Leadership Development Programme Children's Social Work - Frontline
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Leadership Development Programme
Children’s Social Work
THEFRONTLINE.ORG.UK
Jenny, care leaver
THE FRONTLINE ORGANISATION THEFRONTLINE.ORG.UK
@frontline_sw @FrontlineChangingLives @FrontlineSW frontline-org
THE FRONTLINE ORGANISATION IS A REGISTERED CHARITY IN ENGLAND AND WALES
CHARITY NUMBER: 1163194 COMPANY NUMBER: 09605966
2 The 2018 Cohort
4 Dare to change with Frontline
8
Your Frontline journey
and beyond
10 Frontline locations
12 What’s the Fellowship like?
14 What’s in it for you?
17 The selection process
18
Explore opportunities to
start your career with us
1
THE FRONTLINE CAREER
2018 COHORT CHANGERS
have come
55%
of the 2018 Cohort were
the first in their family
70%
of participants hadn’t explored
other routes into social work
from a variety
of sectors,
including
to go to university
340
participants joined
the 2018 Cohort
What subjects did they study?
Over 100 different degree subjects, including
Economics Law Psychology
Social Humanities Music
Science Art Politics Zoology
Just over
25% 1/3
of this year’s
of this cohort are
Natural Sciences Modern Languages Medicine
year’s career changers
cohort who graduated
before 2014 Drama Mathematics English
History
Religious Studies Accounting
&
graduated in 2018 from 50 different
universities
Chemistry Advertising Finance
2
Journalism Computing 3
DARE TO CHANGE
AT LEAST HALF A MILLION CHILDREN IN ENGLAND DON’T HAVE A SAFE
OR STABLE HOME.
THESE CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES FACE SOME OF THE WORST
LIFE CHANCES, BUT WE KNOW THAT GREAT SOCIAL WORK HAS THE
POWER TO CHANGE THIS.
ARE YOU BRAVE ENOUGH TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT?
Approximately One third of 60/0 of care Children
THE PROFESSION THE PROGRAMME THE MOVEMENT
400,000 the homeless leavers go in need in
As a social worker, you’ll be joining You’ll help to transform the lives of By 2020, there will be over 1,000 children in population to university England are
one of the most challenging, but vulnerable children by developing a Frontline alumni helping to shape the
most rewarding, professions. You’ll range of invaluable skills including children’s services social care sector
England were in care at compared to over nine
work directly with children, families, relationship-building, conflict and building secure foundations for get support some point in approximately times more
schools, courts and the police, resolution and leadership. Being a some of our most vulnerable people. from social their lives. 400/0 of all likely to be
to empower families to achieve social worker on the programme
positive change. takes resilience, dedication and
workers. (Barnardo’s 2016) young people. permanently
qualities you didn’t even know you had. (UCAS 2015) excluded from
school.
(UK GOV 2015)
4 5
I DARED TO CHANGE
“I have worked with a range of professionals –
teachers, doctors, police officers, lawyers and
more, which has expanded my knowledge
and given me greater confidence in different
areas of social work.”
I work in a busy inner London When I first started working with her,
borough and I like that I can relate she really didn’t want to work with
to some of the experiences that me and didn’t see the point in having
people have had. a social worker. Over time, we built a
really good relationship to the point
I really appreciated going straight where she would tell me things she
into practice after the Summer said she struggled to vocalise to
Institute, because learning on the anyone else. Giving me a card was
job has allowed me to embed the her way of saying that she appreciated
theory into practice. I enjoy the the work I had done with her and
unpredictability and variety of the that it had helped her, which is
job. I work across a lot of different always the aim.
settings, such as schools, community
centres, families’ and foster carers’ You learn so much, not just about
homes and children’s centres. working with people but also
about yourself. Doing the Frontline
Asha, 2016 Cohort, University of Warwick My most rewarding experience was programme has given me a passion
getting a thank you card from a I didn’t know I had and has opened
teenage girl on my final visit. up a world of opportunities.
6 7
YOUR
FRONTLINE
ONGOING LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
JOURNEY AND BEYOND
AFTER THE PROGRAMME
We need resilient, motivated individuals who’ll stay committed to our mission after completing the two-year
programme. Whether you continue your social work career or use your leadership skills to make change in
broader society, you’ll have our ongoing support.
