Step Up to Social Work
What is the Step Up to Social Work Programme? Created in 2010 as an accelerated route into Social Work Aimed at high achieving graduates and career changers considering a future career in children’s social work. Employer led through clusters of LAs (Regional Partnerships) Academic delivery by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) through a course leading to a post-graduate Diploma in Social Work Courses approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Why was the Step Up Programme introduced? Encourage candidates from a wide range of backgrounds into children’s social work Increase the supply of high-quality social workers Strengthen the workforce and raise standards Support employer involvement in devising and delivering social work courses Enable ready-to-practise newly qualified social workers to hit the ground running
Who can apply to join the Step Up Programme? Step Up to Social Work is open to anyone who has: A minimum 2:1 level 6 qualification or higher in any discipline except social work from a UK higher education institution (or an approved equivalent overseas qualification) A minimum 2:2 honours degree plus a higher degree (level 7 or above), which can include a master’s degree or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (in any discipline except social) GCSEs in English/English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above (or an approved equivalent overseas qualification) Experience of working with children, young people or families The emotional resilience to become an effective social worker The right to remain and work in the UK
What are the stakeholder roles in the Step Up programme? DfE Overall programme strategic direction, criteria and conditions Regular contact with/advice to RPs to monitor development and delivery of Step Up Programme Local Authorities Clustered into RPs, with lead LA responsible for programme management and funding Contracting with HEIs for a suitable post-graduate course for the programme requirements Assessing candidates Offering candidates places (based on a agreed number with DfE) A Step Up Coordinator to manage the day-to-day running of the appointment process Supporting evaluations of the programme
Higher Education Institutions Provision of post-graduate course meeting programme requirements Working with RPs to ensure practical/ theoretical aspects of the programme are delivered Keeping in touch with RPs to monitor progress and report concerns over course/ trainees Students Dedication, drive and commitment
Timetable for Cohort 5 Candidate application window goes live (28 Mar 17) Application window closes (5 May 2017) Sifting and selection for assessment centre phase (April – 7 Jun 17) RP Assessment Centre phase (22 Jun – 21 Jul 17) Successful applicants invited to confirm place on course (Jul - Aug 17) Step Up Cohort Five begin programme (Jan 18)
Further information GOV.UK webpages: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/step-up-to-social-work-information-for-applicants