For many social workers, deciding between an agency role and a permanent position can feel like a big decision. Agency work often promises flexibility and fast opportunities, while permanent roles bring structure, security, and the chance to build for the long term. For Sophie, who worked in agency roles for nearly four years before making the move into a permanent post, the change has brought balance, stability, and a greater sense of belonging.
Family life and balance
Sophie’s decision was heavily influenced by her circumstances at home.
“The main thing to be honest was just permanency. For family life I had been agency for nearly 4 years… but really just the balance of being able to take annual leave. Obviously now I’ve got a child and I’m paying nursery fees, not having annual leave because you don’t get paid – it wasn’t working out very well.”
The lack of paid leave made it difficult for Sophie to take breaks and spend time with her young daughter. As she explained, it became a vicious cycle: “It was getting to the point where I couldn’t really take more than a day or two off, because I couldn’t afford to with nursery and mortgage payments. But you need breaks, especially doing this job. Having proper leave again has made such a difference.”
Financial stability and long-term security
Like many social workers, Sophie initially found agency work appealing because of the pay rates. But over time, she noticed the difference wasn’t what it used to be.
“With the changes going on with the government, the rates have dropped. When you actually sit and work it out on paper, it’s not as beneficial anymore. Once you factor in sick pay, holiday pay, pension – all those sorts of things – you realise you’re gaining more in a permanent role than you’re losing.”
For Sophie, pensions were a big part of that calculation. “When I was agency, I stopped paying into my pension because it just wasn’t worth it with the rates. But now, when you take the bigger picture into account, you’re actually better off. It’s about thinking long term, not just about what’s on paper each month.”
The sense of security has also been invaluable: “I’d moved house around the same time, obviously taken on a bigger mortgage. So it’s nice to know that when I come to work, I’m not waiting to be told I’m not needed. That stability makes such a difference for me and my family.”
Career progression and belonging
Sophie also feels that permanent work opens up more opportunities for professional development and progression.
“Career progression is definitely more of an option being permanent. With councils merging in our area and devolution, there’s going to be a lot more change, but also a lot more opportunity.”
Being permanent has also changed how she feels about contributing to her team and the service as a whole. “When you’re agency, you never know how long you’ll be based somewhere, and that can influence how much you contribute. But being permanent, you know you’re part of the journey, and you can contribute to changes and development. You feel more invested in the future.”
Wellbeing and wider benefits
For Sophie, another big shift has been wellbeing. As an agency worker, she sometimes pushed herself to work even when unwell: “When you’re agency and you’re unwell, you end up pushing yourself to work because you can’t afford the time off. Now, I have the reassurance that if I’m sick, I can be sick and move on, that security makes a big difference to my wellbeing.”
She has also noticed the additional benefits that come with permanent employment. “You get 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays to start with, and that increases with service. There are also options like private healthcare, discounted eye tests, and vouchers for events or shops. They’re not huge things on their own, but they do add up and make you feel valued.”
Why choose permanent?
Sophie’s story shows the real-life advantages of permanent social work: the ability to plan for the future, take proper time off, grow within a supportive team, and safeguard your own wellbeing. While agency roles can offer short-term flexibility, permanent positions provide the long-term security and opportunities that many social workers are looking for.
“For me, it was a no brainer at this point,” Sophie reflected. “The balance, the benefits, the progression, it all made sense.”
If you’re ready to take the next step, explore permanent roles across our 11 authorities and find the opportunity that’s right for you here.