FRONTLINE FELLOWSHIP
WHAT COULD
I DO AS
A FELLOW?
YEAR 1: The majority of fellows continue in
the social work profession. Some
Once you’ve completed the two-year
OVER 200 DAYS Frontline programme, you will
move into consultant social worker
WORK-BASED YEAR 2: automatically become part of the
roles and specialist areas such
LEARNING** as youth offending or domestic
MASTER’S DEGREE Frontline Fellowship. This is a
violence, while others complete
SUMMER INSTITUTE*: AND 46 TAUGHT COACHING AND movement of outstanding individuals
STUDY DAYS SUPPORT FROM further qualifications.
MANAGING YOUR who are applying themselves to
THE FELLOWSHIP
INTENSIVE OWN WORKLOAD address social disadvantage in Some move away from direct
FIVE-WEEK You’ll work in a local authority child different ways. practice to lead change in broader
RESIDENTIAL protection team with three other You’ll be a newly-qualified social worker society. Fellows have taken up roles
Frontline participants who make up employed in children’s services by your local The Fellowship also includes those To support the Fellowship in their vital work,
PROGRAMME with the Children’s Commissioner,
your unit. Supported and led by a authority, and supported to be responsible who have completed the Firstline we facilitate opportunities within three areas:
the Anna Freud Centre, Pause, Action
Get ready for practice in a local consultant social worker (CSW), with for your own caseload. Continuing programme and those who have practice, policy and innovation. Fellows lead
for Children, as well as policy roles
authority, as experienced social regular visits from your practice tutor, professional development includes coaching been consultant social workers. and direct the movement to ensure that it has
within the Department for Education.
workers, world-renowned academics you’ll work to gain a postgraduate to develop your social work leadership a positive impact on children and families.
You might also work internationally,
and leadership experts help you diploma by the end of this first year. skills and working towards a compulsory You’ll have access to individuals across social set up your own social enterprise or
develop the qualities needed to master’s degree qualification in advanced work and broader society, as well as the resource even come to work with us
bring about change.* relationship based social work practice. and support to lead positive change. Past activity at Frontline.
includes innovation brainstorming sessions,
policy roundtables and a workshop about
contextual safeguarding.
*The sensitive nature of our programme dictates that you must pass certain checks before the end of the Summer Institute. Final year students must supply their degree classification,
proof of which must be brought to the Summer Institute. **Work-based learning refers to a student placement for which you receive a tax-free bursary. The placement includes 170 days
in a child protection team in a local authority and 30 days of contrasting learning in an adult focused area.
8 9LOCATIONS: NORTH EAST
The North East of England has a population
of 2.6 million and covers an area of over
3,000 square miles. The region has the
highest proportion of public sector workers
and highest number of children living in
poverty at 30-52%.
1 in 4 children in the North East live
in poverty, compared to 1 in 5 nationwide.
JOINING US ON THE 2019 With extreme need comes extreme potential.
In 2018, we placed 46 participants here.
PROGRAMME, YOU COULD
BE WORKING IN ONE OF NORTH WEST
THE FOLLOWING AREAS: The North West of England has a beautiful
landscape, including the national parks SOUTH CENTRAL
of the Peak District and the Lake District.
With 40% of children living in poverty, The South Central region incorporates local
Manchester has the second highest levels authorities in the South East and East of
of any local authority in the UK. England. It is geographically diverse with
• London In 2018, we placed 40 participants here.
a mix of rural and urban areas. 45% of
children in need are eligible for free school
meals across the region.
• Midlands In 2018, we placed 63 participants here.
•N
orth East
MIDLANDS
•N
orth West The Midlands region includes both the
East and West Midlands. The area has LONDON
• South Central a population of around 10.4 million and
London is the largest area that we work in.
contains the second most populous city
It is a diverse, exciting and vibrant city with
in the UK, Birmingham. Over 50% of
a population of almost 9 million people.
children are living in poverty in some
The city faces complex challenges in
parts of the Midlands.
improving the lives of vulnerable children.
In 2018, we placed 100 participants here. London contains 11 of the top 20 local
We are currently working with local authorities across England in authorities with the highest rates of child
these regions. All of the regions offer excellent training, development, poverty across the UK.
support and the chance to make a real impact on children and their
In 2018, we placed 91 participants here.
families’ lives. Participants will need to display a degree of flexibility
with where they are placed.
