Step Up to Social Work C10 - Contract

Description

The Department for Education (DfE) is responsible for the Step Up to Social Work (SUSW) programme and requires a contractor to manage the application and assessment process for Cohort 10. SUSW is an established part of the social work sufficiency pipeline, training high-quality post-graduate students to become qualified, practising social workers. SUSW is an LA-led, accelerated, practice-focused route into social work. SUSW commenced in 2010, delivering the Programme every 2 years. There has been 8 completed cohorts to date, training 3,500 Social Workers. Cohort 9 (640 students) commenced in January 2026 and will complete March 2027. Indicative Programme Scope a)Design, manage and host a web portal and online platform allowing potential applicants to; - Register interest in the programme - Access information about the programme - Complete and submit applications. b) We expect c4000 applicants to apply, and have previously used the pocket recruiter platform c)Work with the DfE and Local Authority Regional Partnerships (RP) to develop web content for the platform (web content from the previous cohort can be used). d)Support Regional Partnerships in marketing the programme to prospective applicants with focus on attraction that will improve diversity outcomes especially increasing male representation. Operate a helpline (phone and email) for candidates applying for the programme during the application window (Feb – March 2027). e)Conduct eligibility checks on all applications (the majority of this is automated), including verifying vocational and non-UK qualifications equivalency and eligibility to live and work in the UK using Share-Code.