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Practitioners

Assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE)

For
Newly qualified social workers
Duration
12 months
Time commitment
Full-time or part-time
Cost

Free

Delivered by

Your employer (based on a national framework provided by Skills for Care)

Overview

The assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE) programme helps newly qualified social workers develop their skills in a supported environment. 

It's open to all newly qualified social workers employed in the public, private and voluntary sectors. 

The ASYE programme takes 12 months to complete. It can be extended if you work part-time or take extended leave such as parental or sick leave. 

It’s not compulsory to do the ASYE programme but it is recommended. Most employers offer it to ensure their staff meet standards that enable social workers to work effectively and safely.

How you're supported

During your ASYE you’ll have: 

  • regular supervision 
  • a protected caseload 
  • protected time for critical reflection 

You’ll draw up a personal development plan with your supervisor at the start of your ASYE. It sets out the support you’ll get and how you’ll be assessed. 

The support you can expect to get includes: 

  • half a day per week of protected development time 
  • a 10% reduction in workload 
  • the opportunity to shadow experienced social workers

How you're assessed

A qualified social worker will support, assess and record your progress throughout your ASYE.   

They will collect evidence of your professional development through:

  • direct observations 
  • feedback from children and young people who need care and support 
  • feedback from other professionals 
  • assessment of written reports 

You’ll complete a critical reflection log during your ASYE. This will show how you meet the post qualifying standards for child and family practitioners and the Professional Capabilities Framework.

You’ll have review meetings with your assessor every 3 months. These will give you an opportunity to reflect on your practice, identify areas for improvement and set goals for the future. 

At the end of the year your assessor will write a final assessment. Your employer will use this to decide whether you’ve met the relevant standards.  

Find out more about each ASYE stage on the Skills for Care website.

Benefits

Completing the ASYE:  

  • gives you valuable experience and skills during your first year of practice 
  • helps you meet the challenges of the role and adapt to changes in the field 
  • shows employers that you've met the relevant professional standards  
  • demonstrates a commitment to continuing professional development 
  • improves outcomes for children and families

Find out more

Find out more about the ASYE programme on the Skills for Care website.