Member Article

Minister of Children and Families unveils Frontline’s North East expansion

Children and Families Minister, Edward Timpson MP and Labour Peer, Baroness Morgan, where yesterday present at the Sage, Gateshead, to announce the expansion of Frontline into the North East.

Graduate recruiters for the social work industry, Frontline has received government backing in the shape of a 50% increase in backing for its 2016 programme. This includes 40 new social workers being trained in the North East, with a total of 180 places now available to ‘top graduates and career changers’.

Those who secure a place on Frontline’s leadership development programme will have the opportunity to join 8 partner local authorities across the North East, from Redcar and Hartlepool, to Newcastle and Sunderland.

Children and Families Minister, Edward Timpson, said: “Every day, up and down the country, our most vulnerable children and young people are supported by dedicated, expert social workers - support that will change their lives for the better, and forever.

“I want to ensure social work is held in high regard, known for its high standards and its focus on expert practice. That’s why it is great to see that Frontline, who are among the organisations making social work an attractive career choice for graduates, are able to expand into the North East, helping make a difference to even more families and improving life chances.”

Baroness Morgan, Frontline Board, said: “Social workers play a pivotal role in the lives of the families they support, it is therefore imperative that we continue to bring more talented graduates into the profession. The expansion of Frontline into the North East will enable even greater opportunities for graduates and career changers to support families that need life changing professionals. I encourage them to apply today.”

Josh MacAlister, Frontline’s Chief Executive, said: “Children and families often on the fringes of society rely on social workers to stand alongside them during their most difficult moments. We need more outstanding individuals joining the profession to support vulnerable children and families up and down the country, it is an exciting prospect that we will now be able to support an even greater number of families with the announcement of our expansion in to 8 local authorities across the North East.”

Applications are now open to join the 2016 Cohort and will close on 12 November, with 15 applicants for every place in 2015.