Frontline
Everything we do is driven by one ambition: to make life better for children at risk of harm.
We believe children deserve professionals who can build strong relationships, make evidence-informed decisions and create lasting change for children, families and communities. That's why we're committed to developing the next generation of social workers and helping shape the future of children's services.
Approach Social Work is our three-year, fully funded training programme that helps graduates with any undergraduate degree to become children's social workers. From day one, you'll combine practical experience working with children and families with academic study, building the knowledge, skills and confidence to make a meaningful difference. Along the way, you'll earn a master's degree and develop the expertise to thrive in a rewarding career.
What to expect
Approach Social Work is an intensive three-year programme that combines training and academic study with hands-on practice. From the start, you’ll be helping children and families to make a lasting, positive difference in their lives.
Year one:
- Begin study for your postgraduate diploma in social work
- Learn within a local authority social work team, supported by experienced social workers, a tutor and a practice educator
- Work directly with children and families while you train, putting your learning into practice straight away
- Receive a tax-free bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs
Years two and three:
- Move into a guaranteed paid role as a newly qualified children's social worker
- Continue to receive training and support
- Complete your master's degree while you work
- Earn £30,000–£39,000 in year two, with salaries up to £44,000 in year three
After the programme:
- Continue your development through the Frontline Fellowship
Live opportunities
Approach Social Work: 2027 launch event
Join us as we celebrate the opening of applications for our 2027 cohort of Approach Social Work. At the event you will learn how the programme is structured, how our application process works and have the opportunity put your questions to the team. This event will take place 28 September 2026 at 18:00 – 19:30.
Virtual
Q&A with the recruitment team: Application form and online test
Join the recruitment team to learn about Approach Social Work, the application process, the online test and the programme itself. The team will share their best tips to help you stand out in your application. At the event you will: ask questions directly to the recruitment team find out how to make your application as strong as possible learn what to expect from our selection process This event will take place 30 September 2026 at 18:00 – 19:30.
VirtualSocial Work Stories
Do you want to find out more about the day-to-day role of a social worker? This event is an opportunity to hear directly from social workers about their experiences and gain a deeper insight into the impact you could have in the lives of children at risk of harm. This event will take place 6 October 2026 at 18:00 – 19:30.
VirtualBlack History Month: celebrating the impact of Black social workers
Join us as we celebrate the impact Black social workers have made in the lives of children and young people. At the event you will: hear from Black social workers about their experiences and the difference they make in children’s lives explore why representation matters in the profession at every level – from student to senior leader discover the support available to racialised minority participants on Approach Social Work At Frontline we are committed to diversity and inclusion in all our work. We know we cannot achieve our mission as a charity without including a wide variety of voices, experiences and backgrounds. It is important for children and young people to see themselves reflected in the professionals who play such an influential role in their lives, and for this diversity of representation to be reflected at all levels of the profession. This event will take place 14 October 2026 at 18:00 – 19:30.
VirtualStart a graduate job that makes a difference
Are you a final year student or a recent graduate? This event will introduce you to Approach Social Work and show how it can help you begin a career in social change. We will share details about the programme, our assessment process and how to strengthen your application. This event will take place 27 October 2026 at 18:00 – 19:30.
VirtualWhy men should pursue a career in social work
This session will recognise men in social work and explore the role they play in shaping the future of the profession. You will also hear directly from social workers about their experiences as men in the sector and how they overcome potential challenges. Through Approach Social Work we aim to bring more men, people of a global majority background and others who are underrepresented in social work into the profession, to reflect the diversity of the children they support. This event will take place 3 November 2026 at 18:00 – 19:30.
VirtualQ&A with the recruitment team: Assessment centre
Join the recruitment team to learn about Approach Social Work, the application process, the assessment centre and the programme itself. The team will share their best tips to help you stand out in your assessment centre. At the event you will: ask questions directly to the recruitment team find out how to stand out in the assessment centre learn what to expect from our application process This event will take place 12 November 2026 at 18:00 – 19:30.
VirtualWhy every voice matters in social work
Come along to hear from our panel of social workers about how important diversity and inclusion is in the role and about the support we can offer to participants from underrepresented backgrounds. Everyone is welcome to attend! Frontline is committed to diversity and inclusion in all our work. We know we cannot achieve our mission without including a wide variety of voices, experiences and backgrounds. This event will take place 17 November 2026 at 18:00 – 19:30.
Virtual
