1.¿ On completion of this module, you will be able to describe the relationship between law, social policy and social work practice, including the way in which this is applied to uphold individual rights and dignity.

Professional standards
PCF 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8

Knowledge and understanding, Analysis

2.¿ On completion of this module, you will be able to apply the legislative framework to a range of contexts for practice

Professional standards
PCF 1, 2, 4, 5, 8

Application

3. On completion of this module, you will be able to describe the ethical dilemmas that can present when applying the law in practice.

Professional standards
PCF 1,2, 4, 5, 8

Problem solving, Analysis

Formative Assessment:
Group work
Whole group discussion and debate

Summative assessment:
2000-word academic poster demonstrating application of law to two family members from an intergenerational case study designed in partnership with people with lived experience of social work.

This module will build on the knowledge developed in the Foundations of Law module. You will explore the links between the legislative framework, social policy and social work practice across each of the three major social work disciplines, and how the appropriate legislation can be applied in practice to safeguard, promote and uphold the safety, wellbeing and human rights of people who access social work services. You will be introduced to the relationship between the socio-political context and the lived experiences of individuals and groups, particularly those who are marginalised or excluded in contemporary society. This will include an exploration of the ethical dilemmas that present in practice, and how the legal framework including case law, can support to resolve these, alongside social work values and practice skills.

All assessment elements must be passed at a grade of 40 or above to successfully complete the module.

Legislation is the legal foundation for Social Work practice. It is critical that social workers understand the way in which the contemporary social, political and legal context underpins practice and how this have evolved over time. The Law in Practice module will build on the Foundations of Law module to provide you with the knowledge required to apply the legislative framework to practice and begin to critically consider the ethical dilemmas this can present.

Scheduled teaching and learning activities: 39 hours
To consist of
39 hours of whole group sessions which will include participatory lectures and presentations by the module tutors, and where appropriate, people with lived experience of social work.

Directed Independent study: 161 hours
To consist of
Accessing online resources
Use of the VLE
Independent reading to consolidate the knowledge introduced in the scheduled teaching and learning sessions
Formative and summative assessment preparation

Carr, H & Goosey, D (2021) Law for Social Workers (16th ed) Oxford. OUP Oxford
Johns, R (2020) Using the Law in Social Work. London: Sage
Golightly, M & Goemans, R (2017) Social Work and Mental Health (6th ed). London: Sage
Rogers, J, Bright, L & Davis, H (2015) Social Work with Adults. London: Sage
Davis, L and Duckett, N (2016) Proactive Child Protection and Social Work. London: Sage

You will have access to a range of materials on Blackboard VLE including articles, lecture slides, and interactive activities. You will also be able to access a variety of digital material through our library and specialist databases.