Want to really make a difference to the lives of children and families?
Do you have what it takes to ‘Step Up’ to social work?
Social work is both a challenging and rewarding career through which you can make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families.
Applications are now open for the next Step Up To Social Work programme – starting January 2026
Apply now: https://susw.eu-careers.pocketrecruiter.com/ - Closing date is 24th March 2026.
The Step Up to Social Work programme is a unique opportunity to receive support while you are training to start a new career in social work.
The South West Regional Partnership 1 has 18 places for those wanting to qualify in social work for Children and Families.
The programme runs once every two years, dependent on government funding, so if you are interested, make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to apply.
Who are we?
- Three Local Authority Children and Family services - BCP Council (Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole) & Dorset Council & Wiltshire Council - working in partnership, with Bournemouth University.
- We make up the South West Regional Partnership 1.
What is the Step Up to Social Work Programme?
- An intensive, fast-track 14-month full-time programme.
- For those who do not have a social work qualification and want to become a Children and Families social worker.
- 170 placement days of hands-on social work with additional skills training and academic learning at university alongside.
What we can offer you?
- A Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work (level 7/ masters level) enabling you to register as a qualified social worker with Social Work England (generic qualification with a focus on Children and Families).
- £19,833 tax-free bursary during the programme and tuition fees paid.
- Face-to-face teaching at Bournemouth University.
- Upon completion of the course, where vacancies available, we will offer you an interview for a social work position with one of the Children’s Services teams, supported by our Assessed & Support Year in Employment programme for newly qualified social workers.
What you will need?
- The ability to build relationships with families facing difficult times including being a good listener and analytical thinker with strong observation skills and patience. Social work regularly tests resilience, stamina, and resolve - all of which you will need to succeed.
- 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.
- A degree-level qualification in any discipline from a UK higher education institute or an approved overseas equivalent.
- A minimum 2:2 level 6 degree qualification, for example, an honours degree or a graduate certificate (this can be in any subject).
- GCSEs in English or English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above, or the new grade 4 and above (or an approved equivalent). Original certificates will need to be see. If you cannot find any of your certificates, you can order replacements online.
- A driving licence and use of a vehicle.
Following the closing date a shortlisting process will take place in May 2026. Applicants who meet the initial screening will be invited to an Assessment Centre ½ day on one of the following dates: 6th, 7th, 11th, 12th, 17th, 18th July 2026.
Find out more
Come to a Microsoft Teams video call information session, to find out more about the course and the process locally. Including opportunity to speak to Bournemouth University and local council representatives from across the partnership:
13:00 – 14:00 22nd February 2026
08:30 – 09:30 3rd March 2026
17:30 – 18:30 7th March 2026
17:30 – 18:30 14th March 2026
13:00 – 14:00 15th March 2026
To book email sutsw@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
If you are unable to join via Microsoft Teams, or would like to speak to someone about your individual circumstances, please email us with a telephone number and someone will contact you.
Further information can also be found at - https://susw.eu-careers.pocketrecruiter.com/
Please feel free to forward this email to anyone you think may be interested in training to be a social worker.
On behalf of Step Up to Social Work Regional Partnership 1
sutsw@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
