Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) programme
A programme of enhanced support for newly qualified social workers working with children, young people and families.
CWDC's Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) programme enables employers to offer a consistent, high quality, 12 month support package to those in their first year of employment as a social worker with children, young people and families.
The programme is now entering its third year and we are continuing to work with employers to deliver a programme of support for NQSWs that offers:
- a comprehensive induction schedule through their first year of employment;
- high quality supervision and training;
- easy-to-use guidance materials; and
- a professional development plan designed to increase confidence and maximise capability.
During its first two years, the programme has supported almost 3,000 NQSWs working for 144 employers. All local authorities can join the programme and CWDC will provide support and funding for all NQSWs who meet the eligibility criteria.
Requirements of the programme
To help NQSWs demonstrate their progress against eleven outcome statements, participating employers provide:
- regular supervision;
- a protected caseload;
- a training and development plan;
- 10 per cent of their time ring-fenced for training and development activity.
They also nominate a programme co-ordinator and participate in the independent evaluation.
To enable employers to meet these commitments, CWDC provides:
- £4,000 for each newly qualified social worker;
- an average of £15,000 per employer to contribute to the support and development of supervisors;
- £10,000 capacity funding for employers who support 10 or more newly qualified social workers per annum.
Further information about eligibility of employers and newly qualified social workers can be found within the frequently asked questions (FAQ) section.
The NQSW support package has been designed to ensure that newly qualified social workers receive consistent, high quality support and that those supervising NQSWs are confident in their skills to provide support. The programme aims to increase the number of people who continue their long-term career within social work with children and families.
Download documents
To view and download copies of all our Newly Qualified Social Worker handbooks and leaflets, go to the NQSW guidance materials section.
Further information & frequently asked questions
If you would like further information you may find our frequently asked questions section useful. Otherwise, please contact us on 0113 386 2274 or email nqsw@cwdcouncil.org.uk