A future in Children's Social Care

Make a lasting impact

In social work, stability and purpose go hand in hand. While agency roles may offer short-term flexibility, they often come with uncertainty around contracts, pay, and prospects.

At Wiltshire Council, a permanent role offers reliable employment, consistent income, and a full range of benefits, including generous annual leave, flexible working options, and access to wellbeing services that support your work-life balance.

More importantly, you will be part of a team that delivers outstanding outcomes for children and families. Permanent roles give you the opportunity to build meaningful, lasting relationships with children, young people and their families which is essential for effective safeguarding and support.

Statutory changes in children’s social work

Recent changes to national guidance mean agency roles now come with stricter conditions.

Local authorities across the South West are working together to strengthen the children’s social care workforce and maintain high standards of practice that lead to outstanding outcomes for children and families.

Key changes include:

A regional cap will apply to hourly rates for experienced social workers, advanced practitioners, and team managers.
Social workers leaving permanent roles won’t be eligible for children’s agency work in the South West for six months.
All agency workers will be required to give a minimum of four weeks’ notice.
Agency workers must have at least three years’ post-qualifying experience in a permanent children’s services role within an English local authority.
At least two detailed, practice-based references will be required before any agency appointment, using a national reference template

Two children's social workers in meeting

Returning to practice

If you are a qualified social worker returning after time away, we will help you make a confident and supported comeback.

You will benefit from:

Refresher training and mentoring
CPD and development programmes
Flexible working options
A welcoming team that values your experience
Whether you have taken time out for family, health, travel, or other reasons, your skills and passion are still needed.

I returned to practice after five years away. Wiltshire Council made the transition smooth and gave me the confidence to thrive again.”
— Returning Social Worker (from Community Care article)

Support and development

As a permanent employee of our children’s services team, you will be supported to grow both professionally and personally, agency work lacks this level of dedicated support.

We offer: