Step Forward

Step Forward was a fully funded leadership development opportunity for fellows in the early stages of their social work career. It was delivered by children’s charity Frontline and funded by the Garfield Weston Foundation from 2023 to 2026.

Whether they were working as a social worker in a local authority or a different setting, Step Forward helped them develop as leaders and increase their impact on children.

The programme was particularly aimed at those facing barriers to progression and those needing additional support. These included individuals from minoritised communities facing systemic barriers to progression and groups underrepresented in social work.

The Step Forward curriculum was designed to address these challenges. It offered 70 fellows annually practical tools to overcome barriers and navigate their next career steps.

“I advocate so much more for the families that I support compared to previously. I have also found my love again for the role.” – A Step Forward participant from cohort 3.

Over Step Forward’s three years it exceeded its key targets on diversity, career progression and organisational change, while significantly boosting participants’ confidence as leaders. It supported 193 fellows from Frontline’s alumni network with group learning, one-to-one coaching, online workshops, peer networks and career progression support: with a particular focus on removing barriers faced by social workers from minoritised communities.

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