Norfolk County Council is backing a national campaign to encourage former social workers to return to the profession.

The council, which is recruiting social workers for adults’ and children’s social care, is supporting the Local Government Association’s free training scheme.

Adult social care is currently recruiting 50 social workers. Cllr Bill Borrett, chairman of the adult social care committee, said: “Our social workers are key to our work to help people live independent lives. I would encourage any former social workers to take up this free opportunity to refresh their skills and get back into the profession.”

The Return to Social Work programme is offering free training to prepare 100 former social workers to return to their careers in the East of England, London and the West Midlands.

Comprising 12 weeks of high quality training with hands-on work placements, it provides comprehensive coaching and mentoring, including dedicated interview preparation once applicants have registered and are ready to re-enter social work.

It is open to qualified social workers with a minimum of two years’ experience (and not out of the field for more than five) with a right to work in the UK.

For further details, visit https://www.local.gov.uk/return-to-social-work .