Social Work & Social Care Education and Training in the UK 3 rd July 2013

Background Context 2003: Social Work Degree introduced as the qualification for professional social work. 2003: Introduction of social work registration and regulation. The ‘Social Worker’ title becomes a reserved title in law. The social work regulator is local to each part of the UK 2006: Introduction of the new Post Qualifying Awards in Social Work 2009: The Social work Reform Board reports on its review of social work education and standards. It presents 15 recommendations.

Social Work Reform Board Recommendations 7 of the recommendations related specifically to social work education and career structure. 1.Calibre of Entrants: that the criteria governing the quality of entrants to social work education be strengthened. 2.Curriculum & Delivery: an overhaul of the content and delivery of social work degree courses. 3.Practice Placements: that new arrangements be put in place to provide high quality practice placements, which are properly supervised and assessed for social work students.

Social Work Reform Board Recommendations 4. Assessed & Supported Year in Employment: The creation of an assessed and supported year in employment as the final stage to becoming a social worker. 5.Regulation of Social Work Education: more transparent and effective regulation of social work education to give greater assurance of consistency and quality. 6.Continuing Professional Development: the creation of a more coherent and effective national framework for continuing professional development of social workers. 7. National Career Structure: the creation of a single, nationally recognised career structure for social work.

Entry Requirements Approximately 70 Universities offering Social Work Degree Programmes BA Degree: 240 UCAS points, 3 A2 Levels MA Degree: Good Honours BA at 2:1 level

Other Access Routes Foundation Degree Accredited Access Course Open University Distance Learning BA in Social Work has different entry criteria

Structure of the Social Work Degree Undergraduate BA (3 yrs) Post Graduate MA (2yrs) Combination of academic modules & Practice Learning Assessment is against the relevant levels for the PCF capabilities. –Fitness for direct practice –First placement –Final placement

Practice Learning Requirements Readiness for Direct Practice 5 – 10 day shadow placement 30 Skills Development Days University based Students complete a minimum of 2 periods of direct practice learning with at least 2 different service user groups First placement is 70 days duration Either statutory of non-statutory agency Final Placement is 100 days duration Statutory Social Work agency

Assessed & Supported Year in Employment Support for the Newly Qualified Social Worker Learning agreement signed at start of year, committing NQSW & employer to specified –Reflective supervision –Workload management –Professional Development Plan –Development time Assessed –through Capability Statements at ASYE level in the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) –Pass or Fail assessment Year –approximately twelve months of on-going growth and development

Any Questions Thank You