Response to the Department for Education Consultation on Post-Qualifying Standards (PQS) and the Social Work Induction Programme (SWIP)

BASW England welcome the opportunity to comment on the Department for Education’s proposed new set of Post-Qualifying Standards (PQS) and a two-year Social Work Induction Programme (SWIP) for newly qualified child and family social workers. These proposals represent an important opportunity to enhance early career support, address issues of professional consistency, and ultimately improve retention across the children’s social work workforce.

However, while the ambition behind these proposals is clear and the intent to support newly qualified social workers (NQSWs) is positive, BASW England has serious concerns that the proposed changes may not deliver their intended outcomes unless they are accompanied by significant systemic reforms and adequate resourcing.

Based on our engagement with practitioners, including a recent focus group of social workers, practice educators, managers, our response sets out key areas of support, concern, and recommendations for improving the proposed model.