Background
We offer a support programme for Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) during their first year of practice. This programme includes training, monitoring, and assessment to build skills, knowledge, and confidence.
The Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme provides regular support and follows the:
- Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) for social work
- Post Qualifying Standards (PQS), formerly known as the Knowledge and Skills Statements (KSS)
- The programme runs alongside the probationary period for both Children’s and Adult Services.
Timescales
The ASYE usually lasts 12 months. The programme can extend due to contractual arrangements, like part-time working hours.
If the programme needs to be extended for reasons unrelated to employment terms, it can be paused. This can’t happen due to capability issues but can pause for reasons like:
- long-term sickness
- bereavement
- maternity or paternity leave
- not getting the appropriate level of support (for example, learning needs of the NQSW)
The programme must be completed within 2 years, as this is the maximum time allowed for a probationary period.
Process for ASYE pauses or extensions
The NQSW, ASYE Mentor Assessor, line manager, and ASYE coordinator must all agree on an extension or pause. They also need to agree on a revised timeline.
The ASYE Mentor Assessor must record an extension of the programme in the ‘Support and Assessment Agreement’.
The NQSW and the ASYE Mentor Assessor must record the period and reason for the pause within the portfolio.
ASYE co-ordinator must record the period of the pause and the reason on the Skills for Care portal.
Probationary period
The programme runs alongside the probationary period. If it takes longer than 12 months, the probationary period extends to the new time limit.
The probationary period should start as soon as the NQSW starts their Level 1 Social Work role.
Managers should conduct reviews at 12 and 22 weeks of employment. They should also hold an ASYE review meeting every 3 months.
To successfully complete the probation, you must pass the ASYE.
Documentation
If you should leave, or join, Dorset Council during the ASYE period, copies of records may be transferable between relevant employers.
Contact the ASYE Co-ordinator from Workforce Development for further information.
Reviews of progress during the ASYE
Formal reviews of progress will be undertaken at 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months of the ASYE programme, with a final assessment being carried out at 12 months.
Responsibilities
You will have a mentor to help you during your first year. The mentor will support and guide you. Your line manager will be responsible for your day-to-day work.
You are responsible for your own learning and professional development plan.
Both the line manager and the mentor will review your progress. The mentor will report on your progress. They will make a final recommendation at the end of your ASYE based on the evidence in your portfolio.
If you have any problems with the help you are getting, you should talk to your line manager or mentor first. If the problem isn’t fixed, you can talk to the ASYE Coordinator. If needed, they can also talk to the Principal Social Worker.
Professional registration with Social Work England
All social workers must register with Social Work England to work. It is your responsibility to make sure your registration is always up to date.
Unsatisfactory progress
Your line manager, ASYE coordinator and mentor should explain what you need to improve, to help with your progression. They should talk about any extra learning, support, or help needed. They need to create a support plan with goals and review dates. They must record this in the portfolio and the manager’s probation record.
Managers will seek advice from HR and the Principal Social Worker if there are any concerns. We will follow the probation policy if you don’t meet the required standards during your ASYE period.
At the end of the ASYE period, there should be a review of job opportunities. If you did not pass the ASYE, we will try to find another job for you based on your skills and available vacancies.
Social Work England
If the NQSW’s contract ends, a local authority officer should notify Social Work England.