Step up to Social WorkinBracknell inBracknellPUBLISHED TUE 4 FEB 2025

Bracknell Forest Councilrl6Gk4Ap

Intensive 14-month full-time program that leads to a social work qualification, enhancing professional credibility.

Opportunity to contribute to the well-being of children, young people, and families in the Bracknell community.

Support from Bracknell Forest Council and other local authority partners, fostering a collaborative and enriching work environment.

Access to financial support and resources funded by the Department for Education, helping alleviate costs associated with training.

Gain valuable practical experience through direct work with vulnerable groups, boosting employability in the social work field.

Engagement in a diverse learning environment thanks to the partnership with multiple local authorities, enhancing networking opportunities.

A rigorous selection process ensures that the cohort consists of motivated and skilled individuals, enriching collaborative learning experiences.

Bracknell Forest Council, as part of the Berkshire Regional Partnership, is seeking high-achieving graduates for its "Step Up to Social Work" program, which is a 14-month full-time postgraduate qualifying course starting in January 2026. This program is designed for those considering a career change into social work and requires applicants to have relevant experience working with children, young people, and families, alongside a minimum 2.2 degree in any subject other than social work. Candidates must also have achieved at least a GCSE in English at grade C/4 or above and must provide evidence of qualifications through electronic documentation.

Eligible applicants should have at least six months of full-time direct experience with vulnerable populations, such as children or families, in either paid or voluntary roles. They must reside in England, have the legal right to live and study in the UK, and be able to complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The program is part of a wider initiative funded by the Department for Education, aiming to attract and train new social workers to meet the demands of the local community.

Intensive 14-month full-time program that leads to a social work qualification, enhancing professional credibility.

Opportunity to contribute to the well-being of children, young people, and families in the Bracknell community.

Support from Bracknell Forest Council and other local authority partners, fostering a collaborative and enriching work environment.

Access to financial support and resources funded by the Department for Education, helping alleviate costs associated with training.

Gain valuable practical experience through direct work with vulnerable groups, boosting employability in the social work field.

Engagement in a diverse learning environment thanks to the partnership with multiple local authorities, enhancing networking opportunities.

A rigorous selection process ensures that the cohort consists of motivated and skilled individuals, enriching collaborative learning experiences.

The Berkshire Regional Partnership has been successful in gaining funding for another cohort of Step Up to Social Work for high achieving graduates who are thinking of a career change.

Opportunities are available at each of the local authority partners within the partnership: Bracknell Forest Council (Lead Partner), Reading now known as Brighter Futures for Children, Slough Children First and West Berkshire Council.

Step Up to Social Work is a 14 month post graduate intensive full-time qualifying programme. The course will start in January 2026 as part of the 9th cohort funded by the Department for Education.

To apply for this role, you will need to have experience of voluntary or paid work with children, young people and families and will need to demonstrate your maturity and emotional resilience.Additionally:

A minimum 2.2 degree qualification (level 6) in any discipline except social work from a UK higher education institution, or an approved overseas equivalent. Final year students are not eligible. You must have completed your degree programme to apply.
GCSEs in English or English Language at grade C/grade 4 or above (or an approved equivalent).
A minimum of 6 months full-time (or equivalent) direct experience of working with vulnerable children, young people and/or families/carers or vulnerable adults, either in a paid or voluntary capacity.
To show evidence of your qualifications (such as certificates). Please ensure that you have the relevant electronic versions to upload these to the application portal.
To live in England and have the right to live and study in the UK (including access to public funds).
To complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.