‘Social workers enjoy working in Hertfordshire and find their work rewarding. Those new to the authority feel welcomed and supported. The culture is positive and this positivity is reflected in the workplace. Practitioners enjoy collaborative and reflective working approaches as they spend more time in the office… What shone through was social workers’ and practitioners’ commitment to children, how well they know them and the positive relationships they have with children’ - OFSTED (HERTFORDSHIRE CHILDREN'S SERVICES), 2023
‘Consideration of children’s welfare and best interests will always be at the centre of our work’ - HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
‘I loved my time on the Step Up to Social Work course and received great support from Hertfordshire during that time. I am still working in Hertfordshire, which I think is testament to how good the authority is’ - LAURA, STEP UP TO SOCIAL WORK STUDENT 2014/2015
‘Bedford positively welcomes students and I’ve been made to feel that my contributions are valued and have received amazing support along the way from all staff I’ve sought guidance from. Bedford invest well in their staff and I’ve been offered a huge range of training on top of what I’ve received at university’ - NATALIE, STEP UP TO SOCIAL WORK STUDENT 2024/2025
‘The social work academy has been an asset in developing high-quality social workers. Staff who have benefited from this scheme spoke positively about the support they have been offered. Staff consistently report that they enjoy working for Bedford Borough Council. One of the main reasons for their commitment, repeated by many practitioners, was the visibility and approachability of senior leaders and the accessibility and availability of managers’ - OFSTED (BEDFORD CHILDREN'S SERVICES), 2021
‘Bedford positively welcomes students and I’ve been made to feel that my contributions are valued and have received amazing support along the way from all staff I’ve sought guidance from. Bedford invest well in their staff and I’ve been offered a huge range of training on top of what I’ve received at university’ - NATALIE, STEP UP TO SOCIAL WORK STUDENT 2024/2025
‘We aim to work closely with families and other professionals to provide safe, high-quality services for children and young people in need’ - BEDFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL
‘Leaders have created a social work academy that is central to their programme to grow their own staff. The academy’s focus is to provide the support and professional development opportunities needed to enable the workforce to deliver the best support they can for children. Social workers and advisers describe highly valued support and training. Regular practice weeks provide a dedicated period for the workforce to access new learning and development’ - OFSTED (LUTON CHILDREN'S SERVICES), 2022
‘Luton Borough Council has provided me with immense support over my placement. I have felt welcomed on my team and have been given great opportunities to assist my learning’ - QURRAT, STEP UP TO SOCIAL WORK STUDENT 2024/2025
‘Integrated working means everyone supporting children and young people works together effectively to put the child at the centre, meet their needs and improve their lives’ - LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL