Skip to content

Throughout the application process for Approach Social Work (formerly known as the Frontline programme) we will assess your ability using our competencies. Make sure you are familiar with these before starting the process.

Our advice and guidance page will also give you lots of useful tips to help with your application.

Please note we recruit on a rolling basis and expect many locations to fill up quickly for 2025. We recommend that you complete all stages of the process as soon as you feel ready.

1

Registration

Once you have registered with your details, we will send you a link to complete the application form.

2

Application form

The application form consists of two competency-based questions and there is space for you to provide personal and academic information. We are looking for you to demonstrate your commitment to working with children and families, as well as an understanding of Frontline’s mission.

3

Online test

Once you have submitted your application form, you will be sent a link to complete the online test. You will have 7 days to complete this. The online test is a combination of verbal reasoning and situational judgement tests where you will respond to realistic, social work-related scenarios. You’ll display the ability to understand information and to use logic to solve complex problems. There will be some practice questions before you begin, for you to familiarise yourself with the type of question asked and the format.

4

Assessment centre

If you pass the online assessment stage, you will be invited to attend a virtual assessment centre. Our virtual assessment centres last for half a day. You will be assessed in four different activities throughout the day, which include a written exercise, a conversation with a care-experienced young person, a role play and an interview. All assessment centres are delivered online via a video conferencing platform. Further details about the assessment centre will be provided to invited applicants once the application process is underway.

Assessment centre

5

Pre-employment and programme checks

If you successfully pass the assessment centre stage, you will need to meet a number of eligibility and suitability requirements before being made an offer for the programme. These include verification of your qualifications and right to work status, references, health and conduct checks and a DBS check. Once pre-employment checks are completed, our team will work to identify a placement for you with one of our local authority partners.

Apply to Approach Social Work

Applications are now open to join the programme in summer 2025.