Message from our Principal Social Worker

Here's a message from Jo:

Celebrating social work

I was delighted that 8 of our social workers and our Enablement Team were celebrated by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) in their ‘Amazing Social Worker’ campaign this year. We also proudly supported one of our colleagues shortlisted at the Social Worker of the Year awards in London and hosted a recognition event for all our fantastic nominees.

Social work education

Our Assessed and Supported Year in Education (ASYE) programme for newly qualified social workers continues to go from strength to strength. Twelve colleagues have recently passed and another nine are well on their way.

Our Apprenticeships programme is also increasingly popular. We currently have 18 apprentices with more set to join us in October 2025. We have also welcomed over 20 placement students.

Moving from Children’s Services to Adult Social Care

We want to make sure that the transition from children’s services to adult social care is as smooth as it can be for young people and their families.

I have been working closely with the PSW in Children’s Services to strengthen our partnership and communications, including joint training designed to make sure our practice supports successful moves.

Ensuring best practice

To make sure we are complying with national best practice and legislation; we have conducted a review of our policies with a particular focus on mental health where we have been told by CQC and a Peer challenge in 2023 that there is limited assurance.

Our Make the Difference training has also been refreshed to include practice support for Mental Health Social Workers.

To ensure we continue to strengthen our practice, last year we audited over 800 case files and reported learnings and recommendations to the Adults Quality Board.