During World Social Work MonthOpens in new tab, Derby City Council is recognising the vital role social workers play in safeguarding and supporting the city’s most vulnerable people.
These dedicated professionals work tirelessly to safeguard children, support families, assist adults with support needs and advocate for those facing hardship.
This year’s World Social Work Day takes place on 18 March and this year, it’s all about the importance of caring and respecting across generations to build strong societies, sustain the environment, and share wisdom for a better future.
Councillor Alison Martin, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, said:
Social workers are an invaluable part of our support systems. They deal with complex situations with compassion and care, offering vital help to individuals and families during their most difficult times. We’re incredibly grateful for their dedication.
The British Association of Social Workers (BASWOpens in new tab) is championing the exceptional work happening across the UK social work profession. They’ve recognised Derby City Council’s Jorden Slater, a team manager in Adult Social Care, as an ‘Amazing Team Manager’ after she was nominated by colleagues, who said:
Jorden consistently models best practice across all areas of work and provides authentic, compassionate leadership to her team, providing direction and support.
BASW will pay tribute to Jorden and her fellow nominated social workers by featuring their accomplishments on their website and social media channels throughout March.
Jorden is keen to raise awareness about the profession and encourage more people to consider a career in social work. She said:
A career in adults’ social work enables you to work alongside individuals navigating life’s challenges and adversity. Through connection, empowerment and care, you become part of their journey towards change, which is a privilege.
No day is ever the same. Individuals’ strengths, and those of your peers, never cease to amaze you!
From helping keep a family under pressure together to supporting someone with mental health problems, social work is a varied, demanding, often emotional and very rewarding careerOpens in new tab.
The Step Up To Social Work programme provides the opportunity to receive support while you are training to start a new career in children and families’ social work.
The 14-month training programme provides hands-on experience of working in a real-life social work role through placements in a local authority whilst undertaking your qualification. The Department for Education covers the cost of tuition and provides a tax-free bursary to support you during training.
Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work enabling you to apply to register and practise as a social worker.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:
Being a social worker is more than just a job - it’s about empowering individuals and families to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
If you're looking for a career where you can make a real, difference in people’s lives, the Step Up To Social Work programme is a great route into a rewarding and worthwhile career in children’s social care.
The programme runs once every two years, dependent on Government funding, so don’t miss your chance to apply. Applications for the 2026 programme are open until 25 March 2025.
If you’re interested, Derby’s Children’s Workforce Learning and Development team is offering online information sessions so you can find out more. These will take place via Microsoft Teams on Thursday 13 March from 12:30pm until 1:30pm, and Tuesday 18 March from 6pm until 7pm. To book onto a session, please send your name and contact details to the team at CYPWFLD@derby.gov.ukOpens in new tab.
You can also find more information about the Step Up to Social Work programmeOpens in new tab on the Department for Education website.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in Adult Social Work, the most common route is through a degree in social work, or apprenticeship opportunities are available. For more information go to the Social Work England websiteOpens in new tab or the Skills for Care websiteOpens in new tab.