Eve- Principal Social Worker

Why do you enjoy working at Gloucestershire?

Gloucestershire is a beautiful county to live and work in. I love getting out and about visiting different localities, taking in the gorgeous scenery, meeting lots of people who love working with children and families. There is a genuine passion here to do our best and I feel proud to be part of that.

Tell us about the support you receive?

I have only recently started in the PSW role, my induction was thorough and my line manager mindful that the role is new to me. I have felt very supported with this transition. My training needs are discussed at each supervision and I am able to prioritise my participation in regional and national networks.

What's it like to work in Gloucestershire?

My office is in the centre of historic Gloucester, and I am lucky to be based in our social work academy. This is an active hub where our social care staff come and go for training and development, or simply to access our social care library. We have a dynamic, bright team of managers and advanced educators who are always keen to get involved in innovative training and development programmes. The culture here is one of supporting and celebrating one another, with perhaps a little too much cake…!

How is your work / life balance supported?

I have a good balance, I like to come to the office and connect with my team as well as working from home on the days I need more quiet focussed time.

I also use the flexible working policy, working longer days to allow some protected time with my children.  

I am here more than 5 years now so I benefit from the additional 5 days annual leave.

How has your career developed here?

I moved to GCC from another Local Authority as an NQSW and worked in a safeguarding team. I took a 5 year career break when I had my children and came straight back to GCC after this and returned to safeguarding children the area of practice I am most drawn to.  I have had a number of career progression opportunities here from senior social worker to deputy team manager to team manager.

I had the opportunity to lead a project team in more focussed work which was interesting and allowed me to develop my learning and experiences in a particular area of practice.

I have also had a number of service manager opportunities within safeguarding and quality assurance and participated in various management training programmes to develop my social care leadership skills. It’s exciting to now to be Principal Social Worker and have the opportunity to focus wholly on the quality of our practice for children.

What would you say to someone thinking of joining us?

Gloucestershire is the place to come to if you want to feel part of a team who is committed and passionate about services for children. This emanates from our leadership team out and across our services. Everyone, no matter what their role or responsibility shares the drive to do better. It feels connected here, friendly and supportive, where leaders work together with teams.