What does CWN mean by Pathways for Progression?

CWN means routes into and within the children's and young people's workforce as an aid to the recruitment, development and retention of capable and committed staff.

This policy group links directly with the other workstrands of the Children's Workforce Network by:

• using labour market information and commissioned research to establish where there is a need to enhance mobility, for example through providing new training routes, closing skills gaps or securing cross-sector recognition of training or qualifications
• identifying the actions and mechanisms (what and by whom) that would meet the needs so identified and advising CWN and its Policy Groups on priorities for action

The website will be regularly updated to keep visitors informed of latest developments within the workstrand.  Regular items will be included in the CWN eBulletin.

Recent activity

In 2007/2008 CWN undertook two pieces of research in the workstrand, as follows:

• Exploring and mapping how the sectors in the children's and young people's workforce induct their staff to develop their skills and knowledge in line with the Common Core and Every Child Matters

• Exploring current patterns of movement within and across sectors within the workforce, and the aspirations of the workforce for increased mobility within or across sectors

Mobility project

A report was completed in September 2007 and identified some interesting enablers and barriers to career progression. The research outcomes and recommendations were circulated to the CWN for their consideration and the work plan for 2008/2009 has taken forward some of the recommendations. In this project, the Policy Group sought the engagement of CWN Board, members and stakeholders in sharing good practice.