Education Secretary has today (8 January)
announced plans to fund 900 places on the Frontline
children’s social work training programme up to 2021.
The social work charity, which has cross-party support, has
secured £45 million in funding as it recruits growing
numbers of trainees to the social work profession, helping
to transform the lives of vulnerable children and families.
The announcement of additional funding comes as new
Frontline-commissioned research, undertaken by ComRes,
reveals that 44% of adults aged 18 – 34 are considering a
change of career this year. The research also shows that a
quarter of millennials would prioritise purpose over pay
(25%).
Frontline, a top graduate recruiter, has already brought
over 1,000 people onto its programme since 2013. Frontline
is currently recruiting for its largest ever cohort of 452
trainees, with over 40 vacancies in the South West for the
first time, and all trainees will benefit from generous
bursaries of up to £20,000.
Education Secretary said:
Social workers are heroes, often unsung, of our society –
working on the frontline to offer care and support to
some of the most vulnerable children and families in the
country.
Children’s social care is only as good as the people who
deliver it, which is why we want to recruit, retain and
develop the best social workers, so they can continue to
offer the much needed lifeline to those who need it most.
That’s why the Government is supporting Frontline with
£45 million to continue their work in attracting and
training bright graduates and career changers, who aspire
for a rewarding career as a social worker.
Josh MacAlister, Frontline’s Chief Executive:
Every child deserves a safe and stable home. Today’s
announcement means that Frontline can develop even more
outstanding social workers to stand alongside those
children and families who need them the most.
This year there has never been a better time to get into
social work, with applications still open to join the
Frontline programme for 2019.
Sally Hodges, Director of Children’s Services, Solihull:
We are proud to be working in partnership with Frontline
to train the next generation of social workers. Social
work is one of the country’s most important professions,
and can make a life changing difference to those most in
need.
Frontline’s participants, and the passion and talent they
bring, have been an invaluable addition to our team at
Solihull. We welcome today’s news and look forward to
continuing our work together to deliver the best services
for vulnerable children and their families.
