Learning and Development

First Three Years in Practice Framework

First Year in Practice

In your first year in practice you will have an individual development plan. This will help you to consolidate and extend your skills and knowledge and reflect on practice, supporting your progression towards the Consolidation programme. You will also benefit from enhanced supervision, an independent mentor, protected caseload, structured training programme and regular peer group sessions in a safe environment for you to share your experiences and support other NQSWs to explore positive solutions and strengthen your practice.

Our mentors are experienced Social Workers, passionate about their practice with a desire to support others to develop and grow. We aim to match our NQSWs with a mentor from outside of your team who has experience of your core service area, so that they bring an understanding of the role and can explore practical positive solutions in a safe and confidential environment.

Consolidation Programme (2nd year in practice)

The Consolidation Programme (typically second year in practice) builds on your development in the first year and supports you towards re-registration, with opportunities for shadowing, co-working, group meetings, peer support, workshops and mentoring. You are encouraged to reflect on your practice, strengths and motivators and how they fit with the wider context of your work, helping you to make the smooth transition from student to qualified professional.