Approach Social Work (formerly known as the Frontline programme) Looking for a career in children's social work with purpose and a clear path for development? Applications to Approach Social Work have re-opened for a limited number of locations. This is the final opportunity to start the programme in summer 2026. As a children and families social worker, you'll work directly with children to make sure they are safe, supported and able to thrive. Social work is a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference. On this fully funded social work training 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 challenging and rewarding public sector career, rooted in empathy, resilience and strong judgement. 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 particularly encourage people underrepresented in the sector, including men and those from racialised minority backgrounds. You don't need experience in social work. We are looking for the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. This role is open to graduates in their final year, or 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, charity worker or social work assistant. 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 Places are only available in select locations and will close as they reach capacity. If you are eligible and ready to apply, this is your last chance to join the 2026 cohort. Real support. Real skills. A career that matters. Apply now Delivered by children's charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme.
Feb 03, 2026
Full time
Approach Social Work (formerly known as the Frontline programme) Looking for a career in children's social work with purpose and a clear path for development? Applications to Approach Social Work have re-opened for a limited number of locations. This is the final opportunity to start the programme in summer 2026. As a children and families social worker, you'll work directly with children to make sure they are safe, supported and able to thrive. Social work is a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference. On this fully funded social work training 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 challenging and rewarding public sector career, rooted in empathy, resilience and strong judgement. 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 particularly encourage people underrepresented in the sector, including men and those from racialised minority backgrounds. You don't need experience in social work. We are looking for the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. This role is open to graduates in their final year, or 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, charity worker or social work assistant. 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 Places are only available in select locations and will close as they reach capacity. If you are eligible and ready to apply, this is your last chance to join the 2026 cohort. Real support. Real skills. A career that matters. Apply now Delivered by children's charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme.
Approach Social Work (formerly known as the Frontline programme) Looking for a career in children's social work with purpose and a clear path for development? Applications to Approach Social Work have re-opened for a limited number of locations. This is the final opportunity to start the programme in summer 2026. As a children and families social worker, you'll work directly with children to make sure they are safe, supported and able to thrive. Social work is a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference. On this fully funded social work training 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 challenging and rewarding public sector career, rooted in empathy, resilience and strong judgement. 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 particularly encourage people underrepresented in the sector, including men and those from racialised minority backgrounds. You don't need experience in social work. We are looking for the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. This role is open to graduates in their final year, or 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, charity worker or social work assistant. 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 Places are only available in select locations and will close as they reach capacity. If you are eligible and ready to apply, this is your last chance to join the 2026 cohort. Real support. Real skills. A career that matters. Delivered by children's charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme.
Feb 03, 2026
Full time
Approach Social Work (formerly known as the Frontline programme) Looking for a career in children's social work with purpose and a clear path for development? Applications to Approach Social Work have re-opened for a limited number of locations. This is the final opportunity to start the programme in summer 2026. As a children and families social worker, you'll work directly with children to make sure they are safe, supported and able to thrive. Social work is a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference. On this fully funded social work training 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 challenging and rewarding public sector career, rooted in empathy, resilience and strong judgement. 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 particularly encourage people underrepresented in the sector, including men and those from racialised minority backgrounds. You don't need experience in social work. We are looking for the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. This role is open to graduates in their final year, or 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, charity worker or social work assistant. 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 Places are only available in select locations and will close as they reach capacity. If you are eligible and ready to apply, this is your last chance to join the 2026 cohort. Real support. Real skills. A career that matters. Delivered by children's charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme.
A little bit about the role Frontline has achieved significant growth and impact in our first 11 years, and we are now recruiting a director to lead on ensuring our culture, operational and financial infrastructure enable us to continue to grow and drive change for children and families. With a £25m budget and 150 employees we rely on robust systems, a clear strategy and an enabling culture to support people to do great work to achieve our mission. Reporting to the CEO, the director of culture and operations (DCO) will develop our annual priorities and strategy. They will lead on strengthening and further embedding our culture of freedom and responsibility by providing excellent operational leadership across Frontline. To effectively operate a culture of freedom and responsibility we need robust financial controls, excellent governance and strong relationships at our foundation - as DCO you will ensure these foundations are in place - and build on them. We are an ambitious organisation - we work hard to create an inclusive culture which supports our hard-working teams through data, feedback and technology. As DOC you will lead on galvanising our leadership group to ensure they have the necessary resources, collective focus and communication channels across teams nationally. Frontline is in a strong position. We have a clear strategy, stable finances and strong internal processes so we look forward to welcoming our new director of culture and operations to help build on this, so we can have even greater impact. Some key responsibilities include: People - Lead the people team to identify new and creative ways to further strengthen our culture of freedom and responsibility Finance - Manage the head of finance and