The College of Social Work is planning to offer a national peer mentoring scheme to newly qualified social workers in England as one of its membership benefits.
The scheme will launch in 2012, subject to approval by the interim board of the College, and will be open to experienced social workers as well as recent graduates.
Claire Barcham, professional practice development adviser for the College, said: “Social workers told us they would value peer mentoring.
“We’re not conceiving of it as a counselling or support service, but rather an opportunity for career development and to discuss professional issues.”
The College is testing out a model for the scheme at the moment, and will shortly begin training mentors.
It is also due to take on the ownership, further development and implementation of a new framework for continuing professional development (CPD), building on work that has already been done by the Social Work Reform Board.
The College is piloting an online CPD tool which will enable all social workers to plan, record and reflect on their learning activities and their career aspirations.
Special report on newly qualified social workers
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