Plymouth’s newly qualified social workers celebrated

The latest group of newly qualified children’s social workers have been presented with certificates of completion by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Pauline Murphy at a special ceremony.

The certificates mark the successful completion of the social workers’ assessed and supported first year in practice. Newly Qualified Social Workers have made a significant contribution to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in the city.

Plymouth City Council has run a successful Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) Programme for a number of years and the Council recognises the achievement as significant through award ceremonies held twice a year.

Catherine McCormick is one of the newly qualified social workers who receiving her certificate. She said: “I have found this to be a valuable learning experience. The ASYE has allowed me to continue with my development in a controlled and supported way, with a strong team of managers and peers around me. I have found the balance between the commitments of the ASYE and work commitments manageable, and I recognise and value the training experiences that have been offered, as they have helped to underpin and develop my professional work. I would definitely recommend the ASYE programme to anyone wishing to pursue a career with Plymouth Children’s Social Care.”

Alison Botham, Assistant Director for Children, Young People and Families said: “Having a skilled and motivated workforce, committed to lifelong learning, is essential to ensure the delivery of high quality services to children, young people and families in the City. Passing the ASYE year allows both the service and the public to have confidence in the quality of the professionals working in children’s social work in Plymouth. We are proud to be able to present these certificates of recognition to our latest successful social workers.”

Passing the ASYE year recognises that practitioners have met the required national level of capability for social work practice, having undertaken a programme of development and assessment of their knowledge and skills as qualified practitioners.

Councillor Terri Beer, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: "Our newly qualified social workers have worked extremely hard over the last 12 months and this award ceremony shows just how much we value our workforce. Looking after vulnerable children and young people in the city is one of the most important jobs we do and without such hard work and dedication, we would not be able to provide the level of support we do in Plymouth.”