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Work life balance

A family walking outdoors

We're transforming our everyday practice to support you at work - but we help you keep a good work/life balance in other ways too.

Our Ofsted inspection in January 2023 found that:

  • Social workers are well supported by their managers through a range of support mechanisms
  • We have a comprehensive workforce offer and 'deal' which provides additional resources, including administrative support and the promotion of flexible working
  • Caseloads in Norfolk are balanced and reasonable for most workers, particularly in the in-care teams and life beyond care teams

Our Deal for social care practitioners is our pledge to:

  • Create the conditions to allow you to spend more of your working week with children and families
  • Reducing the number of forms you need to fill in
  • Empower you to make case records shorter
  • Free you up for a protected day each month for learning
  • Give you more say over your work pattern

Flexible working

We offer flexible working arrangements to create your best work/life balance including part-time working, condensed four-day week working, nine-day fortnights and other options.

Leave and support

We offer a generous annual leave entitlement - plus the opportunity to purchase up to two weeks of additional annual leave through our salary sacrifice scheme.

We also offer maternity, paternity and adoption pay and time off to support you as your family grows and support if you care for relatives or friends who are older, disabled or seriously ill.

There is an independently-run nursery within the grounds of Norfolk County Hall which offers priority spaces to our employees.

We are committed to promoting the health, safety and wellbeing of our social workers. We provide access to services that support your health and wellbeing, such as confidential counselling and advice, fast-track physiotherapy and NHS Health Checks for employees over 40.

Great reasons to join us

Read five great reasons why you should join our social work team

News and updates about children's social care

Thousands of children and young people with SEND, their families, and the professionals who work with them are once again being asked to share their views and experiences to help improve services and support.
A major new deal is set to provide £70 million in additional funding for education services and support for children and young people with SEND.
Inspectors have praised Children's Services at Norfolk County Council, judging the authority as "good" and highlighting "exemplary" and "exceptional" areas of practice.
People considering adopting or fostering a child with Norfolk County Council receive excellent support and training from specialist services which are leaders in their field, according to reports accepted by the council's cabinet this week.
See more (Go to News and updates about children's social care)