Leadership Development Programme Children’s Social Work

THEFRONTLINE.ORG.UK

@frontline_sw @FrontlineChangingLives @FrontlineSW frontline-org

THEFRONTLINE.ORG.UKTHE FRONTLINE ORGANISATION

Jenny, care leaver

CONTENTS Dare to change with Frontline

I dared to change: Margaret’s profile

Your Frontline journey and beyond

What’s the Fellowship like?

What’s in it for you?

What we’re looking for

The selection process

Explore opportunities to start your career with us

I dared to change: Phil’s profile

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FRONTLINE PARTICIPANTS ARE ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE

Social Science

HumanitiesLaw

MathematicsModern Languages Natural Sciences

Zoology

Economics Psychology

Drama

Art

Religious Studies

Politics

Medicine English

Music

What subjects did they study?Over 100 different degree subjects, including

years and the other half graduated between 1979 and 20123Around half the

cohort graduated in the last

of Frontline cohorts 50%

ARE CAREER CHANGERS

CAREER CHANGERS PUBLIC

CORPORATE NOT-FOR-PROFIT ANDTHE ARTS

have come from a variety

of sectors, including

37%of our first cohort were the first in their family to go to university

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THE PROFESSION

As a social worker, you’ll be joining one of the most challenging, but most rewarding, professions. You’ll work directly with children, families, schools, courts and the police, to empower families to achieve positive change.

THE PROGRAMME

You’ll help to transform the lives of vulnerable children by developing a range of invaluable skills including relationship-building, conflict resolution and leadership. Being a social worker on the programme takes resilience, dedication and qualities you didn’t even know you had.

THE MOVEMENT

By 2020, there will be over 1000 Frontline alumni helping to shape the children’s services social care sector, and building secure foundations for some of our most vulnerable people.

Approximately 400,000 children in England get support from social workers.

Almost a third of the homeless population were in care at some point in their lives.(Barnardo’s 2016)

60/0 of care leavers go to university compared to approximately 400/0 of all young people.(UCAS 2015)

Children in need in England are over nine times more likely to be permanently excluded from school. (UK GOV 2015)

ARE YOU BRAVE ENOUGH TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT?

THERE’S NO CAREER LIKE SOCIAL WORK, AND NO OTHER PROGRAMME LIKE FRONTLINE. JOIN US AND MAKE REAL CHANGE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.

DARE TO CHANGE

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“In my final year at university, I looked at quite a range of different career options and graduate schemes, and social work wasn’t even something I’d considered. But when I saw Frontline, it sounded like no other graduate scheme. The opportunity to gain a Postgraduate Diploma, and a Master’s degree while working full-time in a local authority was something that really interested me.”

“Now I’m on the programme and doing social work, it’s really opened doors to me. I don’t know any other career where you can work in such a collaborative way with a child and their family, and so many different organisations involved in a child’s life. We’re all working to achieve the common goal of ensuring the child’s safety, and to make sure they’re able to reach their full potential.

I enjoy the unpredictability and variety of the job. I work across a lot of different settings, such as schools, community centres, families’ and foster carers’ homes and children’s centres.

I don’t know what my day will involve, and that’s exciting as well as challenging. Support comes in many forms on the programme. There’s always someone in the team to talk to when times are hard – and people who’ll tell you when you’ve done something well. I feel that I’ve learnt so much more about myself and the strengths I hold.

My most rewarding experience so far was when, after months of working with a family and tackling different issues, a mother told me how much she felt supported by having me in her life. That was a special moment.”

I DARED TO CHANGE

Margaret, 2015 Cohort

IT’S UNPREDICTABLE,

EXCITING AND ONE OF THE BEST THINGS YOU

CAN DO

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*The sensitive nature of our programme dictates that you must pass certain checks before the end of the Summer Institute in July. We take on final year students who must supply their degree classification prior 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.

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.

