Approach Social Work (formerly known as the Frontline programme)

Looking for a career with purpose and a clear path for development?

As a social worker, you’ll work directly with children and families to make sure children are safe, supported and able to thrive. It’s a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference. On this programme, you’ll be supported from day one and gain the skills, experience and master’s degree to succeed, wherever your career takes you.

About the programme

Approach Social Work is a fully funded training programme that helps you step into children’s social work with the training, tools and support to make a difference.

On the programme, you’ll develop a deep understanding of child-focused practice and how to build relationships that create real change. You’ll also explore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches — and earn a master’s degree along the way.

What to expect

Year one:

Begin study for your postgraduate diploma
Work with children and families within a local authority, supported by experienced tutors and practice educators
Receive a bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs

Year two and three:

Move into a paid role as a newly qualified social worker (up to £34,000, or more in some London boroughs)
Keep working towards your master’s degree
Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering career-long support and development

The role:

You’ll learn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. That means:

Visiting a child at home or school
Supporting a parent through difficult circumstances
Working with teachers, health professionals or police
Writing reports and helping decide what’s safest for a child

It’s a role that takes empathy, resilience and strong judgement, rooted in anti-racist, anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice.

Who we’re looking for

You may have studied a humanities, social sciences, education, law or healthcare degree, but we welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds. We are especially keen to hear from those underrepresented in the sector, including men and people from racially diverse communities.

You don’t need experience in social work, just the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. If you are in your final year of studying for an undergraduate honours degree we’d love to hear from you. Alternatively, you may already have an existing undergraduate degree and be working in a related role such as a youth worker, support worker, family support worker, teacher, learning support assistant, teaching assistant, counsellor, care worker, key worker, or social work assistant. You may work for a charity that supports children or vulnerable adults.

Eligibility requirements

Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate degree (honours) (or international equivalent)
Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification)
Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2029)
Be resident in England by the time the programme commences
Not be a qualified social worker

Real support. Real skills. A career that matters.

Applications have re-opened for select locations only. This is your final opportunity to start the programme in summer 2026. We may close locations before the deadline, we would encourage you to apply as soon as you are able to.

Delivered by children’s charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme.

EHPIND

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to £34,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Frontline

New Jobs

Trainee Social Worker