Skip to main content

Learning Zone Resources Library Check out the Learning Zone resources library to see over 50 learning resources to support your continuous professional learning and development.

Click Here

Assessed Year in Employment (AYE) – Employers

 

Are you employing a Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW)?

The Assessed Year in Employment (AYE) is a crucial step in helping NQSWs build confidence, consolidate learning, and develop their professional practice.

Employers play a vital role by providing opportunities to engage in developmental social work practice, supervision, induction, training opportunities, and ongoing support throughout the year.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Employer Responsibilities

Employers responsibilities to NQSW undertaking their AYE include:

  • Checking if the post meets the minimum requirements for a suitable post to undertake the AYE and that appropriate supports are available.
  • Allocation of work that will enable  engagement in the full range of professional social work activity expected of a practising social worker. Work allocation should allow for the consolidation and extension of the skills and knowledge gained on the Degree in Social Work.
  • Checking that the NQSW is registered with the Social Care Council on the social work part of the Register, that they have confirmed a start date for their AYE and updated their employer details on their Registration MyAccount.
  • Working with the NQSW to agree an AYE Professional Development Plan (PDP). This should be developed using the Summary of Learning Form from the final Practice Learning Opportunity (PLO) so that there is continuity of learning and areas for development form student to NQSW.
  • Providing a suitable period of induction that links with the Social Care Council Standards of Conduct and Practice for Social Workers.
  • Providing the required frequency of social work supervision from a qualified social worker. This is to support the NQSW to consolidate and extend knowledge and skills gained on the Degree.
  • Providing a minimum of 10 training and development days.
  • Providing a midpoint and final appraisal with the NQSW at no later than 11 months.
  • Ensuring the NQSW is competent and that the AYE is completed – this includes ensuring that the Certificate of Completion (AYE1 Form) is submitted to the Social Care Council.

Full details of employer responsibilities including extensions and change of employer can be found within the AYE Guidance

See Associated Resources to access the required AYE Forms including Certificate of Completion.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Employer Resources

Click on the links below to see some employer resources aimed at providing additional guidance and support for employers supporting AYE registrants.

Standards for Employers of Social Workers and Social Care Workers

Standards for New Employers of Social Workers

Department of Health (NI), Social Work Supervision Policy

Department of Health (NI), Safer and Effective Staffing in Social Work (Guidance for Health & Social Care Trusts)

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Us

If you need more information or guidance contact us at: AYE@niscc.hscni.net.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Click here to return to the Social Worker – Assessed Year in Employment (AYE) main page.