Wirral is committed to developing our social workers in the career and professional development. We have a diverse offer for all our social workers including:

• practice and professional development programme 
• access to Research in Practice 
• access to Wirral Safeguarding Partnership training events and learning resources  
• access to practitioner forum 
• access to team manager forum 
• Access to Cheshire and Merseyside Social Work Teaching Partnership activities 
• Access to Frontline Pathways Programme 
• Access to apprenticeships 
• Access to FLO, Wirral’s online learning platform 
• Access to reflective spaces 
• Access to Thinking Thursdays 

Memberships and partnerships

Cheshire and Merseyside Social Work Teaching Partnership

Wirral is a member of the Cheshire and Merseyside Social Work Teaching Partnership (CMSWTP). The Vision of the CMSWTP is to improve the life chances of children, young people, adults and their families. We can support this vision by improving the recruitment, retention and the training and development of social workers and their practice.  

Wirral is a key partner in the ‘CMSWTP Grow Your Own’ project. This project offers both 70- and 100-day statutory placements to social work students. All our social workers benefit from having access to a range to CPD opportunities and opportunities to network across the region. 

Learn Together Partnership

Wirral is the lead Local Authority in the Learn Together Partnership. The Step Up to Social Work Programme (SUTSW) is an intensive 14 month fast-track programme for graduates. The programme includes 2 work experience placements in a local authority. 

Research in Practice

Wirral is a member of Research in Practice (RiP). All staff have access to a wealth of learning and development resources and training opportunities to support them their work with children and families. 

Find out more about research in Practice

Wirral Safeguarding Children Partnership

The Wirral Safeguarding Children Partnership offers a variety of learning and development opportunities. These include face to face and virtual training, e-learning, podcasts and 7 Minute Briefings.

Find out more on the Wirral Safeguarding Children Partnership website

Professional Development Programme 

Managers and Advanced Social Work Practitioners

Access to relevant Apprenticeships including CMI Level 5, Degree Apprenticeship in Social Work and Coaching.

Access to the Frontline Social Work Leadership Pathways Programme. This is a national programme delivered by Frontline, that develops the practice leaderships skills of social work managers and leaders.

Social Workers including Newly Qualified Social Workers 

A robust development programme including mandatory training is available for all our social workers. The training includes face to face and virtual learning.  

Wirral Learning Platform FLO

FLO is Wirral’s one-stop-shop for our learning and development needs. It is linked to your Wirral email account. FLO provides access to a wide range of content including courses, videos, podcasts, blogs and articles.