Qualified social workers for statutory and independent services
We work as a social worker recruitment agency for local authorities, independent fostering agencies, residential children's services and adult care providers. Our candidates include qualified and experienced social workers, senior practitioners, team managers and unqualified family support staff, for locum assignments, fixed-term projects and permanent posts. Newly qualified social workers looking for their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment are part of our network too, and we can discuss supported roles for them.
Social work vacancies are rarely generic. A children's team covering child protection needs practitioners confident with enquiries under section 47 of the Children Act 1989, court work and complex caseloads, while a fostering agency needs people experienced in carer assessments and supervision. Adult services may need workers with Care Act assessment and safeguarding experience, or Best Interests Assessor training. We take time to understand the team, the caseload and the support available, then put forward candidates whose recent experience genuinely fits.
For locums, we agree hours, caseload expectations, office and remote working arrangements and the assignment length before they start. For permanent roles, we manage interviews and the offer, keeping candidates engaged through the longer pre-employment checks common in the public sector. Family support workers and contact supervisors can be supplied alongside qualified staff to help with the wider workload. We can also provide interim cover while you recruit permanently, so caseloads are not left unallocated for weeks.
Social care roles we recruit
- Child protection social worker
- Children in care social worker
- Fostering social worker
- Adoption social worker
- Adult social worker
- Mental health social worker
- Approved Mental Health Professional
- Best Interests Assessor
- Senior practitioner
- Team manager
- Independent reviewing officer
- Family support worker
- Contact supervisor
How we support social care employers
Registration checked every time
We confirm each social worker's registration with Social Work England, or the relevant regulator in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, before every placement and during longer assignments.
Recent experience that fits the team
We match practitioners by service area and recent caseload experience, so a children in care vacancy is filled by someone who knows that work well.
Clear locum arrangements
Hours, caseload expectations, working location and assignment length are agreed before the locum starts, reducing early disputes and departures that leave families without a worker.
Support through longer checks
Public sector checks can take time. We keep candidates informed and committed through enhanced DBS, references and onboarding, so offers are not lost to delays.
Care and support in the community
Registration and safeguarding checks
Anyone practising as a social worker in England must be registered with Social Work England, which replaced the HCPC as the regulator for social workers in England. We check the register before every placement, confirm right to work and arrange enhanced DBS checks with the relevant barred list checks. We also verify qualifications, obtain references from recent social work employers and confirm any AMHP or BIA approval where the role depends on it.
- Social Work England registration checked
- Enhanced DBS with the relevant barred list check
- Social work qualification verified
- References from recent social work employers
- AMHP and BIA approvals confirmed where relevant
Who we recruit social workers for
- Local authority children's services
- Local authority adult social care
- Independent fostering agencies
- Residential children's homes
- Supported living providers
- Charities and voluntary sector services
How we deliver social care recruitment
- BriefWe take the details: roles, numbers, site, hours, start date and the checks you need.
- ShortlistWe match candidates from our pool and complete compliance before anyone is put forward.
- StartWorkers arrive briefed and ready, with a named consultant as your single contact.
- SupportWe handle timesheets, pay and replacements, and check in regularly on performance.
Frequently asked questions
Are your social workers registered with Social Work England?
Yes. Every social worker we place in England is registered with Social Work England, and we check the register before each placement and during ongoing assignments. For roles in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, we check registration with the relevant regulator instead. Unqualified roles such as family support workers do not require registration.
Can you supply locum social workers quickly?
We can often put forward locum social workers quickly, but the speed of a placement depends on the service area, the experience you need and how long your own onboarding takes. Experienced child protection practitioners are in high demand, so early notice helps. We will always be straightforward about who is available.
How are locum social workers paid?
Locum social workers are engaged through us and paid via our payroll with tax and National Insurance deducted. You pay an hourly charge rate based on approved timesheets, and rates are agreed before the assignment starts. If your organisation buys through a framework or neutral vendor, talk to us about working within it.
Do you recruit permanent social workers as well as locums?
Yes. We recruit permanent social workers, senior practitioners and team managers, handling the search, screening, interviews and offer process. Many locums will also consider permanent roles when the team and support are right. Our permanent fees and any locum to permanent terms are agreed in writing before we start.
What happens if a locum leaves an assignment early?
Locums normally give the notice set out in their assignment terms, and we work to replace them with as little disruption to caseloads as possible. If you have concerns about a locum's practice or conduct, tell us straight away and we will investigate, arrange a replacement where needed and make any referral the regulator requires.
