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

2. 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

3. 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?

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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