Assessed and Supported Year (ASYE)

We offer newly qualified social workers a high-quality probation programme that provides plenty of opportunities to build on the learning acquired while studying for their social work degree. Our programme has been nationally recognised by Skills for Care.

Social workers joining us for their ASYE get the chance to develop their skills, knowledge and capability and strengthen their professional confidence to best serve the children, young people and vulnerable adults in Oxfordshire. They will receive good supervision and support from more experienced staff members and will be provided with guidance to help them follow the programme's requirements.

Social Work Professional Development Centre 

As part of your ASYE year, you will be a part of the Social Work Professional Development Centre. The centre provides a scaffolded learning experience in which all those new to practice feel safe and well-supported throughout, with a protected caseload and gradual increase in the time spent with our teams as your practice develops. The Social Work Professional Development Centre will treat each NQSW as an individual, with a development plan based on individual learning needs and regular progress reviews, which will enable us to ensure that everyone has the best possible learning experience, tailored to their individual needs. We've designed our competency framework for our NQSW's development, which aligns with Oxfordshire County Council’s guiding principles for strengths-based practice.

As part of the Social Work Professional Development Centre, you will be provided with:

• Robust Induction Program
• A cohort of peers from across Children’s Social Care
• Weekly Development and Training Sessions. 
• Two Protected days a month as part of your ASYE
• Individual development plan attuned to your learning goals. 
• Reflective spaces and peer check in’s
• Protected caseloads to allow for time and support to embed learning into practice. 

Join us on Wednesday, 20 March at 4.30pm – 5.30pm to learn what it's like to work for Oxfordshire County Council as a Children’s Social Worker.

Here's what some of our recent NQSW's had to say:

 "The new Social Work Development Centre has enabled me to start my social work career in a positive, supportive and protected environment. I feel grateful that I have been part of this team where I can develop at my own pace and where support is available as and when required, rather than being thrown in at the deep end. Being part of this friendly team has enabled me to gain confidence, knowledge and independence without feeling overwhelmed and out of my depth" – Kirsty

 "The Social Work Development Centre that is currently being run in Oxfordshire has really helped me feel safe and supported as an NQSW. The Development Centre supports all NQSWs from all backgrounds with varying levels of experience within children's statutory social work. I feel that the Development Centre can really help those whose training and qualification has been impacted by the pandemic" – Patrick

 "All the people in the Social Work Development Centre are approachable and supportive, and it feels like I'm part of a family. This was one of the most important things to me when looking for a job, and I feel grateful to have joined such a friendly and forward-thinking organisation." – Harriet