An Introduction

Workforce development is about improving the skills and knowledge of staff and volunteers working with children, young people and families. It helps improve practice and leads to better outcomes for children. It is also about ensuring that the requirements and regulations of government are best met in response to concerns about the safety and well-being of children and young people. The Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC) plays a key role in this area as part of a wider Children's Workforce Network. Their respective websites provide a wide range of up to date information on workforce development issues.

Children England (http://www.childrenengland.org.uk/) has also produced two documents which provide a useful introduction to the nature of workforce development:

Why Workforce Development? 

A Guide to Workforce Development