JOURNEYYOUR FRONTLINE

SUMMER INSTITUTE*:INTENSIVE FIVE-WEEK RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMME

Get ready for practice in a local authority, as experienced social workers, world-renowned academics and leadership experts help you develop the qualities needed to bring about change.*

LOCATIONS: JOINING US ON THE 2017 PROGRAMME, YOU COULD BE WORKING IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

• London

• South East

• East & West Midlands

• North East

• North West

• East of England

YEAR 2: MASTER’S DEGREE, COACHING AND MANAGING YOUR OWN WORKLOAD

You’ll be a newly-qualified social worker employed in Children’s Services by your local authority, and supported to be responsible for your own caseload. Continuing professional development opportunities include coaching to develop your social work leadership skills and fully-funded study to gain a Master’s degree qualification.

YEAR 1: OVER 200 DAYS WORK-BASED LEARNING** AND 46 TAUGHT STUDY DAYS

You’ll work in a local authority Child Protection team with three other Frontline participants who make up your unit. Supported and led by a Consultant Social Worker (CSW), with regular visits from your Practice Tutor, you’ll work to gain a Postgraduate Diploma by the end of this first year.

The Frontline team will place you in a local authority within one of these regions. All of the regions offer excellent training, development, support, and the chance to make a real impact on children and their families’ lives. Participants will need to display a degree of flexibility.

ONGOING LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

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AND BEYONDAFTER THE PROGRAMME

FRONTLINE FELLOWSHIP

Once you’ve completed the two-year Frontline programme, you will automatically become part of the Frontline Fellowship. This is a movement of outstanding individuals who are applying themselves to address social disadvantage in different ways – and who have all received training from Frontline. The Fellowship includes those who have completed the Frontline and Firstline programmes, as well as those who have been a Consultant Social Worker for two or more years.

To support the Fellowship in their vital work, we are committed to facilitating opportunities within three specific areas: practice, policy and innovation.

CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR YOUR SOCIAL WORK CAREER

Through the Frontline Fellowship, we’ll support the progress of your social work career with a selection of practice-based workshops that focus on developing your skills. In addition, you’ll have the excellent support of other Frontline fellows who are part of the same innovative movement. All you have to do is reach out and ask for their advice and mentoring when you need it.

WHAT COULD I DO AS A FELLOW?

As a Frontline fellow, the Fellowship will support your career journey, and we’ll recognise the important role you will play in the future of vulnerable children and families. After completing one of our programmes, you could embark on a wide variety of roles.

The majority of fellows continue in the social work profession. Some move into consultant social worker roles, and specialist areas such as youth offending or domestic violence, while others complete further qualifications. Some decide to move away from direct frontline practice in order to lead change in broader society. Outside of direct child protection, social work fellows have taken up roles within the Children’s Commissioner and the Anna Freud Centre, as well as policy roles within the Department for Education. Some even come to work with us at Frontline.

You might also work internationally. Or, you could go onto set up your own social enterprise.

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I knew I wanted to work with children and families, and Frontline appealed to me as an exciting way to get into social work.

I was drawn to the idea of earning at the same time as studying, the opportunities to progress, and the leadership element. The funded Master’s in Social Work was also hugely appealing, as was the focus on practice skills and how we do social work, free from bureaucracy.

The programme developed my understanding of what it takes to be a leader. Before, I had a very linear, authoritarian view of leadership. I didn’t really understand the complexity of the word and what it means in practice. I’ve since become more adaptable and reflective in terms of how I work – not just with families but with colleagues. A lot of leadership isn’t about making tough decisions.

It’s about learning from others, and working in partnership to get the best out of people. I have also improved my emotional resilience, to manage the difficulties of being a social worker. And I’ve had the opportunity to learn about myself. Not to sound too cheesy!

Now I’ve completed the Frontline programme, I want to remain in social work. It’s where I can try to help make changes to the lives of families and children, so they can reach their potential. So they can succeed regardless of their class, academic status or what’s happened to them in the past. I think every child has the ability to do well and succeed. If I can change their lives in any way so they can do that, then that’s what I want to do. And I think social work is the best way to achieve it.

What I like about being a social worker is it’s always different. On any given day you might be in meetings, on visits, at a hospital, visiting a school, working with another social worker or working with a child.

I enjoy that variety. In addition, I get to manage my own time which I like as well. Flexibility and freedom in a job is really important to me.

The great thing is, because I’ve completed the programme, I get to be part of the Fellowship. It’s really focused on developing you as a practitioner, so I’ve enjoyed lots of opportunities and support to progress my ideas.

