Learn why social workers in Yorkshire & Humber are increasingly choosing permanent roles over temporary contracts.
Working on a temporary basis for a social work agency can seem like an attractive option, with the potential for variety, flexibility, and better hourly pay. While this way of working will always suit some practitioners, the DfE’s recent changes to agency rules and improved offers from local authorities across Yorkshire & the Humber have seen many agency colleagues choosing to return to permanent roles.
What are the new DfE rules about agency social work?
The new rules have been brought in primarily to help reduce turnover and create a more stable social work workforce. They include things like price caps, minimum notice periods, and requiring authorities not to engage agency workers who have recently left a permanent role in the same region. These rules have been designed with the aim of helping local authorities to provide a more stable, sustainable and supportive working environment for social workers, helping them to provide better outcomes for children and families. In Yorkshire & Humber, our 15 authorities have come together to agree on a consistent way of implementing these new rules across the entire region.
Whether you’re already working for an agency, or just weighing up your options, it’s well worth taking a fresh look at what permanent roles can offer. We’ve spoken to some colleagues across the region who opted to switch back to a permanent role to see why they felt it was the right choice.
What are the benefits of working for an agency?
One reason some people choose agency work is the hourly pay, which can be higher than a similar permanent role. However, it is worth considering some of the added advantages which come with local authority roles when making your decision, as these can add up:
“Agency work is well paid, but it doesn’t offer the job security and the overall package that local authority jobs have to offer – not just the pay and benefits, but also the training opportunities and team working.” (Supervising Social Worker, Fostering Team)
For some social workers, spending some time working for an agency served as a way to gain some more varied experience and take on new challenges.
“After a couple of years as a qualified social worker, I decided that I wanted to experience working elsewhere and in different teams to broaden my experience. So I went to be an agency social worker, which enabled me to work in different places and environments and with different people.” (Senior Children’s Social Worker, Assessment & Joint Investigation Team)
Agency work can also be a useful stepping stone for social workers who have spent some time out of the profession and are looking to resume their social work career.
“Briefly working for an agency gave me a way to get back into mainstream social work.” (Team Manager, Duty & Advice Team)
Why should I think about moving back to a permanent role?
In recent years, local authority teams have become much more open to flexible working arrangements as well as increasing social workers’ overall pay. Coupled with the greater job security and additional benefits, this has made taking on a permanent role much more attractive.
“Local authorities have recognised the need for flexible working and have worked to address some of the pay differential – with the recent change in tax arrangements and a general increase in pay, it’s much better having a permanent role in a local authority social work team. Being a permanent employee also means you get employee benefits such as holiday, sick pay and a pension amongst other things, which you miss out on working for an agency.” (Senior Children’s Social Worker, Assessment & Intervention Team)
While agencies can play a vital role by providing cover for staff shortages, relying too much on agency staff is often associated with instability, which can make it harder to deliver the best possible outcomes for children and young people. The social workers we spoke to felt that being a permanent part of a team made it much easier to build positive relationships with the children and families they work with.
“A key driver for me to come back to working as a social worker on a permanent basis was that I wanted to build long term relationships with children and families which you don’t get being an agency worker. I also recognised that having agency social workers costs local authorities much more money – money that could be spent on vital services for children.” (Senior Children’s Social Worker, Assessment & Intervention Team)
In such an emotionally and mentally demanding profession, strong relationships with colleagues can play a major role. Local authorities in Yorkshire & the Humber are constantly working to ensure social workers can count on a positive and supportive culture and being a permanent member of the team can really help you to get the most out of this.
“Over my years in social work, things have changed a lot. Teaching methods and approaches have changed, as has practice too. Most significantly, the older serious case reviews prompted much closer supervision and support, which really changed things for the better – better practice, better team working, and ultimately, better care and outcomes.” (Senior Social Worker, Disabled Children’s Team)
Another great benefit to working on a permanent basis is the opportunity to build your skills and advance your career. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a big focus for Social Work England, and local authority employers are investing in their workforces, so there are plenty of chances to add to your skillset or progress to a more senior role.
“In terms of our working environment and culture I’ve seen real changes, a positive shift, in recent years in my authority and across the region. There’s been a noticeable drive to progress social work as a profession with a visible commitment to good quality training and support. It’s benefitted me – I’ve progressed to being a senior social worker and I’m now starting my second year of Practice Educator training.” (Senior Children’s Social Worker, Assessment & Joint Investigation Team)
To find out more about why a return to a permanent social work job could be right for you, chat with your team manager or line manager about your options.
Read some of our success stories about working in Yorkshire & the Humber below.
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