Newly qualified social workers celebrated

The latest group of newly qualified social workers from Plymouth City Council Children’s Services, have been presented with certificates of completion by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Dr John Mahony, 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.

Allison Lamacraft is one of the newly qualified social workers who will be receiving her certificate. She said: “During the ASYE in Plymouth I feel I have been supported with excellent training and have also had a supportive team environment which has enabled me to develop and prepare for my role as a Social Worker. It’s been a year of a learning journey that has consolidated my professional identity; I have had the opportunity to learn in a different way than I did at university which has given me the confidence to practice”.

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 successes.”
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 Sue McDonald, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Public Health said: "I’d like to personally congratulate all our newly qualified social workers. This award ceremony shows just how valued our workforce is, as without such hard work and dedication; we would not be able to provide the level of service to our children and young people.”