Why Join Us
A culture of “high support and kindness”
One of the first things you’ll notice about NCT is that culture is really important to us. We have a one-team approach where we support each other so that we are able to do the best job that we can for children, young people and families.
We couldn’t be prouder that Ofsted recognised our change in culture. During an inspection of West Northamptonshire local authority children’s services in October 2022, Ofsted noted:
“Social workers are overwhelmingly positive about working in NCT and children’s services in West Northamptonshire, which reflects a significant shift in culture to one of high support and kindness.”
Manageable caseloads
Our caseloads are far more manageable today than what they have traditionally been. In November 21, when NCT started, caseloads within the duty and assessment teams were in the high 20s. Now, due to the service improvements we are making, caseloads average 17 within those teams, and 19 across all services. This means that if you join us, you’ll have the time to work directly with children, young people and families.
Find your ideal job
Visible leadership. No hierarchy.
Sometimes, it can be difficult in a local authority setting to make your voice heard. At NCT, we work hard to make sure this is not the case. While there is a hierarchy in terms of managerial responsibility, we are not hierarchical.
In fact, one of the key takeaways in our latest Ofsted inspection (October 2022) was that “great care and effort are taken by senior managers to visibly support staff and secure a shared vision for improved services for children and young people.”
Our leaders know the service well and are realistic about the scale of the improvement journey. They listen, observe, guide and support and have a close working relationship with everyone.
Our Chief Executive, Colin Foster, always makes the time to welcome new people personally and encourages them to reach out to him whenever they wish. He also holds regular ‘58-minute’ sessions for colleagues to get together and share their challenges, successes and ideas.
At NCT, you’ll always be supported.
Our offer to you
Our workforce are our most valuable asset. To recognise your hard work and commitment, we provide an excellent benefits package, including:
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Highly competitive salaries
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A generous welcome bonus
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A retention bonus to recognise your commitment
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Payment of Social Work England registration fees
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Flexible working practices, including home working, flexi-time and job share
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The opportunity to personally contribute to improving the service
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Monthly high-quality supervision
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Up to 27 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (rising to 32 days plus bank holidays with length of service)
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The opportunity to buy back up to 5 weeks of additional holiday each year
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Subsidised local authority Pension Scheme
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Additional 12 weeks of maternity leave at 50%
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Employee discount schemes
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Up to £8,000 relocation allowance
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Signs of Safety training
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An onsite academy delivering a variety of learning & development opportunities
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Heavily subsidised town centre parking
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Regular engagement opportunities with the CEO
Hear from those who have made the move
Join us on our journey
Come and realise your potential with NCT. We have an incredibly talented workforce, a dedicated stable leadership team and an environment that promotes best practice and creativity. If you’re looking for professional challenge in a “highly supportive” organisation, we'd encourage you to apply for one of the NCT social work roles being advertised by our recruitment partner, Sanctuary Personnel.