The life-changing work of Northumberland’s caring social workers was celebrated at a special event to mark their graduation from the council’s trailblazing social work academies.   
 

Ceremonies took place to recognise the latest cohort of newly qualified social workers from Children’s and Adult Services as they pass their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE). 
 

The ASYE is an employer-led and employment-based programme of support and assessment for newly qualified social workers (NQSWs). 

Northumberland County Council has been praised nationally for launching its own innovative social work academies that provide a supportive learning environment which promotes excellent practice for NQSWs undertaking their ASYE. 
 

The children’s social work academy was first to launch in 2018, with the adult social work academy following in 2022.  
 

The NQSWs spend the first six months working together as a newly qualified team where they can share learning and benefit from tailored support. 
 

In the second six months, they move into community teams where they continue to receive support and supervision from their academy team managers. 
 

Northumberland employs over 300 social workers across children’s and adult services in our communities, schools and hospitals. 
 

The emotional events highlighted the difference social workers make to the lives of children, adults, families and communities every day – by pulling out all the stops to keep people safe and building strong relationships to support everyone to live the best life they can. 
 

Cllr Wendy Pattison, Cabinet Member for Caring for Adults, said: “We recognise that NQSWs need support to develop into confident, skilled professionals and our academy team managers are with them every step of the way to nurture them through the transition from academic study to social work practice. 
 

“I’m so pleased to see the amazing talent coming through, and the wonderful support provided by the team managers – thank you to you all.” 
 

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member for Inspiring Young People, said: “The feedback from families and from colleagues that we’ve heard during these events capture the passion, commitment and drive that our social workers show every day, often in very challenging circumstances.  
 

“Not only do they work tirelessly to keep people safe, but they also continually go the extra mile to support them to get the most out of life.  
 

“We are very proud of our ASYE Social Work Academies. High-quality support is key to creating an environment where staff can carry out their vital role of working with families to keep people safe – whilst also looking after their own health and wellbeing.   
 

“I would like to thank all our graduates and wish them all the best for their future careers.”