Department For Education
About the programme
We want to work with local authorities to develop a new early career framework for social workers. Through the early adopter programme, we want to:?
- understand the support needs of early career child and family social workers
- test and gain insight to inform the design of the early career framework
- design a development programme for social workers
Who can apply
To apply, you should:
- be Ofsted rated outstanding, good or requires improvement
- currently have an early career support offer for social workers that extends beyond the provisions of the assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE)
- have been delivering your extended early career support offer for at least 2 years
- be confident that participating in this programme will not affect the delivery of your other work
- not be part of the families first for children pathfinder
You can only submit one expression of interest for your local authority. If you work in a partnership, a lead local authority should submit your expression of interest. The lead local authority will be responsible for managing the funding and resource capacity.
Whats involved
As an early adopter local authority, youll need to:
- attend regular policy design workshops and forums
- provide access to frontline social workers
- take an active role in the design and testing process
What youll get
Early adopter local authorities will have access to funding to support costs.
We expect this to be 50,000 for the 2023 to 2024 financial year, with further funding confirmed in the coming months for the testing and delivery of some early models. Well confirm funding for future financial years in due course.
Funding will be paid in arrears based on delivery against the agreed terms. Well make payments throughout the length of the programme.
Submit an expression of interest
Read the
before completing your expression of interest form. It includes:- more information about the programme
- the key dates for the application process
- guidance on how to complete the form
- how well assess your application
Email your completed SocialWork.ECF@education.gov.uk.
by midday on 31 March 2023 to