Support and development
Our dedicated Learning Academy supports your ongoing learning.
According to Ofsted inspectors, we’re an authority that “excels as a learning organisation”. We aim to support staff to shine and make a tangible impact on the lives of people in our district.
Our in-house Learning Academy offers a dynamic hybrid training model. Combining in-person sessions with online learning accessible through a dedicated website. You can access learning wherever you are and whenever you want.
We can cater to the diverse needs and varying experience levels of our workforce. Our team members can access practice guides and learning for all roles. We have over 350 resources available including:
- podcasts
- one-minute guides
- best practice examples
Social workers can engage in learning at their own pace. Grab snippets of knowledge during the day or dive deeper with a day-long course.
With our close connections to Research in Practice, and the Leeds and Wakefield Social Work Partnership too, we have a learning culture we’re truly proud of.
The learning academy
- online learning portal
- over 350 resources online
- variety of learning styles
- bitesize chunks and deep dive courses
- over 127 learning events in 2023
“78% said their manager / supervisor encourages and motivates their career development.” Social worker health check – 2023
At the heart of everything we do is our workforce. We need an experienced and effective workforce that want to stay with us. Key to this is development and support from early years through to future leaders.
Our Assessed and Supported Year in Employment programme
Our Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme designed for our Newly Qualified Social Worker. Last year, 100 per cent of our NQSW completed their first year with us.
Social worker health check – 2023
This programme will strengthen your professional practice during your first year in employment. It will develop social worker skills, knowledge and competencies.
The programme runs over 12 months, as part of Wakefield's probationary period. It offers a unique, holistic package of support. Our new social workers receive support from a dedicated Advanced Practitioner Lead. They're embedded in our Learning Academy and deliver a bespoke learning package.
As a new social worker, you'll have protected time for learning. Your Advanced Practitioner lead will also provide reflective supervision, coaching and mentoring. Alongside a range of personalised support, including joint visits and practice observations.
In Wakefield, our offer sets NQSWs up to succeed. This includes:
- a comprehensive induction
- regular supervision with a Team Manager and Advanced Practitioner Lead. Including person, case, and reflective supervision
- protected caseload numbers of <15
- protected development time of two days per month
- personalised and individual support from the Advanced Practitioner Lead for ASYEs
- a managed workload to allow for learning opportunities across teams and services
- four interim progress reviews to support a successful final assessment
All new social worker's first year involves building a portfolio of evidence. This will prove their knowledge and skills. Your Team Manager will assess this evidence against the following:
- the Knowledge and Skills Statement (KSS)
- the Professional Capabilities Framework
- Social Work England's Professional Standards
We provide the best level of support to build a comprehensive portfolio of evidence. Plus, Wakefield’s customised online portfolio system makes the process even simpler.
For more information about our ASYE programme email: learningacademy@wakefield.gov.uk.
“Last year, 100 per cent of our NQSW completed their first year with us.” Social worker health check – 2023
“I find the support from management to be very helpful and beneficial. I enjoy the ASYE programme, I find the training offered from this to be beneficial for my learning and development.
I am grateful for the support I have within my team, and the area, it is an enjoyable environment to work in.” Social worker health check - 2023
Our Second Supported Year in Employment programme
We recognise it is important that early-career social workers need ongoing support. We have introduced a formal Second Supported Year in Employment programme. Your learning and development will reinforce your knowledge and skills. And allow you to work to progressing to senior social worker.
Your learning time is still protected. One day a month dedicated to learning and reflective supervision. You'll engage in facilitated discussion and action learning sets. Learning content developed and delivered by social workers.
For more information about our SSYE programme email learningacademy@wakefield.gov.uk.