This module provides you with an introduction to a range of issues impacting on contemporary social work practice, and the evidence-base for social work practice in response to these issues. The module will provide you with knowledge and critical understanding of:
• The relationship between legislation, policy and social work practice to promote and protect the wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults.
• Current decision-making tools used in social work practices settings and the evidence-base that informs and evaluates them.
• The perspectives of service users and the concept of working in partnership with service users to empower people using social care services.

This module will include formative assessment through group discussions around evidence-based decision making and role plays with our service user and carer group to demonstrate knowledge and application of evidence based professional skills.

Summative assessment will be at the end of the module with three separate components, as described within the assessment details.

This module provides a unique opportunity to embed knowledge of evidence-based practice into a person-centred approach in an adults and children’s social work setting.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities (90 hours)
To include:
Scheduled learning and teaching activities. Tutorials will also be available on these days to support you in your learning and planning for assessment.

A day of assessed activities where you will be assessed in your role-play settings for assessment one and two.

A day to hand in your written reflective account for assessment three.

Independent Study (310 hours)
To include:
Online Directed Study (60 hours):
Pre-recorded webinars and reading materials for you to access within your 20% off-the-job training, designed to help direct you in your learning of this module.

Guided Independent Study (250):
Preparation for the scheduled learning sessions and individual preparation for the role play activities and written reflective assignment.
A range of materials will be made available to you and accessed through Blackboard/VLE.

• Beckett, C. (2010) Assessment and Intervention in Social Work. London: Sage
• Chisnell, C. and Kelly, C. (2019) Safeguarding in Social Work Practice: A Lifespan Approach. Exeter: Learning Matters
• Dyke, C. (2016) Writing Analytical Assessments in Social Work: Critical Skills for Social Work. Northwich: Critical Publishing
• Milner, P. Myers, S. and O’Byrne, J. (2015) Assessment in Social Work. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
• The British Journal of Social Work

Computer and Library facilities are available to all students enrolled at Staffordshire University, including those on apprenticeship courses.

This module is open only to those enrolled on the BA (hons) Social Work Integrated Degree Apprenticeship.

1. On completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the legal and social policy context of social work with children and with adults

(PCF 3, 4, 5, 8)
(KSB S4; K1; K2; K6; S11;; S14; S24; K20; K22)

2. On completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate application of evidence-based practice skills with children and with adults acknowledging the importance of recognising diversity, disadvantage and discrimination

(PCF 1, 2, 7)
(KSB S36; S37;; S38)

3. On completion of this module, you will be able to consider the evidence base for effective intervention, and evaluate contemporary social work provision drawing on social work methods, theories and models

(PCF 1, 5, 6)
(KSB S5; K4; K5; K10; S25; K14; K23; S44)

4. On completion of this module, you will be able to articulate the concepts and importance of partnership and empowerment with service users and professionals to inform assessment, intervention and decision making

(PCF 4, 7, 8, 9)
(KSB S5; S6; K3; S7; S8; S9; S10; K7; 9K8; K11; S26)

Formative Assessment:
Group discussions and role play during teaching and learning sessions with the service user and carer group to embed learning within the module and to prepare for summative assessment elements.

Summative Assessment (3 Elements)
Assessment One and Two:
Students will be required to complete two separate role play /professional conversation activities (one for adults, one for children) to demonstrate that they are able to apply the learning around the evidence-base for social work. These role plays/professional conversations are based around contemporary social work issues and created in partnership with local agencies as well as service users and carers. (Two separate role plays/conversations of 15 minutes each and weighted at 25% and 25% assessing Learning Outcomes 1 and 2). Feedback will be provided to students from the assessor and the service user/carer involved in the assessed task, in preparation for assessment three.

Assessment Three:
Students are required to write a reflective assignment to demonstrate that they are able to reflect on one aspect of evidence-based practice demonstrated in one of the role play settings. (1000 words weighted at 50% assessing Learning Outcomes 3 and 4).

Students must achieve a grade of 40% or above in all assessments to successfully pass the module.