Government education official tours Social Work programmes

Richard Hayward from the DfE met Social Work students and had ‘thought-provoking’ discussions with staff

A government education official was given a tour of the extensive Social Work programmes and teaching at Middlesex University last week.

Richard Hayward, Head of Social Work Supply at the Department for Education (DfE), met with staff and students who are training to become social workers.

Mr Hayward began the day by joining a class of Year 3 BA Social Work students who are currently undertaking their final 100-day placements and then met with Step Up to Social Work PGDip programme students. This is a fast track fourteen-month DfE funded government scheme leading to graduates becoming qualified social workers. Later, Mr Hayward sat in on a research seminar with MA students.

Professor Lucille Allain, Head of Social Work and Mental Health, said: “Students and staff were very pleased Richard Hayward joined some classroom teaching. We had interesting discussions regarding social work education and the strong networks we have with our partners who are key to all our programmes in terms of student placements, skills development and future employment.”

According to the Good University Guide, Middlesex is ranked 1st out of London universities for its Social Work provision, which is currently training more than 400 students.

“We were delighted to welcome Richard Hayward to see Social Work education in action at Middlesex. We are proud to offer the full range of pre-registration routes - from full-time undergraduate degrees and degree apprenticeships to government-funded PGDip and Masters programmes - ensuring multiple, accessible pathways into the profession. This breadth allows us to play a critical role in strengthening social work supply while maintaining the highest standards of practice-focused education.”

James Graham, Deputy Dean for Education

“We also had an engaging and constructive conversation with Richard about the current challenges facing social work education - particularly the pressures around securing high‑quality placements and ensuring students receive the practical learning opportunities they need to thrive. At the same time, we explored the opportunities that come from deeper partnership between universities, employers, and government, as well as the potential of emerging technologies to enhance learning. These discussions reinforced our shared commitment to supporting a workforce which is sustainable and future‑focused in social work.”

Speaking about the visit, Mr Hayward said: “It was great to spend a day seeing different aspects of teaching social work at Middlesex. Thanks to Lucille Allain and colleagues for arranging an interesting series of sessions to sit in on, and for thought-provoking discussions on the successes of Middlesex’s approach and the challenges and debates facing initial social work training and education.”

Find out more about studying Social Work at Middlesex University.