Action learning as an element within an assessed and supported year in employment for newly qualified social workers: a three-role perspective

ABSTRACT

The assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE) is employer-led and provides a programme to support and assess newly qualified social workers (NQSWs) working with children and families and adults during their first year of employment. Action learning was brought into Cambridgeshire County Councils ASYE programme as a 12-month pilot from October 2015 to September 2016, with the view of providing an opportunity for the 55–60 NQSWs to develop critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership skills. This paper gives an account of the journey from the perspective of the roles of the accoucheur and action learning lead, ASYE Programme Lead and Evaluator and identifies key learning points. In writing this paper, the authors acknowledge the contribution of their colleague facilitators and the NQSWs who participated in action learning sets.

KEYWORDS:

• Action learning
• newly qualified social worker
• design team
• evaluation
• emerging learning

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank our colleagues who were valuable members of the design team and action learning facilitators: Carole Davis, Professional Educator-ASYE coordinator for NQSWs working across adult and children and families services Ania Pine, Professional Educator-ASYE coordinator for NQSWs working across adult services Karen Rodgers, Professional Educator-ASYE coordinator for NQSWs working across children and families services LGSS Learning and Development, Social Work Development Team.

Disclosure statement

Carol Wells is also an Associate with the Centre for Action Learning Facilitation.

Notes on contributors

Carol Wells is a Relief Professional Educator, and action learning lead within the ASYE programme, part-time Child Protection Conference Chair for Cambridgeshire County Council and associate of the Centre for Action Learning Facilitation. She holds the ILM Diploma in Action Learning Facilitation

Ikedola Animashaun is Professional Educator, ASYE Lead, LGSS Learning and Development for Cambridgeshire County Council. Ikedola is studying for the ILM Certificate in Action Learning facilitation.

Anneliese Gibb is a Senior Learning and Development Advisor, LGSS Learning and Development for Cambridgeshire County Council.