compliance, supporting them and the finance team to deliver sound financial controls/clear reporting and manage an annual budget of £25m - ensuring financial capability and clear cross-team communication Governance - Work with the chair of FARC (and other subcommittees as relevant) to ensure they are taking a strategic view on key issues, providing appropriate challenge and timely decisions (e.g. in budget process). Management of external contracts and relationships - Manage the contract governance manager with responsibility for DfE/university contracts and regulatory approval, ensuring effective governance and compliance A little bit about you You should have strong leadership experience, the ability to balance multiple priorities under pressure, and a track record of shaping organisational culture. Experience in financial management, HR strategy, and operational leadership is essential, while familiarity with charity governance and regulatory compliance would be beneficial. We're looking for someone with exceptional communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and a practical approach to problem-solving. If you're a values-driven leader eager to shape culture, strengthen operations, and support our mission, you'd be a great fit. We have a fast-moving culture within the team and organisation, so we're looking for someone who is who is well organised, details-focused and can use their initiative to do what works. You will have excellent communication skills, be able to build relationships with people and be willing to learn. There are lots of opportunities for growth and development in this role - and for the right candidate to make the role their own. If you feel you have the skills to make a real impact and contribute to creating lasting social change for children and families, we would love to hear from you. Important information We have increased the diversity of Frontline's workforce in the last 12 months, but we need to do more to have greater global majority representation in our senior roles. We know the value global majority voices bring and therefore, we are strongly encouraging applicants from these backgrounds to apply. We are also a disability confident employer and welcome applicants with disabilities. With so many people now using AI to apply for jobs, it is common for applications to be repetitive and nearly identical. There are tell-tale signs when AI has been used, the writing has the same structure, the same tone and the same language. Using AI to clarify your thoughts and sharpen your answers is one thing, but we strongly discourage you from using a tool to generate the substance of your answers. We want your application to demonstrate your skills, as well as show us your thought process, how you respond to problems, what you have learned from different experiences and how you communicate in your own voice. Please be reassured - we are not expecting perfection. We reserve the right to close this role ahead of the deadline once we reach a suitable number of applications, so please apply as soon as you can!
Feb 02, 2026
Full time
A little bit about the role Frontline has achieved significant growth and impact in our first 11 years, and we are now recruiting a director to lead on ensuring our culture, operational and financial infrastructure enable us to continue to grow and drive change for children and families. With a £25m budget and 150 employees we rely on robust systems, a clear strategy and an enabling culture to support people to do great work to achieve our mission. Reporting to the CEO, the director of culture and operations (DCO) will develop our annual priorities and strategy. They will lead on strengthening and further embedding our culture of freedom and responsibility by providing excellent operational leadership across Frontline. To effectively operate a culture of freedom and responsibility we need robust financial controls, excellent governance and strong relationships at our foundation - as DCO you will ensure these foundations are in place - and build on them. We are an ambitious organisation - we work hard to create an inclusive culture which supports our hard-working teams through data, feedback and technology. As DOC you will lead on galvanising our leadership group to ensure they have the necessary resources, collective focus and communication channels across teams nationally. Frontline is in a strong position. We have a clear strategy, stable finances and strong internal processes so we look forward to welcoming our new director of culture and operations to help build on this, so we can have even greater impact. Some key responsibilities include: People - Lead the people team to identify new and creative ways to further strengthen our culture of freedom and responsibility Finance - Manage the head of finance and compliance, supporting them and the finance team to deliver sound financial controls/clear reporting and manage an annual budget of £25m - ensuring financial capability and clear cross-team communication Governance - Work with the chair of FARC (and other subcommittees as relevant) to ensure they are taking a strategic view on key issues, providing appropriate challenge and timely decisions (e.g. in budget process). Management of external contracts and relationships - Manage the contract governance manager with responsibility for DfE/university contracts and regulatory approval, ensuring effective governance and compliance A little bit about you You should have strong leadership experience, the ability to balance multiple priorities under pressure, and a track record of shaping organisational culture. Experience in financial management, HR strategy, and operational leadership is essential, while familiarity with charity governance and regulatory compliance would be beneficial. We're looking for someone with exceptional communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and a practical approach to problem-solving. If you're a values-driven leader eager to shape culture, strengthen operations, and support our mission, you'd be a great fit. We have a fast-moving culture within the team and organisation, so we're looking for someone who is who is well organised, details-focused and can use their initiative to do what works. You will have excellent communication skills, be able to build relationships with people and be willing to learn. There are lots of opportunities for growth and development in this role - and for the right candidate to make the role their own. If you feel you have the skills to make a real impact and contribute to creating lasting social change for children and families, we would love to hear from you. Important information We have increased the diversity of Frontline's workforce in the last 12 months, but we need to do more to have greater global majority representation in our senior roles. We know the value global majority voices bring and therefore, we are strongly encouraging applicants from these backgrounds to apply. We are also a disability confident employer and welcome applicants with disabilities. With so many people now using AI to apply for jobs, it is common for applications to be repetitive and nearly identical. There are tell-tale signs when AI has been used, the writing has the same structure, the same tone and the same language. Using AI to clarify your thoughts and sharpen your answers is one thing, but we strongly discourage you from using a tool to generate the substance of your answers. We want your application to demonstrate your skills, as well as show us your thought process, how you respond to problems, what you have learned from different experiences and how you communicate in your own voice. Please be reassured - we are not expecting perfection. We reserve the right to close this role ahead of the deadline once we reach a suitable number of applications, so please apply as soon as you can!
