Children's Social work

About children’s social work in Kensington and Chelsea

As a social worker, Kensington and Chelsea presents a unique and rewarding working environment. The borough is home to a diverse community, with a mix of affluent residents, and those in need of support and assistance. Social workers in Kensington and Chelsea work closely with children and families, including children in our care. They also support families and children who are facing difficulties at home.

Kensington and Chelsea is known for providing high-quality social care services, with a focus on early intervention and prevention. The borough is well resourced, with a strong Early Help service and a range of commissioned services. This shows a clear commitment to supporting residents to live independent and fulfilling lives. Social workers in the borough benefit from a supportive working environment, with regular supervision and opportunities for professional development.

The way we work with children and families is underpinned by systemic practice. Systemic principles and concepts inform our interventions and thinking at all levels within the organisation. Our aim is to build a children’s social care workforce with a clear theory of change that shapes how we work with families. This supports purposeful, thoughtful interventions that focus on what will make the biggest difference.

This includes using systemic techniques such as genograms, circular questions, writing therapeutic letters and use of reflective groups to understand how best to support families to make changes. Our social work focuses on building strong, trusting relationships with children and families. We work to help children thrive within their own families whenever this is safe and in their best interests.

The statutory social work service is provided via six geographical teams (four in the north of the borough and two in the south). They are also complemented by a specialist disabled children’s team and a hospital social work service. The teams are responsible for assessment and interventions throughout the child’s journey, which means there are no transfer points enabling children to receive continuity of professional relationships.

The borough's commitment to social care is reflected in its innovative approach to service delivery. For example, the Council has established a bi-borough partnership with neighbouring borough Westminster, which allows for the sharing of resources and expertise. The partnership has led to better services and improved outcomes for vulnerable residents. This was recognised in the most recent ILACS inspection, which rated Kensington and Chelsea as Outstanding in all judgement areas.

The Outstanding Ofsted report said of the borough:

Children in care and care leavers receive an outstanding service from workers who know them exceptionally well and are caring and ambitious for them. There is strong corporate support from the wider council to provide high-quality social work services for children, including significant financial investment so that the conditions are in place for excellent social work practice to flourish.

In addition to the borough's commitment to social care, social workers in Kensington and Chelsea benefit from the borough's central location and excellent transport links. The borough is served by several underground stations and bus routes, making it easy to access for both residents and staff.

Our offer to you

Social workers in Kensington and Chelsea receive a competitive salary and membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme. The package also includes a Zone 1 and 2 travel allowance, reimbursement of Social Work England fees, generous annual leave plus bank holidays, and a range of local discounts.

. Employees also benefit from an extensive training package, with access to the West London Alliance essential training and to years 1 and 2 of Systemic Practice.

In addition, we offer an annual leave purchase scheme – you can purchase up to 5 days annual leave per annum at 90 per cent of the actual cost. The Council has a staff contributory private healthcare scheme, open to all staff and also offers a Dental Insurance Plan.

If you are interested in becoming a Social Worker in Kensington and Chelsea, you can apply below.

Apply for a Social Worker role

About Kensington and Chelsea

Kensington and Chelsea is a culturally diverse and vibrant area located in the heart of London. With a population of over 140,000 people, we are one of the smallest in London, but we are also densely populated, covering an area of just 12 square kilometres. The borough is renowned for its shopping districts, colourful streets, world-class museums, and iconic landmarks such as Kensington Palace, making it a desirable destination for both residents and tourists.

Kensington and Chelsea is an exciting and interesting place to work, with a diverse range of businesses and cultural backgrounds represented in its various districts. The borough has some of London’s most well‑known shopping areas, including King’s Road and Portobello Road, with a mix of high‑end retailers, luxury brands and independent shops. The borough is also home to world‑famous museums, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum. These offer a wide range of educational and engaging exhibitions for people of all ages. Residents and visitors enjoy the borough’s many green spaces, from large parks like Holland Park and its Kyoto Garden to smaller local parks that provide peaceful spaces for nearby communities.