Award ceremony for newly qualified social workers

A group of Plymouth’s eight newly qualified social workers have been handed their certificates from the College of Social Work by the Lord Mayor, Councilor Dr John Mahony at a special ceremony.

Plymouth City Council has run a successful Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) Programme for a number of years and this year the Council wants to recognise the achievement in a formal way, by presenting the College of Social Work Certification at a special ceremony.

Newly Qualified Social Workers have made a significant contribution to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in the city. Passing the ASYE year recognises that practitioners have met the required national level of capability for social work practice.

Suzanne Littlewood was one of the social workers awarded her certificate at the ceremony, she said: “I am delighted to have passed my ASYE year. It’s been hard work but I have had wonderful support from the team at Children’s Social Care in Plymouth during my probationary year. It’s been worth it as it as I am now a fully qualified social worker!’

Assistant Director for Children, Young People and Families, Children, Young People and Families Services Alison Botham said: “Having a skilled and motivated workforce, committed to lifelong learning, is essential to ensure the delivery of high quality services to children, young people and families in the City. Passing the ASYE year allows the Service and the public to have confidence in the quality of professionals working in children’s social work and we are proud to be able to present this recognition to our latest successes.”

Councillor Sue McDonald, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Public Health said: “This award ceremony shows just how valued our workforce is, as without such hard work and dedication, we would not be able to provide the level of service to our children and young people. I’d like to congratulate all our newly qualified social workers and hope they enjoy their time with Plymouth City Council.”