PVI Student Placements Gold or Dross? Jo Tulloch, June 2011

The Context Need to improve SW education / training Increasing use of PVI placements – “vast range” No research found on fit between SW training and PVI sector placements

The Issues PVI agencies may have different: aims professional approaches to their work understanding of the social work role & motivation for taking students than statutory social work agencies. Does this matter?

First, the problems Motivation = labour & funds to meet capacity deficit Limited awareness of SW role & placement requirements Different approach to supervision Challenge to find student workload with sufficient SW content Difficulty in managing struggling students

Then, the Value of PVI Placements Innovative & creative ways of working Supportive relationships with clients Use theory-based counselling skills Strong focus on valuing diversity Group work & community analysis Initiative & an open approach to problem-solving & risk Flexible organisational structure & accountability Commitment to individual clients & holistic practice

Research Pilot Hypothesis: PVA placements have valuable pros for SW training & cons that need to be addressed Aim: to confirm or disprove that these are widespread issues needing further research Outcome: if hypothesis confirmed, pass on to academic team to follow through