London's boroughs have launched a new website to bring together all of their job ads in children’s social care for the first time.
Named London Social Work for Children, it has been designed for children’s social workers interested in developing their careers and those considering joining the profession. Content includes information on how to become a social worker, plus real life stories of social workers making a positive difference to the lives of London’s children.
London Councils, the organisation for the boroughs, said there are around 5,600 children’s social workers in the capital and in the most recent Ofsted inspections over 80% of its councils achieved a ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ rating. But the sector faces major challenges, as demand for support is increasing and vacancy rates are high.
Cllr Ian Edwards, London Councils’ executive member for children and young people, said: “Boroughs want to recruit talented, dedicated social workers who are ambitious for their careers and ambitious for the children and young people they work with.
“Through this new collaborative website, boroughs are making it easier for those interested in opportunities to develop their social work careers in London, as well as supporting our drive as employers to attract and retain the staff we need in our local services.”
Nigel Chapman, workforce policy lead for the Association of London Directors of Children’s Services, said: “Through London Social Work for Children, each borough can celebrate its own unique identity and individual offer to social workers that is responsive to the need in their local area. Allowing each borough to play to its own strengths – while working together as a region as much as possible – helps us deliver better outcomes for all our children.”
