How diverse communities and supportive leadership help social workers to thrive

As the third largest ‘shire’ county, the geographical breadth of Hampshire offers a wide variety of locations and social settings – nowhere more so than in the diverse and vibrant districts in North Hampshire which, with their blend of city and rural life, enjoy the best of both worlds.

“When people think of Hampshire, they often picture rolling hills and quaint villages that stretch down to the sea,” says area director Kavitha Mathy. “While this is true, we also have an incredible mix of modern and diverse towns and cities, particularly in North Hampshire, with a range of culture and varied demographics.”

It’s this diversity that makes the north of Hampshire such an inspiring and positively challenging place to practise as a social worker.

The Basingstoke, Hart and Rushmoor districts are truly setting new standards in children’s social work, especially in anti-racist practice and diversity. With a significant Nepalese and military community, these areas are rich in cultural diversity, creating an inclusive environment where social workers can thrive.

“To deliver services to a broad range of children and families across the region requires a strong team,” says district manager Paul Child. “I’m proud to say we have built a safe and stable working environment, where our social workers can enjoy a variety of work and, importantly, have the support of their managers.”

Back to basics

Hampshire’s Family Help teams have transformed the way their social workers now operate. Working in a smaller, defined location, and closely partnering with local agencies and resource hubs, Family Help teams enable social workers to get back to basics, supporting them not only to do the job well, but to progress their careers.

An emphasis on collaborative working means social workers here benefit from strong partnerships with professionals and local schools, creating a cohesive support network for children and families.

“Hampshire is deeply committed to understanding family structures and dynamics, ensuring that every child and family receives tailored support,” says Paul. “This dedication makes these areas ideal for social workers [who are] passionate about making a difference in varied and multicultural settings.”

Hampshire’s collaborative approach not only enhances the effectiveness of interventions, but also provides social workers with a robust support system. The potential to lead and innovate in social work practice is significant, with strong foundations and a developing infrastructure that provide a stable and safe environment for professional growth.

Child-focused and staff-focused

Managers in these areas are both child-focused and staff-focused, ensuring that social workers are protected and clear on their roles and responsibilities.

“We believe that our teams feel listened to and valued,” says Kavitha. “When social workers raise concerns or suggestions, they are acknowledged and acted upon, fostering a culture of trust and continuous improvement.”

Additionally, strong practice educators provide excellent career development pathways, making these areas ideal for those looking to advance their careers. Robust support for training and mentoring programmes ensures social workers receive the guidance and development they need, with regular supervision and training support to continuously improve their skills and knowledge.

Davina Malkin, district manager says: “Working in and around our North Hampshire districts provides a unique blend of urban and rural experiences, both personally and professionally. Hampshire and the surrounding areas are well-connected, with excellent transport links, which makes commuting and travelling around so much easier. For those who may be considering a move, we can also offer an attractive relocation package.”