10 11WHAT’S THE “I knew I wanted to work with children and
FELLOWSHIP LIKE? families and Frontline appealed to me as an
exciting way to get into social work.”
“The Fellowship On the programme, I developed my I get to manage my own time which
is really flexible understanding of leadership. When I like as well. Flexibility and freedom
and allows you to I came into the programme I had a in a job is really important to me.
very linear, authoritarian view of Having completed the Frontline
stay engaged in leadership and I didn’t really programme I have remained in
Frontline’s mission understand the complexity of the social work and the support through
in different ways.” word and what it means in practice. the Fellowship has helped me
progress professionally.
Because the Fellowship has such I’ve become more adaptable and more
a diverse range of activities to get reflective in terms of how I work – not “The great thing
just with families but with colleagues.
involved in, it allows you to pursue
A lot of leadership isn’t about making
is, because I’ve
the things that are most interesting
tough decisions, it’s about learning completed the
and relevant to you.
from and utilising others and working programme, I get
Through the Fellowship, I’ve been able in partnership with people to get the to be part of
best out of them.
to stay in touch with developments in the Fellowship.”
the social work profession through The Fellowship has played a big part
the leadership series and develop It’s really focused on developing
in my continued development as a
my interviewing and assessment you as a practitioner. I’ve enjoyed
practitioner and leader. There have
skills through work at the Frontline lots of opportunities and support
been many different opportunities
assessment centre. It has also given to progress my ideas.”
and you get lots of support – I have
me access to a range of professionals taught on the Frontline programme,
and resources, while developing an “I recently spoke to
run a workshop, met with journalists,
idea for my own charity. spoken with a CEO over coffee and
the CEO of Frontline
Nikita, fellow, 2014 Cohort begun to develop two innovative about one of my ideas
ideas. It helps me consider how over coffee, which
I can contribute to the mission
was great.”
outside of my day-to-day job.
12 I enjoy that variety. In addition, Ryan, fellow, 2014 Cohort 13WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? EARN AS YOU LEARN
YEAR 1 – Tuition fees and Summer Institute
WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
A VARIETY OF ORGANISATIONS
accommodation will be covered by Frontline. In your
2018 Cohort, Summer Institute In the second year of the programme, you’ll work
first year you will receive a tax and NI exempt bursary
with a wider network of professionals outside of
between £16,756 - £19,591 depending on location.
your unit to bring about positive change in the
lives of vulnerable children and families.
DEVELOP AS A LEADER YEAR 2 – Earn a newly qualified social work
salary between £25k - £35k depending on local
authority and location. Complete a fully-funded
master’s degree.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE RECEIVE QUALITY TRAINING
JOIN THE FRONTLINE
FELLOWSHIP
WORK AS PART OF • Keep in contact with your cohort and other
A DYNAMIC TEAM Frontline Fellows.
• Invitations to Frontline events, including
leadership seminars and conferences.
In the first year of the programme, you’ll work on cases • Professional development opportunities.
with your peers led by your consultant social worker. • Ongoing support for your work, contributing
to transforming the lives of vulnerable children.
QUALIFY AS A PROFESSIONAL
HIGH LEVELS OF SUPPORT
Qualify as a social worker after your first year and
register with the Health and Care Professions Receive support from experts – your consultant
Council. Study for an MSc in Advanced Relationship social worker, practice tutors, qualified coach and
based social work practice in your second year. the Frontline team.
14 15WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR THE SELECTION PROCESS
COMPETENCIES
We’re looking for your potential to become an outstanding children’s STAGE 1 – STAGE 2 – STAGE 3 –
SELF-ASSESSMENT REGISTRATION + ONLINE TESTS
social worker, and will be exploring the evidence of your ability through ACTIVITY APPLICATION FORM Once you have submitted your
the following competencies: Designed to give you further insight Answering competency-based application, we’ll ask you to complete
into social work, this will help you questions, you’ll need to a combined test. You will respond
decide whether this is the right demonstrate your commitment to some realistic scenarios and we
COMMITMENT TO WORKING WITH LEADING WITH career path for you. to the Frontline mission and will assess your aptitude for social
your experience of working well work, your ability to understand
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES PEOPLE SOUND JUDGEMENT information and to use logic to
with others.
solve complex problems.
