'Social work first' plan to attract best graduates Ministers have been trying to improve the quality of social workers after much criticism in recent years over cases where they failed to spot abuse, such as Baby P and Victoria Climbié. Earlier this year, Mr Gove stood up for the profession, saying they are asked "to operate in conditions most of us know nothing about, to engage with people in desperate need, to make extremely finely balanced ethical and practical judgements, and to retain the trust of adults while thinking always of the best interests of children." He said this must be done "all the while knowing that if a mistake does occur then their career, indeed their professional status, may be ruined for ever." A Department for Education spokesman said the Government is "currently considering the Frontline proposal." "We want to improve the quality of social work training and welcome any proposals which encourage the most talented graduates to consider it as a career," she said.