From Social Care Officers to Qualified Social Workers

Five Council members of staff have recently qualified as Social Workers. Charley Cahill, Jocasta Curtis, Dominique Declaire, Beth Phillips and Megan Schlogl completed a degree in the subject and graduated through the Open University.

Lucy Treby, Service Development Officer for the council, said: "Achieving this qualification took three years of intense effort, during which they balanced demanding academic commitments with their full-time roles Aside from the huge challenges of working in social care during the pandemic, this also included lots of evening and weekend study, and giving up leave and holidays to complete academic work."

"Social care is at the heart of our community, and the work of social care officers and social workers represents the very best of what we stand for. Charley, Dominique, Jocasta, Beth and Meg’s ability to manage rigorous academic studies while providing high-quality support speaks to their resilience, time management, and passion for making a difference. Every hour spent supporting families, completing placements, or finishing academic work was an investment in a brighter future—not just for themselves, but for the children and families they support every day."

"Charley, Jocasta, Dominique, Beth and Meg did this because it was natural progression and the time felt right to qualify and help children and families in a different role. They have found it beneficial to study, work and get support from others whilst working which you wouldn’t get doing it any other way. The difference it is making is that there is a sense of accomplishment, and we can have more of an influence and make more of difference to the children and families we support."