I recently spoke to the CEO about one of my ideas over coffee, which was great.

Things like this help me consider what I can contribute outside of my day-to-day job.

WHAT’S THE FELLOWSHIP LIKE?

Ryan, 2015 CohortRyan, 2015 Cohort

A LOT OF LEADERSHIPISN’T ABOUT MAKING

TOUGHDECISIONS.IT’S ABOUT LEARNINGFROM OTHERS, AND WORKING

IN PARTNERSHIP TOGET THE BESTOUT OF PEOPLE.

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RECEIVE QUALITY TRAININGDEVELOP AS A LEADER

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

YEAR 1 – Tuition fees and Summer Institute accommodation will be covered by Frontline. In your first year you will receive a tax and NI exempt bursary.

Inner London: Bursary of £19,591Outer London: Bursary of £18,544 Other regions: Bursary of £16,756

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.

EARN AS YOU LEARN

WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH A VARIETY OF ORGANISATIONS

In the second year of the programme, you’ll work with a wider network of professionals outside of your unit to bring about positive change in the lives of vulnerable children and families.

Receive support from experts – your Consultant Social Worker, Practice Tutors, qualified coach and Frontline Programme Team.

HIGH LEVELS OF SUPPORT

WORK AS PART OF A DYNAMIC TEAM

In the first year of the programme, you’ll work on cases with your peers led by your Consultant Social Worker.

Qualify as a Social Worker after your first year and register with the Health and Care Professions Council.

QUALIFY AS A PROFESSIONAL

FRONTLINE FELLOWSHIP NETWORK – THE BENEFITS • Keep in contact with your cohort and

other Frontline Fellows.• Invitations to Frontline events,

including Leadership Seminars and conferences.

• Professional development opportunities.

• Ongoing support for your work, contributing to transforming the lives of vulnerable children.

2017 Cohort, Summer Institute

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

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WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR THE SELECTION PROCESS

We’re looking for your potential to become an outstanding children’s social worker, and will be exploring the evidence of your ability through the following competencies:

To be eligible for our programme, you’ll need to have all of the following:

COMMITMENT TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Motivation

Self-awareness

Resilience

WORKING WITH PEOPLE

Effective communication

Empathy and relationships

LEADING WITH SOUND JUDGEMENT

Analysis and adaptability

Leadership

• A 2:1 or higher in your undergraduate degree (predicted or obtained).

• At least grade C in GCSE English and Maths or equivalent.

• Your application must also demonstrate competence in IT as well as spoken and written English.

• Unfortunately we’re unable to accommodate those already studying towards a social work qualification or who are already qualified.

STAGE 1 – SELF-ASSESSMENT ACTIVITY

Designed to give you further insight into social work, this will help you decide whether this is the right career path for you.

STAGE 6 – INDUCTION + FINAL CHECKS

If you successfully complete the assessment process, you’ll receive a conditional offer for the Frontline programme, subject to security and health checks to ensure you’re fit to practice.

STAGE 2 – REGISTRATION + APPLICATION FORM

Answering competency-based questions, you’ll need to demonstrate your commitment to the Frontline mission, and your experience of working well with others.

STAGE 5 – ASSESSMENT CENTREA group exercise, role play and other activities, including meeting a care leaver, give you the chance to experience real social work situations. It’s an opportunity to establish whether this is the right career path for you and if you’re a good fit for Frontline.

STAGE 4 – VIDEO INTERVIEW

Recording your responses to pre-recorded questions (at home in your own time), you’ll showcase both your motivation for working with children and families, and your communication skills.

You can find more detailed information about the selection process on our website: www.thefrontline.org.uk/how-apply/selection-process

COMPETENCIES

APPLY AT THEFRONTLINE.ORG.UK

STAGE 3 – ONLINE TESTS

Once you have submitted your application, we’ll ask you to complete a combined test. You will respond to some realistic scenarios and we will assess your aptitude for social work, your ability to understand information and to use logic to solve complex problems.

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INSIGHTS INTO SOCIAL WORK

Undergraduate TastersThis fascinating insight day is open to anyone currently studying at university. If you’re considering a career in children and families social work, this one-day taster will provide you with the opportunity to learn more about our programme, hear from qualified social workers, and meet with our dedicated recruitment team.

