The Government set out a commitment to establishing the role of Principal Social Worker (PSW) within adult services in July 2012. The College of SocialWork (TCSW) has been asked by the Department of Health to support the development of the role of PSW in adult services and to establish a network to promote implementation of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and the sharing of best...
(Original abstract)
The Government set out a commitment to establishing the role of Principal Social Worker (PSW) within adult services in July 2012. The College of SocialWork (TCSW) has been asked by the Department of Health to support the development of the role of PSW in adult services and to establish a network to promote implementation of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and the sharing of best practice. Although the establishment of PSWs in local authorities are likely to incur costs, this paper puts forward the case that any costs incurred will be far outweighed by the longer term gains across adult social care. It sets out how the PSW will play a key role in professional accountability, practice leadership and quality assurance. It is one of series of papers published by The College of SocialWork investigating the moral and financial case for investing in adult social work.
(Original abstract)
Subject terms:
social workers, social work, adult social care, professional role, leadership, local authorities, quality assurance;
It is also concluded that relevant social work should only be undertaken by registered social workers and that social workers should provide professional leadership for adult social care. It is one of series of papers published by The College of SocialWork investigating the moral and financial case for investing in adult social work...
(Original abstract)
This discussion paper looks at what social work in adult social care is in law and what is required of registered social workers in adult social care in England. The paper draws on a desk review of the law which includes the recent submission by the Law Commission to the review of adult social care and a consultation with 112 social workers and two student social workers from five local authorities. The consultation asked social workers to comment on the description of social work in adults social care, and asked whether this work should be done by registered social workers; the relationship between social work and the whole of adult care; and governance arrangements for social work. The report provides a definition of social work in adult social care and provides some key principles. It is also concluded that relevant social work should only be undertaken by registered social workers and that social workers should provide professional leadership for adult social care. It is one of series of papers published by The College of SocialWork investigating the moral and financial case for investing in adult social work.
(Original abstract)
Subject terms:
social work, social workers, adult social care, professional role, law, professional registration, leadership, local authorities;
...in their statutory duties to their residents resulting in both financial and reputational risks. It also supports the case for employing only qualified social workers to carry out social work task. It is one of series of papers published by The College of SocialWork investigating the moral and financial case for investing in adult social work.
(Original abstract)
Drawing on a consultation with 112 social workers and two student social workers in England, this discussion paper sets out to define statutory social work with adults and establish how the contribution of social work supports councils’ legal obligations to local residents. Social workers were asked two questions: Should relevant social work be undertaken only by social workers and if so, why?; and Should social work provide professional leadership for all adult social care? The responses are discussed under the broad themes of: Care standards; the nature of the social work role; professional accountability; and assessment and practice governance. It argues saving money on social work with adults is a false economy and that that local authorities which under-invest in social work risk failing in their statutory duties to their residents resulting in both financial and reputational risks. It also supports the case for employing only qualified social workers to carry out social work task. It is one of series of papers published by The College of SocialWork investigating the moral and financial case for investing in adult social work.
(Original abstract)
Subject terms:
social work, social workers, professional role, adult social care, local authorities, law, accountability;
Holistic assessment is an approach to assessing learning, performance and progression of social workers, taking into account the nine capabilities from the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF). This paper sets out the key principles for holistic assessment, outlines its practical application, and how it can be quality assured. The statement has been developed in partnership with Skills for Care and the Higher Education Academy, and in discussion with the Department of Health.
(Original abstract)
Holistic assessment is an approach to assessing learning, performance and progression of social workers, taking into account the nine capabilities from the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF). This paper sets out the key principles for holistic assessment, outlines its practical application, and how it can be quality assured. The statement has been developed in partnership with Skills for Care and the Higher Education Academy, and in discussion with the Department of Health.
(Original abstract)
Subject terms:
social work, social workers, staff appraisal, quality assurance, skills;
This Advice Note sets out the essential contribution of social workers, both to the lives of the people who need and use their services and to the teams and organisations within which they work. The intention is to give core examples of social workers’ roles and functions in the context of the situations in which they are required, both in adults’ and children’s services, and that these are suited to their level of experience. An introduction summarises the role, expectations and values of social work, taking into account the multidisciplinary context in which many social workers operate. The next section (Part 1) sets out the situations in which social workers should be deployed; it gives examples of the roles and functions they are required to perform in these situations, and in which their social work skills, knowledge and expertise are relevant. Five situations are considered: responding to complex needs; effective safeguarding and risk management; addressing adversity and social exclusion; promoting independence and autonomy; and prevention and early intervention. Part 2 shows how the responsibilities of social workers should be aligned with their capabilities as defined by the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF): Newly-Qualified Social Worker; Social Worker; Experienced Social Worker; Advanced Social Worker; and Strategic Social Worker. It notes that a social worker’s level of capability will depend on the ability to manage issues such as risk, complexity and decision-making.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This Advice Note sets out the essential contribution of social workers, both to the lives of the people who need and use their services and to the teams and organisations within which they work. The intention is to give core examples of social workers’ roles and functions in the context of the situations in which they are required, both in adults’ and children’s services, and that these are suited to their level of experience. An introduction summarises the role, expectations and values of social work, taking into account the multidisciplinary context in which many social workers operate. The next section (Part 1) sets out the situations in which social workers should be deployed; it gives examples of the roles and functions they are required to perform in these situations, and in which their social work skills, knowledge and expertise are relevant. Five situations are considered: responding to complex needs; effective safeguarding and risk management; addressing adversity and social exclusion; promoting independence and autonomy; and prevention and early intervention. Part 2 shows how the responsibilities of social workers should be aligned with their capabilities as defined by the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF): Newly-Qualified Social Worker; Social Worker; Experienced Social Worker; Advanced Social Worker; and Strategic Social Worker. It notes that a social worker’s level of capability will depend on the ability to manage issues such as risk, complexity and decision-making.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
social workers, professional role, professional conduct, good practice;
Social Work Matters (e-Magazine), October 2013, pp.16-19. Online only
Publisher:
The College of SocialWork
This article summarises key findings from a small survey conducted by the Personal Social Services Research Unit (PSSRU) with four advocacy projects in England to investigate the economic case for advocacy for parents with learning disabilities. The survey provided 17 case studies and a project level information. Simple decision modelling techniques were used to investigate the economic case for advocacy. The findings suggested that investment in advocacy could offset their costs, achieve positive returns, improved quality of life for parents and positive child outcomes. Two short case studies are also included.
