This best practice guide highlights initiatives by local authorities and the independent sector to support their employees, or potential employees, to qualify as social workers.  For the first time it brings together the experience and knowledge of people who have run or participated in GYO schemes over many years. Topics covered include: the Learning Organisation, addressing diversity, types of GYO, supporting students and working whilst studying. The Appendices include examples of a workforce development strategy and a GYO Student Contract.

The Toolkit has been jointly produced by the GSCC and the Social Care Workforce Research Unit at King’s College London (KCL). 

I have advised a number of organisations about developing their workforce and I am happy to recommend this publication. A really useful toolkit which should inform the workforce strategy of all organisations who employ social workers. The Social Work Task Force Final Report highlighted the problems of recruitment and retention of social workers. This publication provides examples and evidence about the benefits of making a strategic investment. 

The Barnet Graduate Social Care Trainee Scheme which has been running for several years is an excellent example of strategic thinking and making an investment which promotes best practice in social care.

I would suggest that a further research project is required to compare the expenditure, benefits and opportunity costs of overseas recruitment campaigns and grow your own social worker schemes.   

The toolkit is available for download here A hardcopy of the toolkit can be obtained by emailing: GYOtoolkit@gscc.org.uk

Tags: Grow Your Own, gscc, Kings College London, toolkit, trainee social workers, workforce development, workforce engagement, workforce strategy