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  4. Frontline programme 2024
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At Frontline – England’s largest social work charity – everything we do aims to make life better for children who need a social worker, to help keep them safe from harm and to give them every possible chance to fulfil their potential. 

Each year, our nation’s social workers support hundreds of thousands of children who do not have a safe and stable home. They make a real difference to the lives of these children and their families. Our mission is to create social change for children and families, by developing excellent social work practice, leadership and innovation. 

Our Frontline programme offers three years of intensive, paid training and a fully funded master’s degree with Lancaster University to develop the skills you’ll need for a career in social work. Upon completing our programme you’ll be part of a new, diverse generation of social workers who help create positive, sustainable change for children and families. 

We also offer insight events and paid internships, to help you build the knowledge and skills to thrive in a social change career. 

Job description  

On the Frontline programme you’ll get three years of paid training and support to become a social worker. You’ll learn life-changing skills while working in a local council social work team, putting theory into practice. You’ll qualify as a social worker and complete a fully-funded master’s degree. With the support of experienced social workers and your peers, you’ll learn how to work with families to protect vulnerable children.  

Looking for a career that helps people? Social work could be for you. We’re Frontline, a charity working to make life better for children with social workers in England. Join our Frontline programme and become a children’s social worker. You’ll help keep children safe from harm and create positive change for them and their families. This is the work that makes a difference. 

What’s in it for you? 

  • Earn as you learn with a salary of up to £34,000 from year two.   
  • Qualify as a social worker and complete a fully funded master's degree.  
  • Get high-quality training and supervision from experienced social workers, academics and coaches in a rich, supportive environment.  
  • Become part of the Frontline Fellowship and receive ongoing support and training throughout your career.    

What to expect as a trainee social worker 

Year 1

  • Start with five weeks of intense online study, including five in-person sessions, led by experts in social work theory. 
  • Begin your 12-month placement in a local council social work team, where you'll work closely with fellow trainees and an experienced social worker. You'll gradually take on more responsibility in supporting children and families. 
  • Qualify as a social worker by the end of your first year. 

Year 2

  • Manage your own caseload, building on your skills and confidence. 
  • Engage in ongoing study to further develop your professional abilities. 
  • Receive continued support from Frontline tutors, your employer and fellow trainees. 

Year 3

  • Conduct a research project and complete the academic credits needed for your social work master's degree. 
  • Receive leadership coaching to enhance your professional capabilities. 

 We won’t lie; it’s a challenging profession. You’ll help families living in the toughest circumstances and struggling with a range of pressures. But it’s also one of the most rewarding careers. This programme is designed to give you the support you’ll need to thrive in the role, and the work you do will change lives for the better. But this is just the beginning. Once qualified, you'll join the Frontline Fellowship, a growing community of social workers trained by Frontline. Together, we have the power to drive social change. And that’s why we’ll continue to provide support, training and funding opportunities to help you grow throughout your career. 

Who we’re looking for  

We are looking for your potential to become an outstanding children’s social worker and leader, empowering families to achieve positive change. No specific experience is required to apply. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and a commitment to advocating for the communities’ social workers serve. We're dedicated to fostering diversity in our programme and supporting applicants from underrepresented backgrounds. 

You will also meet the following criteria:  

  • Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent)  
  • Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification)  
  • Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2027)  
  • Be resident in England by the time the programme commences  
  • Not be a qualified social worker  

This is the work that makes a difference. This is social work. 

Please note: There are only limited places remaining for the 2024 cohort. We have already closed many locations and will continue to close locations as places are filled. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible, to avoid missing out.