Pathways social work leadership modules

Access self-study modules to enhance your leadership practice.

These modules are based on the government-funded social work leadership pathways programme, delivered by Frontline. The programme supported over 1,800 social work managers and supervisors to develop social work practice and leadership skills and ended in summer 2024.

Frontline is a charity working to make life better for children who need a social worker. It has developed these modules in partnership with the Department for Education (DfE), based on the previous social work leadership pathways programme. The modules aim to continue helping leaders in children's social work to develop their leadership skills and create positive outcomes for the children they support.

These modules focus on:

• reflecting on your own values and purpose
• creating a safe, non-judgemental environment for your team
• building and maintaining relationships
• assessing areas where you and your team can develop

The modules are designed to support the learning and development of social work leaders. We encourage you to reflect on your learning and consider discussing your insights with your colleagues, supervisor or manager.

Pathways for levels of leadership

Each pathway sets out the four capabilities (4C) leadership framework. The four capabilities are: maintaining curiosity, providing clarity, managing complexity and expanding capacity. 

Pathway 1: for those who supervise the practice and decision-making of child and family practitioners and develop their skills.

Pathway 2: for managers who are leading and supervising a team of social workers including managing practice supervisors.

Pathway 3: for heads of service leading a whole children’s service area with multiple teams of social workers, having both operational and strategic responsibility.

Pathway 4: for practice leaders who are responsible across the whole local system for child and family social work practice and overseeing practitioners and leaders.

Pathways leadership skills

You’ll learn how to:

• enhance your leadership practice
• support your team
• positively influence outcomes for children and families across the wider system