New recruitment initiative to tackle social workers shortage

A brand new initiative has launched to encourage former social workers to return to the sector.

‘Come Back to Social Work’ is a partnership between the Department of Health (DH), Department of Education (DfE), Local Government Association (LGA) and Jobsgopublic.

While the scheme is the brainchild of the LGA, it has been made possible through Jobsgopublic donating their innovative recruitment software and building a dedicated microsite, free of charge.

The scheme aims to tackle a national shortage of experienced social workers. It offers a free 13-week refresher programme to those that have been out of the sector for less than five years. On finishing the programme, participants should be ready to re-register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as social workers and return to practice.

“We work with a number of the very best social care employers in the UK. Something we hear time and time again is that they are really struggling with a lack of experienced social workers,” said Miles Skelton, Managing Director of Jobsgopublic.

“It’s something that is very close to our hearts so when we were approached with the idea, we were happy to donate some of our technology to the cause. It has been so effective for many other campaigns that we hope to achieve similar results here”.

It is hoped that the scheme will inject some much-needed experience into the sector, not only providing high levels of care and support to those most in need but also aiding the development of young social workers.

The official website for the scheme is http://www.comebacktosocialwork.co.uk