Adults social work academy

At Cheshire East we believe that every Social Worker can make a difference and that anybody looking at, or currently in, a career within social work deserves the best start and continuous ongoing support they can get, which is why we launched the Cheshire East Social Work Academy. Our academy provides an in-depth training pathway that is supportive of professional development at all stages, giving you all the experience, skills, and tools you need to succeed throughout no matter where you are in your career.

All our social work practitioners benefit from:

A tailored programme of support events and training
Continued professional development opportunities
Support and mentoring from dedicated lead practitioners
Access to Research in Practice - an invaluable tool for developing knowledge from webinars, research papers and online training which can then be used in day-to-day practice

If you are at the start of your social work career when you join our academy you will be part of our Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme for the first 12 months where upon completion you will have developed the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to progress through our career pathway.

For those who join the Social Work Academy with prior experience we can provide you with clear progression and development pathways and opportunities. We offer a variety of learning and professional development, where our commitment to collaborative and inclusive working ensures you have the assistance and support you need to perform your job to the best of your ability each day and to make a real difference to the people you work with.

What sets us apart is that our Social Workers say they feel supported by our managers and leaders, where they have a comprehensive training plan, feel listened to and enjoy working in Cheshire East. Don’t just take our word for it however, to find out more about how the Cheshire East social work academy can work for you email rebecca.spurrell@cheshireeast.gov.uk.

Qualified Social Work pathway

1. Social Care Assessor/Support Worker

2. ASYE Social Worker

3. Social Worker

4. Experienced Social Worker

5. Advanced Practitioner

6. Practice Manger

7. Locality Manager

Best Interest Assessor pathway

1. Social Care Assessor/Support Worker

2. ASYE Social Worker

3. Social Worker

4. Experienced Social Worker

5. Best Interest Assessor

6. Approved Mental Health Practitioner

7. Practice Manager

8. Locality Manager

Practice Educator pathway

1. Social Care Assessor/Support Worker

2. ASYE Social Worker

3. Social Worker

4. Experienced Social Worker

5. Practice Educator

6. Approved Mental Health Practitioner

7. Practice Manager

8. Locality Manager

Here at Cheshire East our Social Worker’s take control of their own professional development where progression is based on competence and not years in practice, allowing Social Workers who embrace professional development to gain the vital experience and skills required to progress through our pathway quickly.

Our progression framework outlines in more depth the experience, skills and evidence that our review panel will require to allow an individual to progress. By providing this level of transparency it ensures individuals are enabled in their development by having specific measures they can work towards.

To find out more about each stage in our academy and how to progress, see the social work career pathway.

Back to 'Careers in Adult Social Work'

Page last reviewed: 29 May 2025

Adults social

work academy

The different stages in our academy

More about our social work career pathway

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