Frontline

A huge well done to all our 2026 Advance Leadership participants for completing their three-day residential in Sheffield!

Last week we welcomed the cohort for three days of learning, reflection and professional development.

From building an anti-racist service to balancing leadership and management under reform pressure, to considering what mindsets enable transformational conversations, leaders had the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in the sector and strengthen their leadership practice.

A huge thank you to our facilitators Adéwale Adeniji, Nimal Jude, Tom Savory, Niketa Sanderson-Gillard, Ryan Wise, Emily Sweetman for creating such a supportive and thought-provoking learning environment.

Advance Leadership brings together heads of service and managers in children’s services to build confidence in decision-making, strengthen inclusive and anti-racist leadership and learn alongside peers from across the country.

We are still smiling from our graduation in October, where this cohort of Approach Social Work participants became newly qualified social workers and joined the Frontline Fellowship.

At a time when children are facing unprecedented challenges, having more social workers on the ground has never been more critical.

We can’t wait to celebrate again when our next cohort graduates in April, ready to start their journey supporting children across the country!

Huzaifah joined Approach Social Work looking for a challenge and a different way of learning. He found a programme that pushed him to grow quickly, both professionally and personally.

“The five weeks of training which kick-off the programme were intensive, but your learn so much about yourself through reflections on your own life and experiences. ”

Applications to join Approach Social Work in summer 2026 are open in limited locations only.

Visit our website to find out more and begin your journey into social work: https://bit.ly/3Mq7Fcp

If you have been holding onto an idea that could make services better for children at risk of harm, this is your opportunity to take it to the next step.

Through the Innovation programme, you will gain the tools and skills you need to bring your idea to life. The ideas with the most potential will even receive seed funding from Frontline.

Applications are now open for Frontline fellows, youth workers and care-experienced young professionals. Apply now on our website: https://bit.ly/4736KW4