Practice Learning “Everybody’s Business” Working with Fathers 5 th April 2005 Nicky Horn North West change Agent Practice Learning Taskforce

Aims of Social Work Reform Reflect the needs of service users and carers for a high quality service Equip the profession fully for its future role and tasks Provide joint working with other professions Improve the quality and the status of social work education

CAPABLE, CONFIDENT SOCIAL CARE STAFF Training and Education Quality Initiatives Codes of Practice Registration National Occupational Standards Recruitment Developing People

The New Social Work Degree All about learning to practice Assessed preparation 200 days practice learning (split over 2/3 years) Experience of: At least 2 practice settings At least 2 service user groups Statutory social work

Who are we? Change Agents in 9 regions Taskforce Administrator Project Manager Carol Holloway Director Mike Leadbetter Minister Stephen Ladyman Funded by Hosted by

Why create the Taskforce ? Severe shortage of practice learning opportunities Degree increases number of practice learning days (Dip SW was 130 – degree 200) Recruitment campaign to increase number of social work students Lack of diversity and some poor quality

Who are our Partners? Employers- local authorities,other public services, voluntary and private sector agencies Higher Education Institutions Users and Carers GSCC,SCIE,TOPSS,DH, CSCI

Creating the Right Climate Performance Indicator  core activity  greater attention to own provision  supporting practice learning in private and voluntary sectors and/or in health and education Increased Funding  Daily Fee 2003/ /06 Statutory sector £12£18 Voluntary/Private sector £20£28 covers planning, providing and assessment

Creating the Right Climate Learning Resource Centres  Total of 50 by 2005/06  Focus on social work training for first 2 years Inspection Framework Partnership work to incorporate workforce planning and practice learning Practice Assessors  Final assessment is undertaken by experienced, qualified social worker  Continuum of practice assessors

Benefits from providing Practice Learning Organisation: Energy, enthusiasm, new ideas and fresh perspective Potential future recruits with experience of work with fathers Contribute and influence social work training Daily Placement fee Can undertake a project or do direct work with children and fathers Student: Experience of diverse settings/good practice Contact with Fathers Chance to reflect on the issues affecting fathers

Contact for Further Information Nicky Horn Change Agent North West Region Tel: Mobile: Website: