London Borough of Havering's new part-time offer gives experienced social workers more flexibility and balance in their working lives
These positions are a key part of the borough’s approach to retaining talent and supporting career longevity, whilst reflecting the realities of life outside of work.
Whether managing family commitments, further education, personal projects, or planning a later-stage career path, social workers joining Havering can now do so in a way that fits their circumstances. The borough's Starting Well (Children's Services) department is offering 0.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) roles across multiple social work posts, ensuring part-time staff remain at the heart of practice.
Havering's part-time staff receive the same access to training, supervision and development opportunities as full-time employees. This new offer of flexible working is about supporting people to practice social work at every stage of life, without compromising on the quality of support offered to the borough's children and families. Charmaine Malcolm, Havering’s Assistant Director and Principal Social Worker, said:
“Flexibility is essential if we want to keep great practitioners in the workforce. Some social workers need fewer hours and we’re proud to say they can have those hours here in Havering. These are meaningful roles with all the support and opportunity that full-time staff receive.
This isn’t just about working patterns. It’s about creating a working culture that is inclusive, reflective and values what each person brings. We want people to feel supported and able to stay in the profession, and offering part-time roles is part of that commitment.”
Charmaine Malcolm, Havering
Havering’s Starting Well service is on a journey of improvement. The teams are committed to high standards, strong supervision, and building a culture that puts children at the centre. By offering formal part-time posts, the borough is building a dedicated workforce that is adaptable and diverse.
This latest development reflects Havering’s ambition to do things differently, and to back that up with structures that work for its staff. Social workers joining the borough can expect a supportive team culture, manageable caseloads, and access to high-quality learning and development. Part-time staff are fully integrated into team life, with access to Havering's offer to permanent social workers which includes:
- An annual market supplement payment for Social Workers, Advanced Practitioners, Team Managers and Service Managers
- A tailored training programme along with development opportunities through our very own dedicated Social Care Academy and corporate offer of 10 days of learning per year
- Access to accredited systemic training and in-house practice application workshops
- A commitment to achieving and maintaining manageable caseloads
- Generous local government pension scheme and leave entitlement
- Subsidised parking at various council-owned car parks across the borough
- Modern workplace equipped with the latest technology
- A strong corporate health and wellbeing offer, discounted gym membership, employee assistance programme and much more
- Annual staff recognition schemes (STAR awards and Social Care awards) celebrating and recognising staff commitment and achievement 
- Access to a range of staff forums including LGBTQI+, B.A.M.E., Faith, Ability, Women’s, and Men’s forums.
Social work is a career that demands commitment, but that shouldn’t mean compromising on balance. Havering's offer allows flexibility and professional progression to go hand in hand.
For those looking to stay in practice while working fewer hours, this is an opportunity to make a difference on terms that work. Discover social work job opportunities in Havering below!