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£45million to boost the number of trainees on the Frontline programme.

Education Secretary Damian Hinds yesterday (8 January) announced plans to fund 900 places on the Frontline children’s social work training programme up to 2021.

The social work charity, which has cross-party support, has secured £45 million in funding as it recruits growing numbers of trainees to the social work profession, helping to transform the lives of vulnerable children and families.

The announcement of additional funding comes as new Frontline-commissioned research, undertaken by ComRes, reveals that 44% of adults aged 18 – 34 are considering a change of career this year. The research also shows that a quarter of millennials would prioritise purpose over pay (25%).

Frontline, a top graduate recruiter, has already brought over 1,000 people onto its programme since 2013. Frontline is currently recruiting for its largest ever cohort of 452 trainees, with over 40 vacancies in the South West for the first time, and all trainees will benefit from generous bursaries of up to £20,000.

Education Secretary Damian Hinds yesterday said:

Social workers are heroes, often unsung, of our society – working on the frontline to offer care and support to some of the most vulnerable children and families in the country.

Children’s social care is only as good as the people who deliver it, which is why we want to recruit, retain and develop the best social workers, so they can continue to offer the much needed lifeline to those who need it most.

That’s why the Government is supporting Frontline with £45 million to continue their work in attracting and training bright graduates and career changers, who aspire for a rewarding career as a social worker.

Josh MacAlister, Frontline’s Chief Executive yesterday said:

Every child deserves a safe and stable home. Today’s announcement means that Frontline can develop even more outstanding social workers to stand alongside those children and families who need them the most.

This year there has never been a better time to get into social work, with applications still open to join the Frontline programme for 2019.

Sally Hodges, Director of Children’s Services, Solihull yesterday said:

We are proud to be working in partnership with Frontline to train the next generation of social workers. Social work is one of the country’s most important professions, and can make a life changing difference to those most in need.

Frontline’s participants, and the passion and talent they bring, have been an invaluable addition to our team at Solihull. We welcome today’s news and look forward to continuing our work together to deliver the best services for vulnerable children and their families.