3. BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER: Working Together to Ensure that Social Work Students are Fit to Practice
WHY did things need to change?
“You’ll do that at University” vs “You’ll do that on placement” – Tension between academia and training.
Teaching Staff - up to date with research but ‘slippage’ in terms of direct current SW practice methods.
Ability for SW’s to apply current research in a more coherent way to their practice
ASYE program for newly qualified SW’s not accredited at post-graduate level and inconsistent offer across LA’s.
Limited Career Progression for SW’s who did not wish to pursue a Management Role.
Reduced LA employability due to lack of statutory placement opportunities for students.
Recognition of the need to involve Service Users in a more meaningful way.
WHERE are we now?
We work together to deliver high quality training for social work students and qualified social workers in order to help them to develop the skills they need to work effectively in front line statutory services.
WHO are the key Partners?
Creation of the South Yorkshire Teaching Partnership (SYTP) - a joint collaboration between the UoS, Sheffield CC, Barnsley MBC, Rotherham MBC, Lincolnshire Children’s Services and Doncaster CST. SYTP is being supported by the DfE/DoH to test and refine new and innovative approaches to delivering high quality training for social work students and qualified practitioners.
WHAT next?
Introduction of the Research Mindedness Group Supervision facilitated by University Academic staff
Further Development of the Advanced Practitioner Framework
Development of an Assessed and Supported Year for Aspiring Managers
Piloting of Practice Champions in Adults Services
Further development of the Social Work Education Panel, to support service users and carer involvement in curriculum development and delivery
HOW have we done it?
SW Practitioners directly involved in University teaching , and University teachers supported to spend time back in practice
Formation of joint groups to oversee key areas, including: Curriculum Development; Practice and Placement Development; Research; and Workforce Planning and Development.
Joint funded practice consultant posts x2
Guaranteed Statutory Placements for all Social Work students.
Development of the Advanced Practitioner Framework. All modules are accredited and social workers can therefore build up credits towards a range of postgraduate qualifications including a Postgraduate Certificate or an MA. Over 100 people have so far registered for APF modules, and 75 ASYE’s have registered for the portfolio accreditation
Service Users Involved in Student Interviews / UoS staff involved in qualified SW interviews for LA