ASYE social workers celebrate success after challenging first year

Eight newly qualified social workers at Slough Children’s Services Trust are celebrating the successful completion of their assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE), setting a solid foundation for their careers in social work.

The assessed and supported year in employment is a programme that gives newly qualified social workers extra support during their first year in the workplace and helps develop their skills, knowledge and professional confidence.

“It has been a difficult year for anyone starting out in their career, but especially those working in children’s social care,” said Kiren Khuttan, who manages the programme at the Trust. “This cohort has shown incredible commitment and resilience in supporting children and families, in quite challenging circumstances.”

“The ASYE journey has had its challenges, but it has also been rewarding in many ways,” said Patrick Mbareeba, one of the newly qualified social workers on the programme. “The Covid-19 pandemic altered the way we intervened with and supported families and, as a result, I have attained a vast range of knowledge and intervention skills.”

All eight social workers on the programme will be continuing their social work careers at the Trust, supporting children, young people and families in Slough.