Podcast: supporting social workers to flourish in their careers

Welcome to a new three-part series, in collaboration with North Lincolnshire’s children and families service, that explores career progression, wellbeing and social work practice.

In its most recent Ofsted inspection, in 2022, North Lincolnshire Council's children and families service was rated outstanding in all areas by Ofsted, with inspectors citing an “exemplary” commitment to children as one of its strengths.

The council’s grow-your-own approach contributes positively to the service’s succession planning, and a focus on supporting social workers in their preferred continuous professional development pathway has resulted in a highly motivated, enthusiastic and loyal workforce, said Ofsted's report.

In this episode on career progression, you’ll hear from two practitioners at different stages in their career: Rachel Smith, who started her career at North Lincolnshire over 20 years ago and is now director of children’s services, and Louise Stretten, who has worked across a number of teams including disability and child protection in her 13 years at the council and is now lead officer in family help. They talk about how they have been supported to grow in their careers.

Find out more about a career at North Lincolnshire Council here.