Nearly 40 new social workers have embarked on a tailor-made development programme with Bromley Council as the local authority looks to further boost its social care team.
Chosen from more than 100 applicants who attended an open event earlier in the year, Bromley selected a host of newly qualified candidates at six specially devised assessment centre events – four for children’s social workers and two for adults.
The recruitment process at these events was “thorough and challenging”, comprising a written test, a role play scenario as well as a formal interview.
The 39 successful candidates, who have just completed a comprehensive induction process introducing them to Bromley, will now complete a year of ‘assessed and supported’ training while they learn to put their studies into practice in the real world.
Councillor Peter Fortune, executive member for children, education and families said: “It is hugely beneficial for residents and the local authority alike to recruit and retain staff rather than use agencies, but with a shortage of experienced social workers in the UK, we have had to be innovative about the way in which we attract and retain our staff.
“By bringing in an enthusiastic cohort of newly qualified social workers to work and train alongside our more experienced staff, we can nourish the kind of workforce that can make a difference to the children and families who really need our help.”
@peter fortune