What makes the Innovation programme unique?

The first of its kind, the Innovation programme has been developed specifically for social workers, empowering them to create change through ideas that stem from their practice. Solutions will be directly driven by improving the lives of children and families, as well as overcoming challenges within the social work system. The Innovation programme aims to harness the unique insight social workers have into the root cause of these challenges, and support them to create real, tangible innovations to overcome these. While many of these challenges are not new, taking an innovative approach to tackling them that is led by social workers, is. By sharing their learning and best practice with the sector, we hope that more social workers will be inspired and encouraged to do the same.

Why does the Innovation programme exist?

When it comes to innovation, it is widely acknowledged that the best people to look to for answers are those closest to the challenges. Social work is no exception – we believe social workers are best placed to identify ways to overcome the challenges they face. However, social workers rarely have the capacity to translate their insight into practical solutions to overcome these challenges. They also often face pressures and a lack of resources that stop them doing their best work. They aren’t able to spend the time they need to really get to know a family and understand what is going on for them – both of which are so vital to ensuring they can provide the support families need and keep children safe. This needs to change.

We know how adaptable, creative and resourceful social workers and Local Authorities can be. In this ability to adapt and innovate lies the solution to those persistent problems that social work faces. That’s why the Innovation programme exists: to support our growing community of fellows to turn their ideas and innovations into something tangible that brings about change in the social work system.