1. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the statutory guidance and relevant social policies that underpin social work practice with adults.

Knowledge and Understanding

2. Analyse the evidence base for effective social work intervention with adults, including contemporary social work research, methods, theories, models and values.

Research Skills

Application and Problem Solving

3. Identify and evaluate appropriate methods and skills to work in partnership with adults at risk of abuse and neglect.

Critical Reasoning and Collaboration

4. Recognise and explain the impact of diversity, disadvantage, and discrimination on adults and carers who access social work services.

Communication

Application and Problem Solving

Formative Assessment:

You will have the opportunity to complete formative tasks throughout the module via a series of simulations you will engage with as a group where you can practice your social work skills and methods. The simulations are structured around the case study used in the assignment. Reflection and debrief sessions following the simulations will provide feedback to students on their application of knowledge, skills and behaviours relevant to the case study and therefore social work practice with adults and carers.

Summative assessment:

A small group discussion (no more than 5 students), again focused on the case study, led by an academic to explore your ability to communicate your ideas and share learning as part of a group. Students will be provided with a clear marking rubric to provide clarity on how this is assessed and will receive an individual grade for their contribution to the discussion.

1000-word written assignment based on a case study developed in partnership with key stakeholders.

Taking a rights-based, person centred approach this module will contextualise contemporary social work practice with adults and carers and provide you with the knowledge, skills, and values that form the foundation of evidence informed practice. Teaching and learning on the module will enable you to develop critical understanding of:

The role of the social worker in practice with adults and carers.

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.

A range of theoretical perspectives, methods, models, and contemporary research, and how these inform contemporary practice with adults.

Research into best practice in relation to working in partnership with service users who have specific needs such as, but not limited to, people who have a diagnosed mental health condition, neurodiversity or a physical or learning disability.

Multi-disciplinary and multi-agency working in the context of social work with adults.

The skills and methods required for effective intervention.

The concerns and perspectives of those with lived experience of using services, including informal carers.

The role of anti-racist and anti-oppressive practice in supporting adults and their carers

There will be a focus on safeguarding enquiries under s42 of the Care Act 2014. This will build on what has been learnt at Level 4 by focusing on statutory guidance and relevant policies. Consideration will also 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.

Informed by current research and collaboration with key stakeholders including people with lived experience, the module will also include analysis of the key contemporary issues in practice, and the evidence-base to inform social work interventions to respond to them.

This module provides an opportunity to integrate and build on your learning from Level 4 (for example, in communication skills, law, theories, values and processes). The teaching will explore social work policy, research and practise with adults. Teaching and learning will include participatory lectures seminars and workshops, as well as simulation-based learning. You can expect to learn from the experiences of experts in this field as well as those with lived experience of using health and social care services.

Scheduled teaching and learning activities:

During the classroom sessions there may be

Peer learning: Small group discussion to explore some of the key issues in greater depth.

Case-based learning: Realistic scenarios for critical thinking.

Simulated practice: Role-play multi-agency meetings.

Reflective groups: Peer discussion.

Guest speakers: Experienced practitioners and people with lived experience of social work

Directed Independent Study:

To consist of

Accessing online resources

Use of the VLE

Independent reading to consolidate the knowledge introduced in the scheduled teaching and learning session

Formative and summative assessment preparation

MacIntyre, G, Stewart, A and McCusker, P (2018) Safeguarding Adults. Key Themes and Issues.

Bloomsbury Academic

This text is relevant because it introduces students to core safeguarding principles, UK policy frameworks and multi‑disciplinary practices, helping Level 5 learners understand how evidence, legislation and professional judgement shape effective adult safeguarding

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

This book supports Level 5 study by emphasising the importance of relationship‑based practice, enabling students to recognise how evidence, values and interpersonal skills work together to support ethical and person‑centred work with adults.

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

This text is relevant because it clearly explains how safeguarding operates under the Care Act 2014, using practical examples and a multi‑agency focus that helps Level 5 students understand how evidence‑informed decisions are made collaboratively to protect adults at risk.

Spreadbury, K 2020, The Adult Safeguarding Practice Handbook, Policy Press, Bristol.

This handbook is relevant because it offers clear, practical guidance on contemporary safeguarding practice, helping Level‑5 students understand how evidence, professional judgement and legal duties work together to support effective and accountable decision‑making with adults at risk.

Simulation suites

Virti or other digital tools to support with phenomena or simulation-based learning