Why we added this content
We wanted to test an assumption we had around users that want to develop a career in social work.
We assumed there is no single source of information for prospective social workers wanting to:
- learn more about becoming a social worker in England
- compare and explore the different routes to achieve this
Guidance for social workers already working in the profession is available on Social Work England and the British Association of Social Workers websites. There are also sites dedicated to specific routes into social work like:
- degree apprenticeships and university degrees
- fast track programmes (For example, Step Up to Social Work and Approach Social Work)
Our first round of user research confirmed this assumption. Users wanting to become a child and family social worker are not aware of all the available qualifying routes.
To meet this need, we created clear and trusted guidance on how to become a qualified child and family social worker in England.
The content aims to help users make an informed decision on which of the five social work entry routes is right for them.
To qualify as a social worker, people can choose to complete:
- an undergraduate (level 6) university degree course in social work
- a postgraduate (level 7) university course in social work
- a degree apprenticeship (level 6) in social work
- a graduate training programme: Step Up to Social Work (level 7)
- a graduate training programme: Approach Social Work (level 7)
Making information about the routes into social work more accessible to users could lead to an increase in applications to social work programmes. We assumed that this content could:
- attract more people to the profession
- mitigate a projected shortfall in the number of social workers needed
This content currently focuses on the ways users can qualify as a social worker.
We plan to develop this content based on the wider user need of how to become a social worker.
User testing and design iterations
Our initial design had information about all five routes on one page. We worked closely with subject matter experts to develop content. A lot of detail about each qualifying route was included, and the page became very long and difficult to navigate and scroll through.
With input from the DfE design community we broke the content down into multiple pages. The content was split out to include:
- an introductory page (Ways to qualify as a social worker)
- one page for each of the five routes with the same structure
- side navigation
We held two rounds of user research to test our new designs and test our assumptions that users would:
- find the content from the re-designed homepage
- compare the different qualifying routes
Qualification page changes
Using a consistent pattern for qualification pages
In our second round of user research, several users said they wanted to compare the same criteria across all routes. Based on this, we iterated the design of our qualification pages to include the same sections and headings. Each page follows the same pattern including:
- entry requirements
- funding
- application and selection process
- course length and content
- after you qualify
This helps users compare the same information across the different qualifying routes.
Adding funding information
Several users did not think about how financial support for their chosen route might affect the benefits they already get. This information is now available on each qualification page in a section called funding.
Choosing to repeat ‘after you qualify’ information on each page
We made the decision to include the same information about ‘after you qualify’ on each route page. This means users who have chosen a route don’t miss out on this important information.
On completion of training, all newly qualified social workers:
- must register with Social Work England to practice as a social worker in England
- can complete the assessed and supported year in employment
- can complete further development programmes funded by Department for Education
We link out to third party content to:
- avoid duplication as this can cause confusion for users
- make sure potential social workers can find the most up to date content
- reduce the amount of content on each page
- reduce the burden on the business-as-usual (BAU) teams to update out content
Creating an overview page for become a social worker
Easier access to important information
Users need their academic and professional qualification certificates available to apply for a course or training.
Our research identified that a significant number of potential social workers were missing course or training application deadlines because they could not find their certificates.
Based on this insight, we added an overview page, including guidance:
- to compare the different routes
- on what you need to have ready before you apply
- on what you need to do after you qualify
Adding the ‘compare the different routes’ table
The second round of user research also identified that users wanting to become a social worker wanted a quick way to compare the different training routes.
We created a summary table in the overview content to guide users towards possible routes that they can investigate further.
The table lists the five routes with basic information about tuition fees and course length. This makes it easier for users to compare course criteria quickly.
Next steps
Become a social worker content is now live on the Support for social workers site.
We are monitoring the data to track traffic and bounce rates. We will use analytics and data analysis to inform changes to titles, headings, URLS and body text to improve traffic and engagement.
This content currently focuses on the ways to qualify as a social worker. We will continue to adapt the content to meet the wider user need of how to become a social worker. We will make these changes based on developing user needs, user insights and data analysis.