Diversity Insight DayTo tackle under representation and attract a workforce that reflects the communities we serve, we’ve designed these insight days to put a spotlight on a more diverse range of talent. So if you’re from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background, this is your chance to meet with social work experts, try our interactive workshops, and deepen your understanding of social work.

INTERNSHIPS

Student Internships If you’re a student in your penultimate year of study, and you’re interested in social work and passionate about the work of Frontline, our three-week internships are just the thing. As an intern, you’ll join one of the teams working across the charity, gaining valuable experience by taking on important responsibilities and contributing to our life changing work.

Graduate InternshipsThis six-month internship within our recruitment team is a unique opportunity to launch your career in a fast-paced, third sector organisation after you graduate. Joining us during our recruitment season from September to March, you will take on key responsibilities and contribute directly to achieving our mission as a vital part of our award-winning recruitment team.

ON-CAMPUS PAID ROLES

Brand Managers As one of our Brand Managers, you’ll enjoy a flexible part-time job that fits around your study, earns you money and builds your experience. With opportunities located at a range of universities across the country, this is your chance to engage the wider student body with our mission while developing valuable skills for your future. You’ll play a key role in raising awareness of Frontline on campus by supporting events and promoting our opportunities.

Visit www.thefrontline.org.uk to find out more.

EXPLOREOPPORTUNITIESTO START YOUR

CAREERWITH US

If you’re a university student, there are a number of exciting ways you can engage with Frontline. Whether you’re planning to train as a social worker, interested in working in the charity sector, or you want to gain valuable experience while you study, we offer a range of outstanding opportunities to kick start your career.

FROM BRAND MANAGER TO TRAINEE SOCIAL WORKERNICK, 2016 COHORT“I am one of those people who went to University hoping that one day I would have an epiphany about my career path. Flash forward four years and I found myself heading towards graduation knowing where I want go and feeling inspired about my future career in social work.

The journey to where I am now kick started when I met a Frontline Brand Manager at a University Careers Fair. I was sure that the career needed more publicity. So, when the opportunity to become Frontline’s next Brand Manager arose, I snapped it up without a second thought.

The best thing to come out of the role was that I sold the Frontline programme to myself.

What’s more, by being a Brand Manager I’d learnt about the charity first-hand, so I felt as though I already had a head start for the application process. The assessment centre in particular gave me insight into what life as a social worker will be like: working in a team, forming meaningful connections with people and, most importantly, trying to make a difference to those that need it most.”

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THE BEST WAY TO HELP PEOPLE

IS THROUGHMEANINGFUL,PERSONALRELATIONSHIPS.SOCIAL WORK GAVE ME THIS

OPPORTUNITY.Phil, 2015 Cohort

“Being a social worker is an immense privilege, because it puts you directly in a relationship with some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Before Frontline, I worked in the charity sector in developing countries, but I found it frustrating. I realised the best way to help people is through meaningful, personal relationships. Social work would give me this opportunity to work directly with people.”

Since joining Frontline, I’ve realised the work is very different to what I expected, and social work is a very wide-ranging field. In year one, I worked with a handful of families within a child protection team. I dealt with issues of neglect, adult and child mental health difficulties, young carers and children who were being sexually exploited. In year two, I moved to a youth offending team where I am now. Working with children inside the criminal justice system and their families, our aim is to reduce reoffending and manage the risk to themselves and others. During my first year, I worked intensively with one family on a child protection plan. There were numerous crises between the mother and daughter – from physical and verbal abuse, to running away, stealing and two overdoses by the young person.

When I left the team, the case was about to close and I was unsure the family were ready. But six months later, the young person got back in touch and it was clear she’d really grown up. She had a part-time job, she was in college, and her relationship with her mother had improved. She thanked me and asked for a reference to do work experience with a charity, helping women who suffered domestic abuse. She wanted to help others the way her mother was helped. Doing this job is hard, but it’s also a privilege. There are challenging days, but there are moments when it all pays off. You realise it’s worth it, because you can see things are better for a young person than when you first met them. And you know you made a difference.

I DARED TO CHANGE

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