Address social work skills shortages and recruitment challenges

The increasing demand for skilled social workers is placing significant pressure on social care organisations to deliver high-quality services.

Research shows a significant skills gap in social work, impacting service delivery and operational efficiency. Despite recognition of this issue, many employers struggle to find effective solutions to close the gap and upskill their workforce. Addressing this shortage is essential for delivering person-centred care and improving organisational performance.

The Open University (OU) can help.

of children's social work positions in English councils are currently vacant

of the social work workforce is currently made up of agency staff

- the rating of recruitment and retention challenges in children's social care

Source: DfE consolidated annual report 2024

How the OU can provide solutions for social work employers

At the OU, we offer a diverse range of flexible courses, apprenticeships, and development programmes tailored specifically for social work employers. Available across all four nations, our programmes are designed to help improve outcomes for service users, boost operational productivity, and support employee development.
As the largest provider of social worker degree apprenticeships in England, and with over two decades of experience delivering qualifying social work programmes in partnership with employers since 1997, we have the expertise to meet your workforce needs.
Procurement frameworks: We’re on a number of the most commonly used national Frameworks/Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS), so that you can easily commission our services in line with your organisation’s procurement rules. Visit Procuring via Framework System for more information.

Get in touch to discuss your requirements

Start upskilling today: Free learning resources

Kickstart your workforce development initiatives with OpenLearn, our free and accessible platform offering courses specifically designed for the social care sector. These resources provide an excellent starting point for addressing immediate training needs, upskilling your team, and setting the foundation for long-term professional development.

Note: Course links will open in a new tab.

An introduction to social work

Explore key ideas, values, and practices within social work in the UK.

Supporting and developing resilience in social work

Learn how to enhance emotional resilience and professional leadership.

Applying social work law with children and families

Understand the legal principles that govern child rights and parental responsibilities.

Explore more free social work courses

Nurture talent: Social work apprenticeship programmes

Could the solution to your staffing shortages already lie within your existing team? The Open University’s Social Work Apprenticeship Programme provides tailored pathways to upskill current employees or attract new talent, improving both service delivery and organisational productivity.

Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship (England only)

Delivered flexibly around the needs of your organisation

This apprenticeship combines academic theory with practical, work-based learning. Apprentices will gain new skills and knowledge while contributing to real-world social care settings as part of a team. Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a social worker.

Approved by Social Work England (SWE)
Location: England
Duration: 3-3.5 years
Funded through the apprenticeship levy (England)

Success story: Cornwall Council

We now have an excellent offer to social workers in terms of their career and qualification pathway, from the apprenticeship scheme to postgraduate qualifications, leading through to being principal social workers, consultant social workers and future leaders of the organisation.
Marion Russell
Head of Service for Practice Development and Safeguarding Standards within Children’s Services at Cornwall Council

Read the full Cornwall Council success story

Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Apprenticeship (England only)

For those with a current honours degree

Our Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work (Apprenticeship) supports employers to develop their support workers towards registration as a social worker with Social Work England (SWE). The apprenticeship enables employers to use their levy funding to develop new and existing staff who already hold an honours degree to achieve this qualification.

Approved by Social Work England (SWE)
Location: England
Duration: 17 months
Funded through the apprenticeship levy (England)

National Apprenticeship Week employer webinar: What lies behind the success stories

Many organisations are leveraging apprenticeships to tackle skills and talent gaps. Hazel Ostle, Workforce Transformation and Development Manager at Durham County Council, and Claire Brown, Workforce Lead for Social Work Education at the council, participated in the OU’s recent National Apprenticeship Week employer webinar. During the session, they discussed how the council utilises apprenticeships as a powerful tool for both recruitment and training, particularly in response to the significant skills shortages in social work.

Watch the webinar on demand here

Why choose the OU?

With over 50 years of experience, The Open University is a leader in providing flexible, high-quality education and training solutions to the health and social care sector. We’ve empowered over 2.3 million learners, including numerous NHS trusts, local authorities, and private healthcare organisations.

Proven expertise: 50+ years of delivering flexible, high-quality education.
Industry partnerships: We collaborate with leading health and social care organisations to ensure our courses align with sector needs.
Trusted by leading employers: Health and social care employers across the UK rely on us to address workforce development challenges.

Get in touch today

Find out how we can support your organisation

Learn how The Open University can support your workforce development goals. Whether you need tailored apprenticeships, customised training resources, or comprehensive development programmes, we are here to help.

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Upskill your team: Degrees and modules for social work

Our flexible undergraduate and postgraduate programmes enable social work employers to develop the expertise needed to drive meaningful change. Many of our courses have no formal entry requirements, making them accessible to a broad range of staff, regardless of their previous qualifications.

Note: Course links in this section will open in a new tab.

BA (Honours) Social Work (England)

Degrees and individual modules

Approved by Social Work England (SWE), this degree enables graduates to become a registered social worker while maintaining their current employment.

Upon successful completion, apprentices will be eligible to apply for registration with the regulatory body as a social worker.
Gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to excel in social work practice.

BA (Honours) Social Work (Scotland)

Degrees and individual modules

This course, approved for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), prepares social workers for roles in children’s, adult, or justice services.

Build essential knowledge and hands-on skills for effective social work practice.
Learn to address complex, sensitive, and challenging issues with professionalism.

BA (Honours) Social Work (Wales)

Degrees and individual modules

Tailored for employees in social care agencies, this course supports registration with Social Care Wales (SCW).

Study while continuing your current role, allowing you to earn while you learn.
Ideal for those seeking a flexible, personalised approach to social work training.

Explore the full range of social work courses

What you’re studying directly relates to your practice placements and prepares you for the transferable skills that you need to go into the everyday job.
Tina Philp
Social Worker, Cornwall Council