Social work is a demanding job. Expectations are high and every day social workers, right across the country, make a real difference to children’s lives – helping to keep them safe, and supporting them to grow and flourish. Children, families and adults deserve social workers who are professional, knowledgeable and effective.

There are nearly 30,000 child and family social workers employed in local authorities. Bursaries support 4,000 people training to be social workers though university degrees, and there are increasing numbers of high quality graduates coming to social work through fast track schemes, with an estimated 900 in 2019.

Innovation Programme projects are establishing programmes which develop the knowledge and skills of child and family social workers, which is key to improving the quality of practice and outcomes for children.