In a recent Careers Talk podcast executive director of Children & Young People's Services at the London Borough of Newham, Kim Bromley-Derry explored the highs and the lows of his career in care. He said, despite the challenges, being a social worker was the best job he's ever had.
For those who haven't heard a positive comment about social care for some time, this might come as surprising news. But Kim isn't the only one with good things to say about the sector.
In the Careers blogpost, In defence of social work: why the profession is getting better, Sue White, Professor of Social Work at Lancaster University, wrote about the reform programme currently under way to improve the career prospects and working lives of the care workforce and highlighted initiatives such as the newly qualified social worker programme which promises protected caseloads and professional development time.
If you have been tempted by the measures to attract and retain staff and are thinking of taking your first steps into the sector — or returning to the role following a break — we are bringing together a panel of experts to give guidance on routes into social care and offer some insider insights. Click here to join the discussion.
Our panel:
Professor Jonathan Parker, associate dean (Social & Community Work) and director, Centre for Social Work & Social Policy, School of Health and Social Care, Bournemouth University.
Andy Sumpter, senior lecturer in social work, University of Wolverhampton.
Lee Holt, manager at specialist recruiter Hays Social Care.
Jennifer Bernard, consulting director for the Skills Academy. Jennifer has been leading on the Skills Academy's pioneering graduate scheme for social care.
Olivia Redgrave, regional development officer, West Midlands region, Skills for Care — part of the sector skills council, Skills for Care and Development. In her region, Olivia has responsibility for all the work connected to retention and recruitment. This includes apprenticeships, Care Ambassadors, Care Sector Routeway and other initiatives.
