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Cafcass celebrates with its Newly Qualified Social Workers

Published:

On 25 January the Cafcass Social Work Academy brought together partners from across the social work sector to acknowledge the success and achievements of this year’s cohort of Cafcass trained Newly Qualified Social Workers, as they come to the end of their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).

Cafcass senior leaders were joined by a representative of Social Work England to congratulate the virtual gathering which included Newly Qualified Social Worker of the Year 2021 nominee, Marie-Anne Holland.

The Cafcass Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) programme is for qualified social workers in their first year (or those who have recently gained a recognised qualification) who want an exceptional grounding in children’s social care.

The Cafcass NQSW programme is overseen by the Cafcass Social Work Academy and enables Newly Qualified Social Workers to develop practice skills in a safe environment. Led by expert social workers, it supports their journey, enhances their expertise and ensures that they can work with confidence. As well as an empowering peer network, participants have access to a mentor plus high levels of reflective supervision. Over the course of a structured three-year programme, NQSWs develop professional maturity, gain on the job experience, and achieve a respected qualification.

Cafcass Social Work Academy student Liz Hunt said:

“My experience of the ASYE programme over the past eight months has been overwhelmingly positive. Starting work at Cafcass has been a steep learning curve for me as I had very little experience with Court work previously. However, I have found that there is a strong culture of welcoming research and being open to learning, even for experienced social workers. Expectations are high, but the support that’s offered and the positivity and openness I’ve experienced has made my first year a positive one.”

Cafcass Chief Executive Jacky Tiotto said:

“Cafcass remains committed to supporting and promoting the development of highly skilled professionals who will ensure that the complexity of work with vulnerable children, their families and carers is understood, conducted with kindness and at all times is undertaken through respectful relationships with the people who require help. Our role is to promote the safety and welfare of children in proceedings and to ensure that they understand what is happening to them and why. Our programme supports the development of court skills, the presentation of recommendations with strong analysis and the opportunity to learn about child protection social work in local authorities. I would like to congratulate this group of exceptional NQSW’s for their achievements and their ability to adapt and complete their training in the most difficult recent circumstances. I also thank them for choosing to begin their careers with Cafcass and hope that we are able to honour them with long careers with us.”