Wales: Newly qualified practitioners must have protected caseloads

Newly qualified social workers in Wales should have protected caseloads and time set aside for development as part of their contractual terms, a guide for employers has said.

The guide, published by inspectorate the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales, also said that organisations should ensure that NQSWs receive regular supervision that provides time for reflection and learning as well as managing performance.

It also called for NQSWs to have a mentor, who may or may not be their team manager, and a personal development plan for their first year in practice.

One day a month for development

The Welsh assembly government has recommended that NQSWs receive one day a month for development, which should include post-registration training and learning.

The CSSIW guide was published alongside a companion document for newly qualified practitioners from the Care Council for Wales.

This stresses the responsibilities of NQSWs in making a success of their first year in practice, including through PRTL, formulating their personal development plan and supervision.

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