You will learn about the role and functions of social work, including undertaking safeguarding enquiries under s42 of the Care Act 2014. Consideration will be given to the recommendations of Safeguarding Adult Reviews which take place when there may have been serious failings in protecting adults at risk of abuse and neglect.

You will examine the abuse of adults at risk and the central role of social work in adult safeguarding, including preventative work, recognition and identification of abuse, risk assessment and management, investigation, decision-making (incl. best interests decision making) and intervention. This will include revising and building your knowledge on the legislative framework espoused in the `Rights, Justice and Equality' module.

Models and theories of ageing, disability, mental health and distress, and their impact/influence on social work practice will be evidenced, and links will be made to the ‘Lifespan, Human Growth and Development’ module.

Multi-disciplinary and multi-agency working in the context of social work with adults will be explored, including exploration of the role and relationship with key partners: health, housing, regulators, third sector and criminal justice system.

You will examine the evidence base for social work with adults, including:
- The impact of social and psychosocial factors on those who use services.
- The impact of a range of professional social work interventions.
- The concerns and perspectives of those with lived experience of using services, including informal carers.

1) A written assignment (3500 words) weighted at 100%, assessing all LOs.

You will be required to demonstrate your:

- awareness of the links between research, policy and practice and your ability to apply and critically analyse theoretical perspectives;

- awareness of, and commitment to, anti-oppressive practice; and

- ability to apply and analyse research and guidance on working in partnership with adults and other professionals.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (65 hours)
Whole group sessions consisting of participatory lectures and presentations by experts to disseminate core knowledge and theoretical perspectives, including those arising from those with lived experience of using services. There will also be facilitated small group workshops on a given topic related to social work with adults. Simulation-based teaching, involving problem-based learning and role play will form part of the curriculum. You will also have an opportunity to learn from those with lived experience of social work.

Guided Independent Study: (235 hours)
170 hours – Preparation is required prior to each lecture and workshop. Time should also be allowed for individual preparation for the written assignment, library/internet research and use of VLE.
65 hours - Materials will be accessed through Blackboard / VLE to consolidate learning from sessions. These will mainly be found in the Module Workbook.

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 adults (SWE 1:7, 2:6; 3:1) (PCF domains 3, 4, 5, 8) Communication, Knowledge & understanding, Problem-solving

2. On completion of this module, you will be able to evaluate contemporary social work provision for adults, considering the evidence base for effective intervention (SWE 3.3; 3:4, 3:5, 3:7, 3:15) (PCF domains 1, 5, 6) Communication, Knowledge & understanding, Problem-solving

3. On completion of this module, you will be able to articulate the concepts of partnership working and empowerment with service users and other professionals (SWE 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 2:4, 3:6) (PCF domains 4, 7, 8, 9) Application, Analysis

4. On completion of this module, you will be able to apply theories to social work practice, identifying the impact of discrimination and oppression, including multiple oppression (SWE 1:5, 1:6, 3:5, 3:14) (PCF domains 2, 3, 5) Application, Analysis

5. On completion of this module, you will be able to analyse contemporary adult social work policy and its impact on social work and safeguarding provision (SWE 4:4) (PCF domains 3, 5, 6, 7). Application, Analysis

You can access your online reading list via Blackboard. There are weekly readings to complete before each session.
Please note that you will find additional articles and materials relevant to specific sessions on Blackboard within the learning materials folders of the relevant session. A variety of online journals and electronic books are also available and can be accessed through the library. However, please be mindful that you are reading material from high-quality sources and that they are current (i.e. from within the last five years or so).

Cooper, A. & White, E. (2017) Safeguarding Adults Under the Care Act 2014. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers Ltd.

Department for Health and Social Care (2022) Care Act 2014: Care and Support Statutory Guidance. London: The Stationary Office

Dix, H., Hollinrake, S. & Meade, J. (2019) Relationship-Based Social Work with Adults. St Albans: Critical Publishing Ltd.

Office of the Public Guardian (2007) Mental Capacity Act 2005 – Code of Practice: London: The Stationary Office.

Starns, B. (2019) Safeguarding Adults Together Under the Care Act 2014: A Multi-agency Practice Guide. St. Albans: Critical Publishing Ltd.

This module is open only to students enrolled on the BA (Hons) Social Work.

The module provides an opportunity to integrate your learning at Level Four (for example, in communication skills, social work law, theories, values and processes) into your understanding of social work practice in this field.

‘Working with and Safeguarding Adults at Risk’ explores social work policy and practise with adults. This is a broad field of work, which includes safeguarding, service provision for older people, disabled people, carers and those experiencing poor mental health. There will be a specific focus on the impact of ‘personalisation’ policies on the role of the social worker in safeguarding as defined within the Care Act 2014 and the accompanying statutory guidance.