There are many reasons why qualified social workers might leave the profession. It may be to start a family, because of ill-health or to pursue a different career path altogether. For those who decide to return to social care after a long break, however, the transition back to work can be daunting. That is why Wiltshire council has launched a new programme to make the process smoother.
The return to social work programme is aimed at qualified social workers who need to re-register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in order to practise. It is open to any qualified social worker – either specialising in adult or children’s social care.
Depending on how much time a person has spent out of the profession, participants are given up to 90 days’ paid supervised practice in a social care team, with full training, including getting employees up to speed with current legislation and developing their digital skills. A buddy/mentor scheme, where returning social workers are assigned to an experienced team member – to whom they can turn with any questions or concerns – also means there is strong support during the programme.
The council hopes the programme will encourage highly experienced social workers who have left the service to come back, particularly those who might not otherwise have done so.
“What we are finding is that quite a few people contacting us about the programme have worked as social workers a long time ago, before the requirement to register with the HCPC,” explains Kim Holmes, principal social worker for Wiltshire council’s adult care operations.
A range of people are taking an interest in the programme, she explains, from those who qualified just a couple of years ago right through to somebody who hasn’t worked in the sector since the 1980s. Holmes says all are welcome and any transferrable skills and experience they may have gained since leaving social care are highly valued by the council.
Importantly, the training provided during the programme is tailored to participants’ individual needs. Holmes adds: “We actually talk with the returning social workers and explore what their experience and knowledge is, as well as identify where there are gaps and where they lack confidence. We are trying to put together a programme that will help them get to the point where they can apply to HCPC to join the register.”
Returning to social care after years of not practising is not without its challenges. Wiltshire council is keen to find out what those obstacles may be and help returners successfully navigate them. A coffee morning on 2 November will be a chance for those interested in re-joining the profession to talk about why they want to return and what they need to feel confident about doing so.
But what career opportunities does Wiltshire council offer those social workers once they have completed the programme? Participants on the programme will be invited to apply for a range of social work vacancies within the council, which are supported by clear learning and development pathways.
Deborah Barlow, principal social worker for children and families, says the substantial learning and development pathways offered by the council are something she is very proud of.
“We have a programme for developing staff right up to senior and leadership level,” she explains. “The programme also responds to individual needs through supervision and appraisals and they can choose the pace at which they want to learn.”
The council’s flexible and agile working policies also mean social workers returning after having children are supported in finding ways to fit their work around family commitments, whether that’s by allowing them to work from home or helping them manage their time.
It’s a progressive approach that will be particularly helpful for the many military families living in the county. Almost half of the British Army are based in Wiltshire and plans for a new “super garrison” could see thousands of troops and their families moving to the area.
The council has teamed up with social enterprise Recruit for Spouses to help give the partners of military personnel – who are frequently required to move to different bases around the UK or overseas – the opportunity to return to social work after a period away from the profession.
Heledd Kendrick, military wife and founder of Recruit for Spouses, says 80% of the spouses it helps haven’t worked for more than five years, and that’s not because they didn’t want to. She says historically there is prejudice against military families among employers, who view these applicants as “high risk” because of the tendency to relocate after a couple of years. However, she applauds Wiltshire council’s flexible working policies and wishes more employers were as supportive of professionals with childcare commitments.
“Yes, they [military spouses] may move on in two years, but actually employers are going to be recruiting someone who is very resourceful and resilient,” Kendrick explains. “With Wiltshire council it felt like we were pushing on an already open door, so they were aware of the resourcefulness and skills of these spouses. They recognised that they were tapping into a big pool of talent.
“We are working very closely with the council on the real needs of military spouses – training, support, back to work days – and they are very willing to adapt, which is key.”
Find out more about Wiltshire council’s return to social work programme here or contact the principal social workers Deborah Barlow: Deborah.Barlow@wiltshire.gov.uk (tel: 01225 713713) or Kim Holmes: Kim.Holmes@wiltshire.gov.uk (tel: 01249 756696)
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