The purpose of the report is to share findings from a small-scale exploratory research study conducted by a group of practitioners who participated in a Facilitated Practice-based Research project. The aim of the research was to understand how Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) perceive and experience the support given for the first year of the Assessed and Supported Year of Employment (ASYE). A qualitative survey was distributed across the region with NQSWs (employed by a NESWA LA partner) invited to participate. Each survey consisted of five open-ended questions giving participants the opportunity to explain their responses, and a total of 23 responses were received.

Conclusions: The perceived quality of the supervision received by NQSWs was significant to how much they felt supported, as well as being an important factor in their overall wellbeing. Where NQSWs did not have protected caseloads (or what they perceived to be protected caseloads) this created a negative view of the ASYE process. Finally, NQSWs overwhelmingly perceived the additional paperwork required for the ASYE Portfolio as adding to their workload and pressures.