Working for us
Learn more about what it is like to work at Cafcass and how you can help be the voice of the child in the family court. See our current job opportunities.
What colleagues said about working with us
On 2 April 2024, we announced the publication of our Ofsted report which judged the quality and effectiveness of our services to children and families as ‘outstanding’ in all categories. We are very proud of this result but recognise there is still work for us to do to improve how we deliver our social work practice around the country.
Inspectors spoke with more than 300 practitioners and managers and observed court work and interviews with children and families as well as supervisions and team meetings. Below is a selection of quotes from Cafcass staff that give an insight into what it is like working here and what they value most.
"Working for Cafcass is AMAZING! Systems are fantastic. We are able to plan work well and reflect what children really need in order to stay safe and have their wishes and feelings heard along with achieving outcomes."
"I love my job… it is a privilege to represent children and young people’s best interests in their proceedings."
"First time (in my career) I have been able to do quality direct work with children and families."
"I am the voice of the child for so many children that feel unheard in court proceedings."
"I have real influence on children’s lives."
"Changes that have occurred (at Cafcass) have been very positive for children."
"Cafcass is passionate and child-centred."
"Privilege to work for Cafcass and to be able to able to work with children."
"Proud to be here - I feel valued professionally and personally."
"We do everything from the lens of the child."
"I have the time to explore the child’s experience and impact on life."
"Best part of my job is doing direct work with children and making sure that they become alive in Court."
"My professional identity has grown – I have a clear sense of professional expectations on me, but in an empowering way."
"I have a mixture of private and public law children’s cases, which I enjoy, it allows me to utilise different skills."
"I felt supported as a student here. The Social Work Academy was really supportive."
"I had a really good induction, lots of support during this process and beyond and I particularly like the resources and tools we have for direct work."
"I joined two years ago from a local authority and the big difference in my experiences is around training, supervision, workload."
"I feel able to challenge myself take on new tasks such as Diversity Champion and becoming a trainer."
"Do I see myself staying here? Yes, there are lots of different opportunities I can pursue if I want."
"I was well supported when I started… protected caseloads and time to learn new role/position."
"Children’s cases are reducing and they are manageable… we have time to complete our work with children."
"My workload is manageable…if there are times when it becomes difficult it can be discussed with my manager is supportive and who will look at solutions (with me)."
"The technology and systems really help us do what we do well."
"Gave my daughter her Mummy back…I was able to be her mum and not fail the children I was responsible for and wanted to do my best for at work. She wrote to my manager aged 7 to thank her!"
"It’s great here, I like the trust and ability to work flexibly, and the variety of work."
"I spoke about the Wellbeing days, and how Cafcass attach a lot of importance to the health and well-being of employees which is great."
"Flexible working allows me to keep a better work / life balance."
"Having had three children during my employment with Cafcass (I) always felt supported."
"When (my) manager was off – another senior colleague checked in as she knew I was a new starter."
"I had amazing support coming back from maternity leave."
"Supportive team environment – always someone willing to help or chat within our team."
"During Christmas I had a bereavement, managers were supportive, mindful and sensitive."
"Being dyslexic and my manager explained that an access to work was completed… with equipment to support me."
"Support of colleagues is strong, each offer peer supervision as well as management."
"I love it because I feel supported and there are lots of opportunities for learning."
"Really well supported when I moved teams for personal reasons."
