Students
We are leading a number of areas of reform, from helping universities select the right people at interview, to advising on the curriculum, to ensuring that social workers in practice receive the support they need to operate effectively. This page provides guidance for student social workers on how the changes will affect them.
We have developed a range of membership services to support you in understanding and meeting professional standards.
Your social work degree and the Professional Capabilities Framework
The Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) was developed by the Social Work Reform Board (SWRB) and will be introduced in 2012 as the single way in which social workers should think about and plan their careers and professional development. It serves as a backdrop to both initial social work education and continuing professional development after qualification. The PCF has been developed by social workers for social workers. It is a ‘living’ document, in that it is likely to develop as the profession develops. It is owned by The College on behalf of the profession.
The PCF starts from the point at which you apply for a place on a social work course, as it advises admissions tutors on what evidence they should look out for when they select people.
During your course there will be four points of assessment:
- Entry requirements for social work education
- Readiness for direct practice
- End of placement one
- End of qualifying level/graduation
While you are on your qualifying course, you will find yourself working in partnership with a range of groups and people. These will include principally your tutors and practice educators, but also service users and carers. Working in partnership is the key to effective social work and the values that underpin professional practice.
Successful completion of your qualifying course will entitle you to apply to enter the professional register of social workers. At the moment this is held by the General Social Care Council, but it will pass to the newly named Health and Care Professions Council in the summer of 2012. Individual higher education institutions construct their courses differently, but all will help you to develop skills and knowledge essential for practising as a social worker, and will give you a minimum of 170 days in practice. You will need to pass all your assessments to pass the course and become a qualified social worker.
Completing your degree is not the end of your study
You will have to complete an assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE). This will help you to further develop the skills and knowledge you developed during your degree and prove to your current and future employers that you are ready for a career in social work. In order to remain registered, you will have to show that you have kept up-to-date by undertaking Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This will start with your assessed and supported year in employment. The exact form of what you do for CPD will be agreed between you and your employer. You can use the PCF and your appraisals to guide your choices.
The role of employers
Employers are key partners in the initial education process, they provide the placement opportunities needed, and ensure sufficient numbers of experienced practice educators are available to meet the needs of students.
During the ASYE, employers will also be expected to provide NQSWs with:
- weekly supervision for the first six weeks of employment and then
- fortnightly supervision for six months
- a case load which is appropriate to their newly qualified status.
The responsibilities of employers are set out in the Standards for employers of social workers in England and Supervision Framework which is held by the Local Government Association.