Innovative investment to “grow our own” children’s social workers is paying off in Northumberland – alongside a campaign to attract new talent to the county. 
 

Children’s social work is a challenging and rewarding area of social work and high-quality support is key to creating an environment where staff can carry out their vital role of working with families to keep children safe – whilst also looking after their own health and wellbeing.  
 

Children’s Services in Northumberland are rated Good by Ofsted and recognised nationally for their pioneering Children’s Social Work Academy that provides newly qualified social workers with additional support during what is known as the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).  

 

The council has also teamed up with Sunderland University to be a trailblazer in offering children’s social work apprenticeships – to tap into a larger talent pool of caring individuals keen to make a difference to the lives of children and families.  

 

Now, it has launched a new recruitment webpage to bust some myths about life as a children’s social worker in Northumberland and highlight the wide range of benefits that are attracting applicants from across the country seeking a better work/life balance.  
 

Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member for Inspiring Young People, said: “We’ve got a fantastic team of dedicated social workers here in Northumberland who are passionate about doing the very best for our children, young people and families. 
 

“We recognise the importance of investing in our staff and making sure they are supported so they can carry out their important role to the best of their abilities. 
 

“We are planning for the future with our innovative “grow our own” social worker campaign, but we are also seeing social workers join us from across the region and beyond – with people relocating to Northumberland attracted by all the county and the council has to offer. 
 

“I would encourage anyone who wants to help make a difference in people's lives; children, young people, their families or vulnerable adults who need additional support, to consider or return to a career in social care.” 

 

Glenn Todd, is an apprentice social worker with the Children’s Services central locality team. He joined the council as a residential childcare officer before becoming a social work assistant.  

 

Glenn is now nearing the end of his Social Work Integrated Degree Apprenticeship which sees him combine academic study at Sunderland University with work-based learning.   

 

He said: “Personally, I do not feel there is any more rewarding personal aspect in your life than supporting someone to overcome their difficulties and help change their life for the better.  

 

“My passion for social work spans back to when I was a child as my best friend was a cared for child and spoke fondly about how much his social worker made a positive difference in his life.  

 

“I began to see that the qualities he saw in his social worker - being empathetic, listening, helpful, supportive, but mainly being a positive role model to keep my friend safe, helped me realised that becoming a social worker was a main goal of mine. 

 

“I enjoy working alongside people to find solutions to any problems they may face, and overall help protect children, young people and vulnerable adults for any abuse or harm.” 

 

Shephard Chiwanza, graduated from the ASYE Academy and is now a social worker in the north of the county. He said: “Since coming to Northumberland and getting a place at the Academy, everyone is very supportive and the managers all really rallied around you.  

 

“My intention was to go into teaching, but I met some social workers and the change they made to a young person’s life changed my mind. 

 

“I love how every day is different and I also enjoy driving through Northumberland’s beautiful scenery – the hills, the villages and the beaches. Everyone is very friendly and I would urge anyone who hears about a vacancy in Northumberland to come up and see us.” 

 

Charlotte Hazelton has also completed her ASYE at the Academy. 

 

She said: "I moved here with my partner and we've never been happier. It's such a nice area to live in and I love the community.  

 

“I wanted a career that was varied and I wanted to help people.  

 

"The best thing is how diverse my job is and working with families. I feel very privileged to get to know families and become part of their lives.” 

 

 Your thank you messages: 

 

• Just a big thank you. I feel confident to be independent now and that wouldn't have happened without the help from my worker.  
• My worker has supported me right from the beginning in more ways that I ever could have imagined. She has been just a phone call away whenever I have needed help. I could not have gained my degree without the support or financial assistance from the team. 
• I feel like my social worker listens to me, my social worker has made me feel happier in myself, I’ve had all the support from my social worker after not having the best start 
• She has been amazing, I'm so pleased she became my worker she's done so much for me she got me funding from a charity and I was able to buy driving lessons. New clothes, And it covered my bus every week which really helped as I'm not earning much doing my apprenticeship. 
• My worker always supports me when I’m struggling and helps in anyway she can.