Social workers divided over ending of Think Ahead fast-track scheme

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Launched in 2016, Think Ahead trains people to qualify as adult mental health social workers in just over a year and then supports them to do a master’s while employed with an NHS trust or local authority.

Last month, the Department of Health and Social Care announced that it would end funding for the scheme, due to the relatively high cost of training participants, which includes providing each with a bursary worth £18,250-£20,250.

This means that the 2025 cohort, due to start with Think Ahead this summer, will be the last to complete the two-year programme.

Social workers have long held differing views on the existence and impact of fast-track routes into social work, and the closure of Think Ahead was no different.

A Community Care poll of 580 respondents revealed an even split between those who opposed the scheme’s closure, citing its vital role in training and recruiting mental health practitioners, and those who supported the move.

The latter argued that fast-track programmes were expensive and failed to adequately prepare trainees for the complexity of social work.

Comments under the related article reflected the poll results.

‘It does little to prepare people for the job’

There were those who criticised fast-track courses, like Think Ahead, for not adequately training social workers.

“Personal experience on a similar children and families programme made me realise it does little to prepare people for the job. I qualified via the traditional university route, which was supportive and relevant,” said Sarah David.

Teresa Thornton, a social worker with 25 years’ experience, said fast-track courses were “unlikely to equip social workers to survive in the mental health environment”.

“Just train more social workers, value them and provide ongoing on-job training and support. When I started there were regular training days, which stimulated and reminded one why [they were] doing the job.

“In the last five years of my working life, the only training I managed to get was a course on getting ready for retirement.”

‘Poor value for money’

Others, like Claire, felt the scheme was not value for money.

“The fast-track schemes rarely work and Think Ahead seems like a very expensive scheme. Those trained through these schemes often don’t stay in frontline [social work] or leave the profession altogether as soon as they realise it’s not for them,” she said.

“There needs to be a whole reset in social work. Not many people are resilient enough to withstand the very high levels of abuse we see in social work these days.”

Celeste Corrigan added: “I can’t imagine that two years of fast-tracking could equate with three/four years of hard slog and continual reflection! It’s certainly not value for money when fast-tracked social workers are leaving the profession!”

Another said the money saved from the scheme could be funnelled into social work bursaries.

‘Graduates are passionate, capable individuals’

However, others – including current students – defended the route.

One social worker pushed back against suggestions that fast-track students were “less committed”, pointing to the scheme’s two years of study and practice.

Simon Owens, who’s worked with Think Ahead since 2016, described its graduates as “passionate, capable individuals” who may not have otherwise entered social work due to financial barriers. 

He added that student outcomes depended heavily on the support provided by employers.

“You get out what you put in. Where there’s strong local support, structured supervision, and a focus on integration into team culture, these practitioners thrive. Where that’s missing, the model falls short,” he said.

“The real issue isn’t one route versus another — it’s the fragility of the system they enter. We need better national and local workforce planning, investment in post-qualifying support and parity of esteem across all entry routes. That’s the conversation we should be having.”

Another social worker who has also worked closely with Think Ahead graduates commended them for bringing “fresh energy, commitment, and valuable skills to mental health services”.

“Many of these practitioners are thriving and are highly regarded within their teams,” they added.

“They did not take a shortcut; they worked intensively over two years, balancing academic rigour with on-the-ground practice in highly demanding environments.”

‘Think Ahead helped me to find a career I have a passion for’

Some students praised the scheme for allowing them a way into the profession that also backed them financially.

Niall, who is now finishing his first year, worked in mental health services for years before applying. For him, Think Ahead offered a way to pursue his professional aspirations while supporting his family.

“It has not been an easy ride but it is something I am determined to make work. It has been difficult to read some of the negative comments around Think Ahead, fast-track courses and the perceived quality of my training and skills I will come out with upon completion,” he added.

“I fear we may miss out on a number of potentially great social workers […] if different avenues of qualification are closed off.”

Jennifer, who is also finishing her first year, shared that she could not have afforded a traditional university degree in social work.

“Think Ahead has given me the opportunity to find a career I have a passion for. I am sorry to see that this won’t be an option going forward. Yes, there are budget cuts everywhere at the moment, but I feel that there is a need for mental health social workers.”

‘This programme felt like the only viable route for me’

Jay, a prospective student, saw his place this year deferred due to a shortage of local placements. With the scheme ending with its 2025 cohort, he’ll now be unable to qualify, despite years working within mental health services.

He said: “This programme felt like the only viable route for me to gain registration financially, logistically, and in terms of building on the experience I already have. Not everyone on this route is using it as a ‘shortcut’.

“Yes, the system needs more regulation and investment. Yes, retention and working conditions need urgent attention. But attacking alternative routes like Think Ahead, especially when they open doors for people already embedded in the field, feels misdirected.”

‘Let’s use this moment to come together’

Another social worker emphasised that the focus should be on career progression and workforce support, not criticising practitioners’ way in. 

“Let’s not overlook the impact these comments might have on current Think Ahead trainees and graduates. Negative and divisive statements can be disheartening and unfairly devalue their commitment and hard work,” he said.

“As social work leaders, we should be focusing on how to attract, retain and support the next generation of social workers — not pitting one training route against another. A diverse workforce, with varied entry points and training experiences, ultimately enriches the profession and benefits the people we serve.

“Let’s use this moment to come together, advocate for better workforce planning, and support all our colleagues, regardless of how they entered the field.”