Your way into
social work
Whether you’re taking your first steps into social work or bringing experience from another field, we have a path for you. We’re committed to investing in your journey.
Starting your career in social care
We’re committed to investing in your journey, offering practical training, robust support, and real-world experience to help you not just succeed, but thrive.
University route
From placement to ASYE (Assessed and supported year in employment):We’ve poured resources into our in-house ASYE Social Work Academy. It’s specifically designed to help newly qualified social workers (NQSWs) like you build the confidence, knowledge and skills essential for frontline practice.
Guided by the Skills for Care framework and aligned with the Knowledge and Skills Statements, our ASYE programme offers peer support, protected caseloads (so you can focus on learning), regular 1:1 and group supervision, dedicated time for reflective learning and study.
You’ll benefit from structured development through action learning sets, observational practice and monthly workshops covering theory, skills, resilience and wellbeing – all tailored to the unique world of children’s social work. Peer learning, shadowing opportunities and online discussion groups make the experience even richer throughout your first year.
Approach Social Work (Frontline)
We proudly host aspiring social workers training through the Approach Social Work programme.This intensive, practice-based route focuses on working directly with children at risk of harm. It’s not just a fantastic way for new talent to enter the profession; it also creates brilliant development opportunities for our experienced Senior Social Workers, who step up to mentor and lead within these teams.
For more info visit thefrontline.org.uk
Step up to social work
If you have relevant experience and a real passion for supporting families, the national Step Up to Social Work programme could be for you.We offer placements for students on this 14-month, postgraduate diploma. The course is hands-on from day one, placing you in real-life settings where you’ll be supported by experienced Practice Educators. Once you complete the programme, you’ll be a qualified, registered social worker, ready to make a profound difference.
For more info visit www.gov.uk/guidance/step-up-to-social-work
Degree apprenticeship (Internal applicants only)
For our valued internal staff who aren’t yet qualified social workers but are passionate about taking this step, we offer a Degree Apprenticeship route.In partnership with the University of Gloucestershire, this pathway blends academic study with on-the-job experience. Taught by seasoned social workers, the programme even uses innovative tools like virtual reality and simulations, giving you a chance to explore the realities of the role in a safe, supportive space. You’ll also dive into current challenges and exciting developments in the field, such as working with older people and young carers.
Returning to Social Work
If you’re looking to return to social work after a break or you’re qualified overseas, we’ll support you every step of the way.You may be able to join us in a fixed-term Social Work Assistant role while you update your registration, with the chance to move into a permanent social work post once you’re ready. We can also offer tailored support, including supervised practice, study time and even an ASYE-style programme to help you feel confident stepping back in.
Your progression in social care
Our flexible career structure means you can progress when you’re ready, not just when a vacancy appears.
Social work roles can develop into Advanced or Senior Social Worker posts without you needing to wait for a vacancy or switch teams, this means your experience and impact can be recognised and rewarded as soon as you’re ready to take the next step.
If you’re interested in moving into leadership, we’ll support you through mentoring, shadowing, secondments and peer learning – helping you build confidence, develop new skills and explore the path that’s right for you.
Entry point
Newly Qualified
Social Worker / ASYE
Experienced
Social Worker
Advanced Social Worker
Senior-level
Senior Social Worker
Managerial-level
Practice Development Manager
Team Manager
Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
Senior Leadership
Service Manager / Principal Social Worker / Head of Service
Director-level
Service Director / Assistant Director
The perks of making a difference with us
We don’t just value the incredible work you do – we invest in you, the person behind it. We offer a supportive, forward-thinking environment where your wellbeing, your growth and your professional voice truly matter.
Social Work England registration fees paid
We fully cover the cost of your Social Work England registration and renewal fees.
Professional development
Ongoing learning is actively encouraged and supported through a comprehensive CPD offer tailored to your role and goals.
Career advancement
Our linked-grade structure means you can progress to Senior Social Worker level without waiting for vacancies to become available.
Relocation packages
We offer relocation support of up to £8,000 to help make your move smoother.
£3,000 recruitment payment
Experienced social workers joining our Children’s teams are eligible for a one-off recruitment bonus.
Flexible working
Options include flexi-time, job shares, part-time roles, and in some cases, home working—because balance matters.
Market rate supplement
Eligible roles receive a £3,000 annual retention payment after two years of service.
Learning and development
Growing stronger, together When you thrive, so do the children, young people and families you support. That’s why learning and development isn’t just an add-on; it’s at the very heart of what we do.
Your development journey at South Gloucestershire Council is personal. From the moment you join us, you’ll work closely with your manager to create a development plan that truly reflects your role, your interests and your career aspirations.
Together, you’ll identify the learning that matters most to you – whether that’s accredited training, developing specialist skills or staying up-to-date with the latest policies – and track your progress through regular supervision and appraisals.
We know everyone learns differently. That’s why our learning offer is rich and varied, including face-to-face training sessions, a wealth of online resources and local learning drawn from important Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews.
Each service area also has its own tailored CPD offer, directly linked to our organisation-wide improvement priorities, ensuring your learning is always relevant and sharply focused.
Formal training is just one piece of the puzzle. We bring learning to life through engaging events like our annual staff conferences, themed practice months and our STAR programme.
We also come together to celebrate World Social Work Day – a brilliant opportunity to share insights, reconnect with our core values and shine a light on the great practice happening across our service.
We believe in the power of collaboration. We work closely with our Safeguarding Children’s Partnership and Safeguarding Adults Board to deliver joint training on crucial topics like domestic abuse and developing professional curiosity.
These sessions are fantastic opportunities for professionals from different services and partner agencies to come together, share insights, build stronger working relationships, and ultimately, improve outcomes for the people we support.
We also fully embrace a ‘Think Family’ approach, ensuring learning is accessible and relevant to both adults’ and children’s workforces, especially where our services overlap.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is much more than just a requirement – it’s our shared commitment to safe, informed and reflective practice. We actively encourage you to make regular CPD a natural part of your routine and to log this through your Social Work England account.
Recording at least four entries a year is considered good practice and is essential for maintaining your registration – and we’re here to support you in that.
We truly believe that the best teams learn and grow together. Whether you’re training to become a Practice Educator, supporting newly qualified colleagues on their journey or mentoring someone new to the team, your experience is incredibly valued and seen as a vital way to share knowledge.
We’ll support you to gain national accreditations and develop your skills in a way that helps the whole team flourish.
"I love what I do. I was supported to get my degree in social care, which was a way of progressing in my career and getting a degree without becoming a full-time student. It weas the perfect way to continue working and earning a salary whilst being able to train. That made me realise South Gloucestershire Council was the right place for me."
Jodie
Social Worker
"The support I've had in my career has been amazing, it's helped me become the social worker I am today. When you see those children being protected and receiving the right care, that's when you get to say, yes, I've made a difference in the family's lives."
Michell
Social Worker
"The training and support you receive here is fantastic, the council wants you to develop as best as you can. It's very supportive and a great organisation to be part of. I feel very fortunate to be able to do this work, the connections that you make with people are really purposeful and I find the work inspiring."
Rich
Senior Social Worker
Your difference starts here
Whether you’re newly qualified or looking to grow your social care career, there’s a place for you here – where every moment counts and every child is even more important.
Apply here