Motivation Effective Analysis and
communication adaptability
Self-awareness
Empathy and Leadership
Resilience
relationships You can find more detailed information about the selection process on our website:
www.thefrontline.org.uk/how-apply/selection-process
APPLY AT THEFRONTLINE.ORG.UK STAGE 6 – STAGE 5 – STAGE 4 –
INDUCTION + ASSESSMENT VIDEO INTERVIEW
FINAL CHECKS CENTRE
To be eligible to apply for the Frontline Leadership Development Recording your responses to
pre-recorded questions (at home
If you successfully complete the A group exercise, role play and
programme, you need: assessment process, you’ll receive other activities, including meeting in your own time), you’ll showcase
a conditional offer for the Frontline a care leaver, give you the chance both your motivation for working
• A 2:1 or higher in your undergraduate degree • Your application must also demonstrate competence programme, subject to security to experience real social work with children and families and your
(predicted or obtained). in IT as well as spoken and written English. and health checks to ensure situations. It’s an opportunity to communication skills.
establish whether this is the right
you’re fit to practice.
career path for you and if you’re a
• At least grade C (or equivalent) in GCSE • Unfortunately we’re unable to accommodate those good fit for Frontline.
Maths and English. already studying towards a social work qualification
or who are already qualified.
16 17If you’re a university student, there are a number of exciting ways you can
engage with Frontline. Whether you’re interested in working in the charity
sector, want to train as a social worker or gain valuable experience while you
study, we offer a range of outstanding opportunities to kick-start your career.
INSIGHTS INTO career in a third sector organisation FROM BRAND MANAGER
SOCIAL WORK after you graduate. You’ll gain valuable TO TRAINEE SOCIAL WORKER
experience by taking on important NICK, 2016 COHORT
Our insights are the responsibilities and contributing directly “I am one of those people who went
perfect opportunity to learn to achieve our mission as a vital part to university hoping that one day
more about our programme, of our award-winning recruitment team. I’d have an epiphany about my career
hear from qualified social workers path. Flash forward four years and
and meet with our recruitment team. ON-CAMPUS PAID ROLES I found myself graduating, knowing
We’ve designed diversity insights to where I wanted to go and feeling
put a spotlight on a more diverse As one of our brand managers, you’ll inspired about my future career in
range of talent, to tackle under play a key role in raising awareness of social work. This all began when
representation and attract a Frontline on campus by engaging the I met a Frontline brand manager so
workforce that reflects the communities wider student body with our mission, when the opportunity came up to be
we serve. Our undergraduate taster supporting at key events, whilst one myself I snapped it up without a
days are for students who want to developing valuable skills for your second thought! The best thing about
future. You will build your professional the role was that I sold the Frontline
deepen their understanding of social
experience in a flexible part-time paid programme to myself. I felt as though
work as they start thinking about what
job that will fit around your study. I already had a head start for the
EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES
career path to pursue. application process and the
assessment centre in particular gave
INTERNSHIPS Visit www.thefrontline.org.uk
me insight into what life as a social
to find out more.
TO START YOUR CAREER
worker will be like: working in a team,
Our student internship for penultimate
forming meaningful connection
year students is just the thing if you are
with people and, most importantly,
passionate about the work we do and
WITH US
trying to make a difference to those
have an interest in social work. We also that need it most.”
offer six-month graduate internships
within our recruitment team, offering a
unique opportunity to launch your
18 19I DARED TO CHANGE
“I really enjoy having the opportunity to help
people. It’s the feedback from families and
young people that keeps me going. As a trainee
social worker I worked in a safeguarding
team, which gave me the opportunity to build
relationships with children and families.”
I really like the systemic model that Through the first year, the support
the programme teaches. It means and encouragement from the
the focus is on relationships and consultant social worker is vital to
involves weekly meetings with the development. The support from your
other Frontline participants and your unit is also essential and being able
consultant social worker. We discuss to share the ups and the downs with
cases and have the space to reflect people around you is so important.
on what is going on for the family. This model allows you to forge close
Systemic practice encourages you relationships with colleagues who are
to think outside of the immediate in the same boat as you, with these
‘problem’ and ensures you do not relationships enduring long after the
get stuck with one idea about what two years of the programme. These
is going on. This way of training is elements are unique to the Frontline
Esther, 2016 Cohort, University of Oxford distinct to the Frontline programme. training model and are invaluable.
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