The Compass Jobs Fair returns to London, providing a platform for social workers to explore career opportunities, engage with employers, and enhance their knowledge through an enriching range of seminars.

Taking place at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square on the 20th of November, compass will feature over 30 exhibitors, including local authorities, universities, independent providers, and voluntary sector organisations.
Compass aims to facilitate face-to-face interactions between candidates and employers, providing networking and learning opportunities.

London’s Local Authorities

Five of London’s Councils (Ealing, Hounslow, Kensington & Chelsea Southwark, and Westminster) are heading to Compass, highlighting their commitment to recruiting and retaining top social work talent.

Steven Forbes, Executive Director of Children's and Adults' Services at Hounslow Council, expressed his excitement about the fair, and their hopes to attract talent to Hounslow’s dedicated and innovative workforce.

“Hounslow Council is delighted to attend the Compass Job Fair for the first time. It's a great opportunity to reach out to outstanding talents who are interested in working for our Children’s Social Care Service and transforming the lives of children and young people in Hounslow.

A culturally diverse and inclusive borough, Hounslow is home to families and children speaking 188 languages. We look forward to showcasing the Council’s brilliant practices of supporting children and young people, and amazing career pathways.”

Steven Forbes, Executive Director of Children's and Adults Services, Hounslow Council 

Ealing's DCS, Robert South, emphasised the good work that his Borough are doing, and how their Social Care Academy provides innovative opportunities for career progression.

"I am delighted that Ealing are part of the Compass jobs fair as this gives us an opportunity to share the aspirational work that is making a positive difference to the lives of children, young people and their families and adults who need our care and support in Ealing.

We are really pleased to have launched our Social Care Academy and welcome practitioners to join us who are interested in working in social care for Ealing. It is an exciting time to be a part of our organisation and a great place to practice social work. Our colleagues are looking forward to talking to you, so please come and say hello at our Ealing Council stand."

Robert South, Director of Children’s Services, Ealing

On the day

A representative from London Social Work for Children will be in attendance to support the great work our local authorities are doing; follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @LondonSWC as we spend the day attending seminars, networking, and celebrating social work!

There is a diverse programme of seminars and workshops throughout the day, with some key topics including: wellbeing, family safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, legal considerations, anti-racism and diversity. These will be delivered by a range of social work stakeholders including local authorities, charities, BASW, and more. The seminars delivered by London local authorities are:

  • Ealing Council - Brighter Futures: Embedding a relationship and trauma-informed practice model in children’s services 

  • Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea - Systemic Social Work Practice: Collaborating and engaging with families

  • Westminster City Council - Building an anti-racist workforce and services

  • Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster City Council - Working in partnership: Homelessness and rough sleeping initiatives

“Please take the opportunity to attend our seminar on Brighter Futures, which is our practice model about developing relationships and intervention strategies for all the young children and families that we work with.”

Robert South, Director of Children’s Services, Ealing

Attendance at Compass counts towards registered social workers Social Work England Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours; attendees will receive a certificate acknowledging their participation.

Network with a wide array of exhibitors, including local authorities, universities, independent providers, and voluntary sector organisations. Face-to-face interactions provide a unique platform to explore potential employment opportunities and establish valuable professional connections.

How to attend

Explore the diverse range of seminars on offer, and book your free tickets, on the Compass Jobs Fair website.