PQ Training & Development

Training is an ongoing process within Southwark – we’ll ensure you have all the skills and knowledge you need to grow both personally and professionally. We offer good supervision and support for social workers at every stage of their careers.

Induction
There is a one-day induction for all staff in children’s services and then a three-day induction for all staff in specialist children’s services. You’ll also complete the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) induction covering common core issues like safeguarding, child development, communicating with children, integrated working, information sharing, and health and safety.

Core issues
Over the next two years you will be expected to complete a range of learning in core issues such as domestic violence, substance misuse, mental health, and disability and their local protocols. There is an excellent range of training offered by the Southwark Safeguarding Children Board and Health Promotion Team

Research in practice
You will be expected to base your practice in evidence from research. Southwark is a member of Research in Practice (RIP) and Making Research Count and you will have access to their events, research overviews and publications

Further qualifications
We encourage all social workers to complete the Post Qualifying Consolidating Award with Kingston University and then move on to the Specialist Child Care Award at Kingston University, Royal Holloway College or Goldsmiths College, though places are limited each year. We also encourage practice assessors to complete the Enabling Others Award. There is an excellent reward scheme for practice assessors and their teams. Managers use the funds for additional specialist training, team days and other resources.

Management
Finally, there is the chance to complete a Higher Specialist Post Qualifying Award at a local university, but places are limited. Managers are encouraged to complete an action learning in supervision or Management Qualification, and other required training in the local authority. Coaching and mentoring has been developed to help managers in their ongoing development.