The Early Professional Development (EPD) programme was designed to enable employers to offer a high quality, support package to social workers entering years two and three of employment of working with children and families.
Social workers who have moved from NQSW to EPD have found the complexity of the cases increasing and an expectation that they take greater responsibility for their own professional development.
Since the launch of the programme in 2009, the EPD programme has provided support to more than 3600 social workers across more than 120 local authority and 10 voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations in England.
EPD social workers have received a package of support, delivered through employers, to help meet six outcome statements that reflect the development needs of social worker in their second and third years of employment.
The support package includes:
- regular and structured supervision of at least two hours per month;
- a training and development plan, along with dedicated time for the professional development and supervision of EPD social workers; and
- free guidance materials and training.
Programme structure
The EPD programme structure features six outcome statements which describe what social workers should understand and be able to do by the end of their third year in practice. Focusing on their daily activities, social workers are expected to evidence their progress against the outcome statements by meeting a number of evidence requirements.
Moving forward
The EPD programme closed for new registrations in March 2012 and the programme will close on 31 March 2013. Directors of Children’s Services received a letter in December 2012 giving details of the closure.
The Department continues to support social work training and development through programmes like the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment and Step Up to Social Work.
Contact information
If you are from a statutory or voluntary sector organisation or a social worker with a query and are participating in the programme, then contact the team using the details on this page.
Contact details
Early Professional Development (EPD) Team
Email: socialwork.SG@education.gsi.gov.uk