(Original abstract)
This article summarises key findings from a small survey conducted by the Personal Social Services Research Unit (PSSRU) with four advocacy projects in England to investigate the economic case for advocacy for parents with learning disabilities. The survey provided 17 case studies and a project level information. Simple decision modelling techniques were used to investigate the economic case for advocacy. The findings suggested that investment in advocacy could offset their costs, achieve positive returns, improved quality of life for parents and positive child outcomes. Two short case studies are also included.
(Original abstract)
Subject terms:
advocacy, parents with learning disabilities, cost effectiveness, outcomes, voluntary sector;
Social Work Matters (e-Magazine), October 2013, pp.20-22. Online only
Publisher:
The College of SocialWork
This article draws on the recent SCIE publication 'Effective supervision in social work and social care' to highlight existing evidence on the effectiveness of staff supervision in social work and social care. It also highlights the positive results from the CWDC's Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) programme for child and family social workers (2008-11) which used the 4x4x4 integrated model of reflective supervision. Those NQSWs who had their full entitlement to reflective supervision scored significantly better on key outcomes, including greater role clarity, higher job satisfaction, and lower role conflict.
(Original abstract)
This article draws on the recent SCIE publication 'Effective supervision in social work and social care' to highlight existing evidence on the effectiveness of staff supervision in social work and social care. It also highlights the positive results from the CWDC's Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) programme for child and family social workers (2008-11) which used the 4x4x4 integrated model of reflective supervision. Those NQSWs who had their full entitlement to reflective supervision scored significantly better on key outcomes, including greater role clarity, higher job satisfaction, and lower role conflict.
(Original abstract)
Subject terms:
newly qualified social workers, reflective practice, staff supervision, outcomes, models;
Social Work Matters (e-Magazine), October 2013, pp.22-24. Online only
Publisher:
The College of SocialWork
The author looks at the different interpretations of interprofessional working and then challenges the perceived wisdom that interprofessional working ought to be the default position in seeking positive outcomes in safeguarding. Whilst interprofessional working may often be the best way of working, but this may not necessarily be the case. Some examples of possible conflicts are put forward.
(Edited publisher abstract)
The author looks at the different interpretations of interprofessional working and then challenges the perceived wisdom that interprofessional working ought to be the default position in seeking positive outcomes in safeguarding. Whilst interprofessional working may often be the best way of working, but this may not necessarily be the case. Some examples of possible conflicts are put forward.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
child protection, interprofessional relations, joint working, social workers;
Social Work Matters (e-Magazine), November 2013, pp.10-13. Online only
Publisher:
The College of SocialWork
A small team in West Sussex is helping to provide the answers for people who have a form of autism that otherwise would fail to meet the council threshold for support. Targeted at people aged 18-65, the service is based within the Council's prevention assessment team (PAT) and provides information, support and signposting to services within the community. It also provides additional support for those with the greatest need. The author talks to two of the social workers involved in the service.
(Original abstract)
A small team in West Sussex is helping to provide the answers for people who have a form of autism that otherwise would fail to meet the council threshold for support. Targeted at people aged 18-65, the service is based within the Council's prevention assessment team (PAT) and provides information, support and signposting to services within the community. It also provides additional support for those with the greatest need. The author talks to two of the social workers involved in the service.
(Original abstract)
Subject terms:
local authorities, social workers, autism, adults, eligibility criteria, autistic spectrum conditions;
Social Work Matters (e-Magazine), November 2013, pp.18-19. Online only
Publisher:
The College of SocialWork
With clinical commissioning underway, the authors draw on the findings of a literature review which examined the relationships between general practitioners and social workers in adult social care. The review was also supplemented with interviews with key national and local stakeholders. The findings highlight some of the factors hindering and helping joint working between general practitioners and social workers. The study was funded by the NIHR School for Social Care Research.
(Original abstract)
With clinical commissioning underway, the authors draw on the findings of a literature review which examined the relationships between general practitioners and social workers in adult social care. The review was also supplemented with interviews with key national and local stakeholders. The findings highlight some of the factors hindering and helping joint working between general practitioners and social workers. The study was funded by the NIHR School for Social Care Research.
(Original abstract)