Council Is Given Social Work Training Accolade

Bolton Council’s adult and children’s services department has been rewarded for helping young people to get a step on the career ladder. The team has won this year’s National Council for Work Experience (NCWE) award for its trainee social work programme.

Other organisations in line for the award included the Bank of England, Yorkshire Forward and the e-Development Centre at Southampton Solent University. As part of the assessment process, the council’s adult and children’s service was inspected by NCWE.

The local authority found out it had won the accolade at a special ceremony held in London. Heather Collier, manager of the NCWE, said: “The judges chose Bolton Council because it provided an outstanding scheme for students to be immersed in all aspects of its work.

“The department also demonstrated a dedication to encouraging trainees at every stage in their education and making them believe that a successful career in social work is attainable.”

The award scheme was developed in 2003 to recognise employers who provide work placement opportunities for students. Cllr Margaret Clare, executive member for adult social care, said: “We’re thrilled to have won this award. We entered the NCWE Awards because we felt that the trainee scheme offered students the chance to make a lasting contribution to social work.

“In our scheme, trainees embark on a four year programme, during which time they gain a great deal of knowledge about all the different social care services we offer, as well as developing solid relationships with other professionals, service users and carers alike.”

Cllr Linda Thomas, executive member for children’s services, added: “The award recognises the dedication and hard work of the team, which has firmly embedded education, support and work experience into the organisational culture making the programme a success for everyone involved.”