Because of its emphasis on developing an understanding of the legislative, policy and theoretical framework this module will have a combination of interactive core lectures and specialist seminars including presentations from older people and service providers (60%). In order that students are enabled to utilise the knowledge and skills gained to explore innovative practice within their specialist setting small problem focused group work and workshops will also be included in the module (30%). Group and individual tutorial support will also be provided (10%)

Independent Learning: 120 hours
Independent learning time will be utilised to undertake independent study around the chosen area of focus (50%). This will be extended into preparation for the module assessment, including reflective discussions around the chosen area of development with an experienced practitioner in the field. Students will gain additional support for their learning using Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) (10%).

The aim of this module is to enable students to examine critically the context of complex social work practice with older people. This will include appraising the legislative framework which underpins practice, the national and local policies and guidance, the influence of best evidence, and service-user and carer experience and aspirations.
The voice of the older person will be central to the module and older people will contribute to the teaching and learning. In small group work students will be facilitated to critically explore the challenges of promoting quality of life, taking into account experience throughout the life course and the transitions of late life, and discussing different ways of ensuring and evaluating that these are fully embedded in holistic assessment and social work practice. The complexity of multi-agency and multi professional working with the aim of supporting older people in the environment of their choice will underpin the module and the tensions and opportunity for creativity at the interface of the health and social care systems will be analysed.
Practitioners may come from a variety of contexts and will reflect on their current specialist experience and build upon learning to generate models of good practice. There will be opportunity to examine contemporary issues and challenges and to evaluate some of the innovations in service provision which have been developed to support the preventative and rehabilitative agenda. Service providers who have developed more creative solutions will be invited to debate the challenges and opportunities presented by the current policy drivers.

Seminar presentation (30%) 20 minutes - assesses Learning outcomes 2 and 3
Seminar Paper (70%) 2,000 words - assesses learning outcomes 1 and 2

In the seminar students will present their plan for a service development that aims to support and improve the quality of life of older people. The seminar will include a discussion of how the service development provides a creative solution for identified current practice problems. The seminar will be presented to their student peer group and invited members of the user and carers group and tutor.

Students will also submit a 2000 word seminar paper which provides a critical evaluation of the legislative, policy and theoretical framework, including the challenges, considerations and knowledge deficits that influenced the creation of their service development plan, identifying how they would address any potential impact that changing agenda may have on its management.

Formative assessment:
Feedback from tutor and peers on presentation of problem brought to groupwork session plus tutorial support and feedback.

If student is undertaking full specialist award then must be a qualified social worker, registered with the GSCC.
Must be currently working in the relevant context for specialist practice route.
Will have an identified assessor to support work based development and application.

Bond, J. (2004) Quality of Life and Older People. Buckingham, Open University Press. ISBN 033520872X
Department of Health (2005) Independence, Wellbeing and Choice. London HMSO
Department of Health (2006) Our Health, Our Care, Our Say. London HMSO
Philips, J., Ray, M. & Marshall, M. (2006) Social Work with Older People. Basingstoke, Palgrave. ISBN 1403916136
Reed, J., Stanley, S. & Clarke, C.(2004) Health, Wellbeing and Older People. Bristol Policy Press. ISBN 9781861344212

Audio visual aids and equipment: laptop PC and data projector, OHP and flipchart, television monitor and DVD or video player.
Appropriate rooms for small group work
Peer group within action learning set
Module and personal tutor.
PC with internet access, access to Blackboard VLE