In 2022, Community Care Inform, in partnership with McLeod Research, led the sector with a significant study on the impact of the pandemic on learning. Given the escalating pressures on social care budgets, it became clear that an update to this research was necessary. To address this, Community Care Inform launched an annual survey in 2024 to track significant shifts in the landscape. This will enable social work and learning leaders to anticipate and adapt their workforce strategies based on the latest pressures and challenges.

Our goals are to provide a comprehensive overview of the current learning landscape for social workers, explore how learning opportunities are structured—particularly in terms of time and space for self-directed and service-driven learning—and offer insights and recommendations for social work leaders to consider in future planning.

To obtain the full findings and report, please contact Head of Client Partnerships, Rebekkah Tabern

Since 2014, Community Care Jobs, in partnership with McLeod Research, has been studying the jobseeker behaviours of social workers. Our research identifies the key factors influencing their decisions when seeking a new role, the motivators that encourage them to apply, and the triggers that prompt them to leave their current position. We also explore preferred application methods, the most valued employee benefits, and what attracts social workers to specific organisations.

Our goal is to provide social work employers with evidence-based insights to refine their recruitment strategies. We aim to offer actionable recommendations on how to stand out in a sector facing high vacancy rates and significant candidate shortages and to help your organisation be viewed as an employer of choice.

To obtain the full findings and report, please contact Head of Client Partnerships, Peter Clarke