Enabling Resilience in Practice Learning in Northern Ireland A systemic approach to practice learning in the Non-governmental sector. Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. Henry Ford

Extern’s vision is that everyone can make a positive contribution to society Extern's mission is to improve lives and make communities safer Established in Northern Ireland in 1978 Established in Republic of Ireland in 2004 18,000 people supported in 17/18 520 staff Leading provider of placements for social work students in NI in voluntary sector Turnover: £17m

People we support: People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness Vulnerable children, young people and their families People who are living with an addiction People who are refugees People from the Traveller community People who are resettling in the community after a period in prison Our services demonstrate we believe in: An inclusive and fair society; Keeping children and their families together; Reducing offending and the impact of offending on victims and the community; Helping people to have somewhere to live; Helping people to be better equipped to live and contribute to their community.

Extern’s Practice Development Team “The Learning Hub” 3 social work staff members. Professional associates. Designated Practice Learning Provider. 10 Associated Practice Learning Providers. Develops 6plus new placement sites per year. Co-ordinates and average of 120 practice learning placements per year in the voluntary sector. 40 placements per year in Extern and associates. Placements in family and childcare, mental health, education, community development, homelessness, justice. 8-10 International social work placements per year. 7 new Practice Teachers (PGDip) trained per year. 40 to 50 post qualifying social work submissions per year. Extern Practice Development Team Extern Learning and Development Service Extern DPLP Network of APLPs Practice Learning Centre / Student Unit Voluntary Organisations' Communication and Learning Service Voluntary Sector Post Qualifying Social Work Initiative Vbook 25 years in social work education

NI Social Work Professional Development Process Teaching Prep for practice 85 day practice learning 2 practice learning based essays 100 day practice learning Degree in Social Work 2/3 years Practice Development Days Assessed Year in Employment Post qualifying social work / Professional in Practice Framework

NI Social Work Degree Partnership Health and Social Care Trust x 5 Universities/FE x 2 Voluntary sector 20 Designated Practice Learning Providers s + Associate Providers Probation Board NI Youth Justice Agency Education Authority NI

Service User The Practice Learning Ecosystem Regulator - NISCC Social Work Degree Partnership and PiP Partnership Voluntary Sector PL Network Extern Practice Development Team Student Unit Practice Teacher Student Service User The Practice Learning Ecosystem

Regional Allocation Extern DPLP site Non N.I. Extern P.D.T. APLP site Coordination Representation Induction Trouble shooting Practice Teachers Evaluation Student support Brokering opps. Training Funding Standardisation Consultancy Governance Teaching Site development Policy dev. Assessment PT Support

A resilient ecology for practice learning Key PDT principles of; High expectations and high support Efficient, effective networks and mutually beneficial collaborations. Hope, optimism, self-belief and a sense of purpose. Critical reflection and continuous learning. A problem-solving approach. Taking responsibility. Resilience….. Sense of purpose Critical analysis Support networks Problem solving Interdependence

Support & Accountability adapted from Cornell University TCI Post Crisis Response Training High accountability / Low support High Support / High Accountability Low Support / Low accountability High Support / Low accountability Strong processes Committed and capable people

Ascendency Alienation Ascendency Apathy Anarchy Strong processes Committed and capable people

Key concepts in resilience: Strong social support networks The presence of at least one unconditionally supportive person A committed mentor or other person Positive experiences A sense mastery and a belief that one’s own efforts can make a difference Participation in a range of activities that promote self-esteem The capacity to re-frame adversities so that the beneficial as well as the damaging effects are recognised The ability – or opportunity – to “make a difference” by helping others Not to be excessively sheltered from challenging situations which provide opportunities to develop coping skills

Some actions to support ascendency and resilience Relationships matter. Personal, local and strategic. Good governance. Kiazen - continuous improvement, step by step, little by little, always learning. Creativity and speed of response. Ongoing placement development and refresh. Building stock and options for students. Involving employers in the practice learning network. Diversity – placements, practice teachers, on-site supervisors Standardisation of placements and practice teachers. Not for profit, investment and adding value. Student induction, supervision, training and support. Student evaluation (induction, mid, end) Student advocate. Student, practice teacher and on-site support and training.

Some actions to support ascendency and resilience Succession and professional development, e.g. on-sites. Quid pro quo – mutuality (e.g. coaching, consultancy, information, validation and membership, income, routes to training and development ) Brokering / matchmaking relationships, opportunities, resources, information, etc. A “no problem”, constructive response and approach. Profile - A respected voluntary sector voice, representation and advocacy. Challenging stereotypes of the non governmental sector. Influencing policy and regulation. Enabling social workers fit for our employers. Ongoing professional development and employment pathways for employees. Extending and evolving the system and network

Professionalism Mission and purpose Meets a need Passion, enthusiasm Effectiveness Rewarding Impact

Discussion Thank you gillian.mcauley@extern.org ciaran.traynor@extern.org