The creator of an innovative fast-track scheme for social workers is aiming for the role to become one of the top jobs in the country.
Josh McAllister suggested the training scheme Frontline while working with children in Greater Manchester three years ago.
Frontline, which pilots in Manchester next September, is a five-week training programme for university graduates who want to help the vulnerable.
It has now been given the green light by the government, and high-calibre trainees will now be recruited for what is regarded as one of Britain’s toughest jobs.
Mr McAllister says the programme could transform the social care industry.
“The programme overall and what it could mean for Greater Manchester is a bold attempt to dramatically improve the image of the profession the quality of training that goes into people who become social workers,” he said.
“In 10 years time I would love social work to be one of the top jobs in country, where it’s seen as prestigious, demanding and respectable.
“If it demonstrates it can work, Frontline could completely change the perception of social work as an industry and bring about big change in people’s lives.”
After witnessing first-hand the perceived inadequacies of social work, Mr McAllister said he is out to make a difference.
Introducing a new demographic of social workers, he claims, will help achieve this goal.
“Through working with children I saw that there were major issues with the way social work was done,” he said.
“These graduates will be working with the most disadvantaged people in society and having the best and brightest working with them is only going to help them.
“There should be an effort to put social workers into the mix with graduates. This says that you can be different and do something generally purposeful.
“This programme offers a contribution from people who themselves have been given a contribution from society.”
Mr McAllister dismissed fears that five weeks was not a sufficient length of time to train graduates in social care.
“We’re really clear – we’re proposing a five week institute where no one ends their learning.
“Students will get loads of supervision, assessments and tests, to prepare them for the jump into the social care world.
“People have more days in work experiencing child protection than any existing routes into the profession.”
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, was fervent in his support of Frontline, saying that recruiting graduates will only add to the good work done by social workers.
“This is a significant step forward in terms of our ambition and determination to provide the best social work service there is here in Manchester,” he said.
“We already have some great social workers who do a very challenging job well, but the establishment of Frontline is a win win for everyone.”
Lord Andrew Adonis, Chair of the Frontline board, said: “I know first-hand the importance of having a great social worker.
“There is an urgent need to transform life chances for abused and neglected children and Frontline will play a vital part in addressing this national challenge.”
Image courtesy of IPPR via YouTube, with thanks
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