This is the work that makes a difference

Frontline is a charity with a mission to make social work better for children, helping keep them safe and giving them a chance to fulfil their potential. By completing our Frontline programme you’ll become a social worker who helps create positive, sustainable change for children and families.

You’ll help protect children in Essex living in the toughest circumstances and families struggling with a range of pressures such as mental ill-health, domestic abuse or poverty. You’ll intervene at moments of crisis and need within families, giving them the support and commitment they deserve, and use your skills to help change the course of their lives.

We have placements available in Chelmsford, Colchester, Harlow and Basildon, as well as many areas outside of Essex.

* Earn as you learn with a salary of up to £34,000 in year two. 

* Qualify as a social worker and complete a fully funded master's degree.

* Get high-quality training and supervision from experienced social workers, academics, and coaches in a rich, supportive environment.

* Become part of the Frontline Fellowship and receive ongoing support and training throughout your career.

Your journey on the Frontline programme

The Frontline programme offers two years of intensive, paid training and a fully-funded master’s degree with Lancaster University to develop the skills you’ll need for the role. You’ll qualify as a social worker employed in your local authority and become an agent of change, improving people’s lives and the social work profession through excellent practice, leadership and innovation.

Your training starts at our summer institute, five weeks of immersive teaching that takes place online and in-person. You’ll join a cohort of around 450 other trainees and begin to learn how to bring about positive change in people’s behaviour from leading academics in social work.

After the summer institute you’ll start learning the theory over 21 taught study days, and applying it with 200 days of practice-based learning. You’ll work in a team of four with an experienced child protection social worker overseeing your work with families and supported by a tutor. You’ll also undertake a contrasting learning experience in an adult social care setting while working towards the first 120 credits of your Master’s degree. Upon passing your first year you'll be a newly-qualified social worker and will register with the professional regulator, Social Work England.

In your second year, you’ll be employed in children’s services by your local authority and supported to hold your own caseload. You’ll continue working towards your Master’s degree through a combination of lectures and workshops delivered over eight dedicated learning days and work with a peer group to continuously develop your skills. Alongside this you’ll conduct research into your practice, supported by a dissertation supervisor, and be offered one-to-one coaching to help you hone your leadership skills. At the end of your second year you’ll have completed your Master’s degree.

This is the work that changes society

Social workers who become qualified through our Frontline programme are highly equipped with the skills needed to work effectively with families in crisis and to create positive, sustainable change in their lives. You’ll join a growing community of like-minded social workers who work hard to bring about wider social change through their influence on the UK social work system and offer you support in your continuous development.

Becoming a social worker through the Frontline programme offers a rewarding learning experience and a career where you’ll put children first, protecting them from harm and changing the course of their lives. This is the work that makes a difference. This is social work.

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for passionate and motivated individuals who share our vision and mission. You will be committed to working with children and families, collaborating with other professionals and leading with sound judgment.

We want people who can bring different perspectives and experiences to the programme and are committed to advocating for the diverse communities that social workers serve.

You will also meet the following criteria:

2.1 or higher in an undergraduate honours degree (predicted or obtained)
or
2.2 in an undergraduate honours degree (predicted or obtained) plus a level 7 (e.g. master’s degree) qualification
or
2.2 in an undergraduate honours degree (predicted or obtained) plus two years’ employment in a local authority in the UK in a role within child and family social work (subject to approval by Social Work England)

Grade C or above in GCSE English Language (or equivalent qualification)

Grade C or above in GCSE Maths (or equivalent qualification)

Be eligible to reside and study in the UK for the duration of the programme (and have access to public funds)

Be resident in England

Not be a qualified social worker