An Examination of Support and Development Mechanisms for Newly Qualified Social Workers Across the UK: Implications for Australian Social Work

Abstract

This paper examines support and development mechanisms in national graduate qualifying programmes in social work in the United Kingdom (UK), to identify possible implications for policy, research and consultation for Australia. Notwithstanding the Australian Association of Social Work’s Supervision Standards, the Association has not made specific provisions for new graduates within its policies relating to professional standards or continuing professional development. Using a document analysis method, the different mechanisms in place across the UK indicate the potential value of exploring these countries’ systems to inform debate within the Australian Association on the possible creation of national standards. The UK experience suggests that any new standards or policy might be effective if they are underpinned by a developmental perspective on new graduates and acceptance of the shared responsibility for support between professional stakeholders. Possible pathways for research and consultation are outlined to develop a better understanding of career profiles, retention, and graduate needs that are contextual to Australia.

Keywords:

• newly qualified social worker
• graduate support
• professional development
• international comparisons

Acknowledgement

We thank Associate Professor Karen Bell for providing feedback on drafts of this paper.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Bernadette Moorhead

Bernadette Moorhead is a lecturer in Social Work and Human Services at Charles Sturt University.

Jill Manthorpe

Jill Manthorpe is Professor of Social Work at King's College London and Director of the NIHR Health & Social Care Workforce Research Unit, based in the Policy Institute at King's College London.

Mary Baginsky

Mary Baginsky is a senior research fellow at the NIHR Health & Social Care Workforce Research Unit, based in the Policy Institute at King's College London.