Social Work Induction Programme

Descriptions

The Social Work Induction Programme (SWIP) will significantly extend the training and support child and family social workers receive in the early stages of their career, helping to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need and retain them in the profession. We plan for the induction support for early career social workers to be extended from one year in the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) to two years in the SWIP. We have developed a new set of Post-Qualifying Standards (PQS) which set out the knowledge and skills new social workers need by the end of their second year in post, they will underpin the training and development within those first two years of the children’s social work profession. There is a live consultation on the PQS which closes on 28th May 2025 https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/childrens-social-work-post-qualifying-standards-and-induction We are considering our approach to potential procurement of training and development services available to new social workers and are keen to talk to interested suppliers about development of the training programme and programme design. As we do this, we’re seeking market input to better understand views to our proposed procurement and delivery approaches. This is to help us continue to develop a procurement approach. Over the coming months, we will use this information to shape our approach to any SWIP commercial work. Please note, this notice is not being used to signify the commencement of any competitive process and does not constitute any commitment by the Department for Education. Funding estimates included within the notice are indicative only and are subject to Spending Review outcomes. The Department makes no commitment at this stage to the final funding envelope for contractual activity.