Social work scheme needs graduates - graduate jobs

Graduates of all subjects have been offered up to £15,000 to enrol on postgraduate study and become children's social workers.

A national programme called "Step Up to Social Work" has been launched to encourage 200 university leavers into the profession, as employers struggle to fill vacancies.

Candidates must have experience of working with children and families and at least a 2:1 in their first degree, and if accepted will be paid to study for a Master's in social work from September this year.

Local councils in the North West, Yorkshire and Humberside, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England and London joined the scheme set up by the Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC).

Members said people shied away from social work roles after national scandals revealed how some services let down vulnerable children, such as Baby Peter.

CWDC director of strategy Keith Brumfitt said: "We want to remove potential barriers which may prevent skilled professionals from seeking to train as a social worker."

The CWDC will provide £15,000 for every accepted candidate, but local authorities will individually decide how to allocate the funding, according to a spokesman.