs of each family to ensure that the right support is in place.
- Integrated with the adult family safeguarding team: Being joined up from the start ensures we hear the voice of the child
- Ongoing monitoring: We maintain regular contact to ensure families remain supported throughout their journey.
This project underscores our belief in the power of family and the importance of providing children with safe, nurturing environments in which they can thrive.
Mockingbird Model
The Mockingbird Model is a revolutionary approach to fostering that creates an extended family network of support for carers and children alike.
By forming a "constellation" of foster families with a dedicated "hub home," the model fosters a sense of belonging, reduces isolation, and enhances the stability of placements.
The Mockingbird Model offers:
- Peer support for foster carers: The hub home serves as a central point for advice, guidance, and practical help.
- Community connections for children: This close-knit network allows children to form meaningful, long-lasting relationships with other children and adults.
- Crisis prevention: The support system reduces disruptions by addressing challenges early
Through this model, we are redefining foster care by creating environments where everyone—children, carers, and families—can thrive together.
