Meet our newest social workers who are supporting adults and children across Lancashire

Seven are now working within adult services, and the other 13 in children's services.

They completed the degree programme at the University of Central Lancashire in January 2025 and are due to graduate in the summer.

They are now working on the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme with Lancashire County Council.  This helps newly qualified social workers develop their skills and takes 12 months to complete.

During the ASYE, the graduates will receive regular supervision, a reduced caseload and access to specialist workshops.

Graduate Emma Tuffrey is now working as a social worker in the community with adults and it seems she was destined to have a career in social care.

She said:  "I come from a social care background; my grandma was the matron and manager of a care home in Preston and my mum, two of my aunties and my nana all worked under my grandma. I remember going to lots of celebrations at the care home, dancing with the residents and just being part of that life.

"My dad also worked in social care and my sister is the manager of a care home in Liverpool, so it's in the blood!"

Emma admits it was tough for the graduates to continue working for the county council while completing the course, but it was worth it in the end.

She added: "It's not for the faint-hearted working full time while doing a degree, but I feel a real sense of accomplishment.

"We really gelled on the course and many of us have been through personal struggles, so we got each other through the course. We all supported each other and we're really proud of each other and just can't wait for our graduation."

Pictured: Katie Godwin

Katie Godwin decided to complete the apprenticeship and work in adult social care after her dad spent time in hospital.

She said: "My dad became unwell and he had a social worker in hospital who wanted him to go into a care home.  He was only 55 at the time and I wanted him to come back home. I always remember feeling like he didn't have a choice when he should have had one.

"Whatever work I do I always think of that and I make sure I'm listening to the person and family that I'm working with."

Amy Ingham has always wanted to be a social worker and is now working with young people and their families in Lancashire.

She said: "I want to be able to give back and support families that really need somebody like myself.

"It's something that I've always been extremely passionate about. I want to give back to children, give them a voice and support families so I can improve outcomes for children."

Pictured: Richard Flather

Richard Flather is also working within children's social care and supports 17 to 25-year-olds who are leaving care.

He explained how he was supported to complete his degree apprenticeship.

Richard said: "I had late evenings, early mornings and took books on holiday with me, but it was all worth it in the end and I got a first in my degree.

"My caseload was brought down a bit, there was a lot of understanding here. I've got seven years of experience, so it was a really good way of getting into social work and staying with the county council.

"It's nice working with young people who are leaving care and supporting them into independence.

"I've now got a post and I'm practicing as a social worker already.”

Lancashire County Council is currently supporting 97 apprentices on their social work degree programme.

It's hoped this will help address skill gaps within the social work profession, while reducing the need to use agency workers.

Councillor Alan Vincent, Deputy Leader of the Council and cabinet member for Resources, HR and Property, said:  "We are incredibly proud of all our social work apprentices.

"They play a vital role in supporting people to live their lives as independently as possible and providing a voice to vulnerable members of society.

"By providing extra support to our newly qualified social workers we hope they can become confident and competent social workers."

Martin Blunt, Head of the University of Central Lancashire’s Enterprise and Engagement Unit, said: "We’re proud to work with Lancashire County Council on this degree apprenticeship programme to develop and retain homegrown talent.

"It’s fantastic to see these 20 degree apprentices complete their training and provide a vital service to people in Lancashire."