I Enjoy Working for Gloucestershire County Council
I have worked for Gloucestershire County Council for over 18 years and have developed a real sense of belonging within the organisation. During that time, I have been proud to be part of the improvement journey within Children's Services and to see the significant progress we have made in improving outcomes for children, young people and families.
One of the things I value most is the positive culture that has developed over the years. There is a clear commitment to learning, improvement and supporting staff to deliver the best possible service.
Opportunities to Grow and Develop
My career journey within Gloucestershire has provided a range of opportunities to learn, develop and progress.
I began my social work career as an ASYE Social Worker, having previously worked as a Family Support Assessor within the Disabled Children's Service. Since then, I have progressed through a variety of roles including Experienced Social Worker, Deputy Team Manager, Team Manager and now Service Manager.
Throughout my career, I have been encouraged to embrace new challenges and expand my skills. I have completed leadership development programmes, Systemic Practice training and a range of professional development opportunities that have supported my growth as both a practitioner and leader.
What has always stood out to me is the support from managers and senior leaders, who have encouraged me to explore different areas of practice and pursue opportunities that align with my interests and aspirations.
Investing in Our Workforce
I am passionate about supporting the development of others and have been fortunate to play a role in nurturing and developing social workers throughout their careers.
Our career pathways provide opportunities for progression at every stage, and the Social Work Academy continues to offer high-quality learning and development opportunities. We now have a clear and consistent practice model that supports relational ways of working with children, young people and families, helping us build stronger relationships and achieve better outcomes.
I have seen first-hand how Gloucestershire invests in its people and creates opportunities for staff to build rewarding and long-term careers.
A Supportive and Settled Service
Children's Services is an organisation that understands its strengths and areas for development. There is a strong culture of openness, learning and support, and we continue to benefit from an increasingly experienced and stable workforce.
Our teams are well supported, caseloads are generally manageable and within agreed limits, and there is a genuine commitment to ensuring staff have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively.
The transformation and growth of services in recent years have created exciting opportunities for development, while maintaining a clear focus on delivering the best outcomes for children and young people.
A Great Place to Live and Work
Gloucestershire offers the best of both worlds. The county is diverse, with vibrant towns, rural communities and beautiful countryside all within easy reach.
Whether it's walking in the countryside, spending time in our market towns or taking advantage of the excellent transport links to Bristol, Bath and Wales.
Flexible Working and Work-Life Balance
Agile working has made a significant difference to my work-life balance. The flexibility to work across home and office environments allows me to work effectively while maintaining time for family and personal commitments.
I feel trusted and supported by my managers, and the technology and equipment available make hybrid working straightforward and effective.
The Difference We Make
The most rewarding aspect of my career has always been seeing the positive impact our work has on children, young people and care leavers.
Whether through safeguarding, achieving permanence, supporting young people into adulthood or helping families make lasting changes, the difference we make is visible every day. Through supervision, audits, direct work and conversations with colleagues, I regularly see examples of the dedication and skill within our workforce and the positive outcomes that are being achieved.
Why I Recommend Gloucestershire County Council
I would happily recommend Gloucestershire County Council to anyone considering a career in Children's Services.
It is an organisation that values its people, invests in their development and creates opportunities for progression at every stage of a career. The supportive culture, experienced workforce and commitment to continuous improvement make it an excellent place to work and build a long-term career.
"Gloucestershire has given me the opportunity to grow throughout my career, work alongside talented and committed colleagues, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of children, young people and families."
