Latest news : Graduates needed for social work roles

A report by IPPR calls for top graduates to be fast-tracked into front-line social work as ministers plan to strengthen the profession. 08/10/2012

The think tank suggests the scheme is based on the successful Teach First model, which selects and trains the best graduates to become teachers in rough areas of the country.

With the shortage of social workers and a lack of top graduates applying for these roles, it is hoped that the scheme known as Frontline will change the consensus on social care. 

The report states the profession needs an innovative plan to raise the quality of applicants, improve standards on the front-line and help reduce the staffing crisis.

'It is not inevitable that social work remains one of Britain's least appealing careers when it is in fact one of the most demanding and important,' said Josh MacAlister, report author and an ambassador for Teach First. 

The plan would see students in the final year of their undergraduate degrees recruited by Frontline. On selection, they would attend an intensive summer school followed by on-the-job training whilst completing their final year of university.

On reaching the required standard, recruits would receive a social work qualification after a year. They would then be expected to work for their local authority for a further year, where they would receive more training.