LGA relaunch Return to Social Work

Former social workers have until end of March to apply

The Local Government Association, which represents councils across England and Wales, today has teamed up with the Government Equalities Office to reignite the Return to Social Work programme following its launch in 2017.

The national scheme, which aims to get former social workers back into the care sector, has trained and recruited dozens of staff.

Candidates will be eligible to apply for the scheme from now until 31 March, with the programme beginning in May 2020. 

Placements vary according to how long trained social workers have been out of the profession.

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:  “We are delighted to open up the scheme again after it proved so successful last year. Councils are desperate to get good quality, trained professionals on their books.

“The LGA looks forward to working with the Government Equalities Office to ensure our communities are equipped with social workers that they need as demand increases.”

Minister for Women and Equalities, Liz Truss, said: “No one should be held back in their career because they have taken time out of their job to care for a loved one.

“We are investing in returners to work – giving them the opportunity to refresh and grow their skills. By acting on this issue we can fill empty jobs across the country and achieve true equality in our workplaces.”

More information on the Return to Social Work Programme via the LGA website.