North East Lincolnshire’s commitment to developing and supporting its children’s workforce has been recognised nationally after being shortlisted for the Workforce Development Award at the prestigious Children & Young People Now Awards 2026.
The award celebrates organisations that have demonstrated excellence in developing and strengthening their workforce to improve outcomes for children, young people and families.
Being shortlisted reflects the work taking place across North East Lincolnshire to support and develop its children’s workforce. Through its Workforce Development Strategy, the service is investing in talented practitioners and creating an environment where people can learn, grow and thrive.
Since January 2024, Children’s Services has recruited 77 permanent social workers and 41 managers, helping to strengthen workforce stability, reduce reliance on agency staff and create greater consistency for children and families.
Alongside recruitment, the service has invested heavily in workforce development, introducing new training opportunities, leadership programmes and career pathways to support staff at every stage of their professional journey.
Key initiatives include the Foundations for Practice programme, an enhanced Children’s Services induction programme, the Safe and Together domestic abuse programme, Child First learning sessions and specialist training delivered by nationally recognised experts. A dedicated 12-month Practice Supervisors Programme has also been introduced to strengthen leadership capacity, while newly qualified social workers benefit from monthly development sessions throughout their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).
Working in partnership with University Centre Grimsby, Children’s Services has also developed local qualification routes and social work apprenticeship opportunities, helping to create a sustainable pipeline of future practitioners.
The service has also embraced creative approaches to workforce engagement and recruitment. One example was a video series produced by the Recruitment Team, which featured a six-year-old girl interviewing social workers and the Director of Children’s Services, Ann-Marie Matson, about their roles, helping to provide an accessible and engaging insight into working in children’s services.
The investment is already having a positive impact. Audit findings show improvements in relational practice, the quality of supervision and practitioners’ ability to capture and reflect the voice of the child. Workforce feedback has also highlighted growing confidence, stronger professional development opportunities and a positive learning culture across the service.
Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to be shortlisted for this award.
“The past couple of years have seen a real focus on supporting our staff, creating opportunities for them to learn and develop, and making North East Lincolnshire a place where people can build a rewarding career in children’s services.
“The work our teams do every day changes lives, so it’s important they have the right training, support and opportunities to thrive. When our staff are supported, children and families benefit too.
“This recognition belongs to all of our colleagues across Children’s Services. Their dedication, passion and commitment to children and families is what makes a difference, and it’s fantastic to see that recognised on a national stage.”
The Children & Young People Now Awards celebrate excellence across children’s services and recognise organisations, teams and individuals making a positive impact on the lives of children, young people and families.
Winners will be announced later this year.
Discover how North East Lincolnshire Council can help you develop your social work career. Visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/socialworkjobs.
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