Both options have their merits. However, many recent advancements mean that a permanent social role provides a compelling option for those seeking long-term career growth, job stability, financial security, and to make a meaningful impact as part of a team.
Some social workers may be drawn to agency work due to the initial allure of higher hourly pay rates and the flexibility it offers. For those who prefer the ability to pick and choose assignments or avoid long-term commitments, social work agency jobs can seem ideal. This being said, there are a number of misconceptions about the differences between agency and permanent social work. Use this page to make up your own mind!
In a profession as demanding as social work, stability is key. While social work agency jobs in London may offer short-term flexibility, they often come with significant uncertainty.
With a permanent role in a local authority, you benefit from the security of ongoing employment, consistent pay, and access to benefits such as paid holidays, sick pay, and pension contributions - perks that are often missing in agency contracts.
Furthermore, the UK Government’s social work recruitment agency regulations are tightening, meaning agencies must adhere to stricter rules when placing social workers, limiting your options for flexibility and variety in the long term.
Though agency social work jobs in London may appear to offer better hourly pay, permanent local authority roles now offer competitive salaries alongside a wealth of additional benefits. These can include:
The gap between agency and permanent social worker wages has closed in recent years. This, coupled with the above benefits, make permanent roles an attractive option to many social workers. This is especially true when considering the long-term financial stability that permanent roles provide.
One of the challenges with a role from a social work recruitment agency is the lack of connection and continuity with your team. Permanent social work roles with local authorities offer the opportunity to be part of a supportive, dedicated team.
You’ll build long-term relationships not only with colleagues but also with the children and families you work with. This allows you to see the real impact of your work and gives you a sense of belonging. According to social workers who’ve made the switch, being a permanent part of a team has vastly improved their work satisfaction.
In permanent social work jobs, there’s a strong focus on your professional development. Local authorities across London are committed to offering structured training, mentoring, and career progression opportunities. From CPD (Continuing Professional Development) to leadership programmes, you’ll have access to resources that keep you at the cutting edge of best practices in social work.
Local authorities in London are keen to invest in their permanent workforce, offering training programmes designed to keep your skills sharp and relevant. Unlike social work recruitment agency jobs, where you may not have the same access to training, permanent roles ensure you’re continuously growing in your career.
"It’s about keeping an open mind, really weighing it up and looking into it. Not just what you would be paid, what are the opportunities? Is it a stepping stone to something else... I have this driver that I want to achieve my potential, and I didn’t think I was achieving my potential with agency work." Social Worker, Newham
"It’s about keeping an open mind, really weighing it up and looking into it. Not just what you would be paid, what are the opportunities? Is it a stepping stone to something else... I have this driver that I want to achieve my potential, and I didn’t think I was achieving my potential with agency work."
Social Worker, Newham
As a permanent social worker, you’ll have the chance to work more closely with the families and children you’re supporting. Agency social work may offer flexibility, but it lacks the continuity needed to form meaningful, lasting connections. Local authorities understand the importance of long-term interventions, which are crucial for safeguarding children and promoting family welfare.
Being part of a local authority means you’ll see the outcomes of your interventions, giving you the fulfilment that comes with knowing your work is making a genuine difference.
Local authorities in London provide comprehensive support systems that enable social workers to thrive. Whether it’s access to reflective supervision, mentoring schemes, or wellbeing programmes, permanent staff enjoy a range of services designed to support both their personal and professional lives. In comparison, agency social work lacks this level of dedicated support.
Each of London’s 33 boroughs is unique, with its own vision for how it supports children and families. As a permanent social worker, you’ll have the chance to contribute to and shape that vision. In contrast, social work agency staff often move from place to place, rarely seeing the long-term impact of their work.
London's boroughs collectively outperform the rest of the UK's in Ofsted inspections; the dedication of their permanent staff is a huge contributor to this. Whether you'd like to help shape a borough's practice model or contribute to innovative approaches to family support, being a permanent employee allows you to align with a larger mission and truly be part of something bigger.
New statutory guidance for use of agency social workers is being rolled out. These changes make permanent roles even more attractive, as local authorities are better positioned to offer consistent and compliant work environments. Agency recruitment rules include:
Contract controls: Councils must approve all agency workers, break down costs for each worker, and maintain control of practice in any contractual arrangement for agency staff.
Notice periods: Agency social workers must have notice periods of four weeks, or match the notice period for equivalent permanent roles in the council.
Re-engagement: Agency social workers cannot be rehired within three months of leaving a permanent social work role in the same region.
Minimum experience: Agency social workers must have at least three years of post-qualifying experience with direct employment in English local authority children’s services.
Practice-based references: Councils must obtain and provide detailed practice-based references for all agency social workers, using a national template, requiring at least two references before hiring a locum.
Many social workers in London are experiencing renewed fulfilment and success after making the transition back to permanent roles within local authorities. The stories below detail their journey back to a local authority and highlight the transformative effects of their decisions, showcasing their growth and the enhanced outcomes for the children and families they work with.
When choosing between a social work agency job and a permanent role with a local authority, the long-term benefits of staying permanent far outweigh the short-term gains of agency work. From job security and benefits to career development and making a real impact, permanent roles offer the full package. Find your next social work role in London here.