1.¿On completion of this module, you will be able to critically analyse the role and function of agencies that deliver social work services and the global, political and organisational factors that impact on this.

Professional standards: 3.8, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 6.2

PCF domains: 5. 8.

Knowledge and Understanding, Analysis

2.¿ On completion of this module, you will be able to apply theoretical perspectives in analysing the impact of global, political and organisational factors that impact on social work practice and those with experience of using social work/care services

Professional standards: 5.5, 6.2, 6.5

PCF domains: 2, 4, 5, 8.

Knowledge and Understanding, Application.

3. On completion of this module, you will be able to systematically evaluate strategies that social workers in England can use to overcome ethical dilemmas in practice.

Professional standards; 1.6, 2.7, 3.6, 3.7, 3.13, 4.5, 4.8, 6.2, 6.5

PCF: 1, 2, 5, 9

Problem Solving, Application.

Formative Assessment:
You will have the opportunity to complete formative tasks throughout the module. Teaching staff will provide you with formative feedback you submit completed tasks. You will also practice your use of social work skills and methods and gain feedback.

Summative assessment:
1. You will write a 3000-word assignment based on a ‘real world challenge’ encountered by social workers in contemporary practice, for example an ethical dilemma or contemporary practice issue that will enable you to evidence all learning outcomes.
The assessment element must be passed at a grade of 40 or above to successfully complete the module

This module commences towards the end of the course and aims to prepare you to be a professionally qualified social worker. The module themes reflect the real-world challenges of working in organisations that provide social work services, with a focus on work in the statutory sector. In addition, the module will explore the relationship between social workers, organisations, and the political context for practice in a globalised world.

Whilst the module content is dynamic and will reflect current issues and concerns, some of the main themes include developing and maintaining professional identity, understanding organisational culture and responding to changes in the workplace, particularly those that are shaped by the political context for practice. Wewill also cover management theories, how performance is measured and inspection regimes. In addition, teaching will also consider reporting concerns and dealing with complaints, and how practitioners can apply and maintain their professional values in changing or challenging practice contexts.

This module aims to prepare you to be a professionally qualified social worker. The themes of the module reflect the real-world challenges of working in organisations that provide social work services, with a focus onthe global, political and organisational that impact on social work, and the knowledge, skills and values that professional social workers can use to overcome ethical dilemmas or challenges that present in practice.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 39 hours

You will attend lectures on key topics. There will also be opportunities to work in small groups to discuss and explore some of the key issues raised in lectures in greater depth. You will be asked to take part in debates and discussions.

Guided Independent Study: 161 hours

Independent assignment / simulation-based role play preparation - you will need to undertake the necessary research and analysis to respond to the assignment question and role-play activity. You will be expected to have made use of academic databases to identify relevant peer-reviewed academic journal articles and contemporary research. It is also recommended that you dedicate some of this time to producing a detailed plan to help you structure your assignment.

Hughes, M. & Wearing, M. (2021) Organisations and Management in Social Work: Everyday Action for Change. 4th. London: Sage

Ferguson, I. Ioakimidis, V & Lavalette, M (2018) Global Social Work in a Political Context. Radical Perspectives. Bristol. Policy Press

Preston-Shoot, M. (2019) Making Good Decisions: Law for Social Work Practice. 2nd. London: Macmillan International

Sealey, C., Fillingham, J., & Unwin, P. (eds.) (2022) Social Policy, Service Users and Carers: Lived Experiences and Perspectives. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing

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.