Applicants must be registered social workers with the HCPC.

Poster Presentation - assesses all LO's

Additional Assessment Details:
Students will present a poster illustrating a case in which they demonstrate their developing statutory role as a specialist social worker. The poster will include
- an outline of the case, including a precis of the relevant legal, policy and ethical framework
- a critical rationale for and evaluation of the effectiveness of main decisions taken within the case
- the influence of professional and organisational factors and their impact on the utility of partnership, empowerment and participation models in supporting effective outcomes
- An annotated reference list outlining any key research or other evidence used to support the case

Both elements of assessment must be passed to complete the module.

Formative Assessment:
Verbal and written feedback from presenting a case study which illustrates the statutory role of the specialist social worker
Verbal and written feedback on the students poster plan

The aim of this module is to support and enable Social Workers to enhance their skills in researching, critically evaluating and applying law, social policy and emerging legal frameworks within Social Work Services. The module will also enable students to gain greater critical rationale for creative decision making within the legal and ethical framework. Students will be facilitated to critically explore
- the scope and limitations of law and policy as it relates to their own area of practice
- the philosophy and values which link to effective preventative and safeguarding work with vulnerable people
- the impact of exclusion, oppression and poverty on service users
- the statutory role of the Specialist Social worker with service users
- models of participation, partnership and empowerment within the legal framework
As part of the learning on this module, students will present for discussion an analysis of a case from their practice which focuses on their developing statutory role.

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding and application of the contemporary and emerging legal and policy frameworks that inform practice (Analysis, Knowledge and Understanding)

2. Critically evaluate the research evidence and policy that guides the statutory role as a specialist social worker considering it?s utility for decision making within this role (Enquiry)

3. Justify the values based and ethical decision making taken within a legal and policy framework which is creative in meeting challenges when empowering and safeguarding people (Probel Solving)

4. Critically evaluate models of participation, partnership and empowerment within the legal framework recognising any professional and organisational factors that influence their use in creating effective person centred outcomes (Communication)

Brammer A (2015) Social Work Law. (4th edition) Harlow, Pearson
Brayne, H. & Carr, H (2012) Law for Social Workers. Harlow, Pearson
Laird, S. (2010) Practical social Work Law. Harlow, Pearson
Payne, M (2005) Modern Social Work Theory- Palgrave Macmillan

Access to Library and student support services.
Blackboard VLE.
Module and personal tutor.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (12 hours)
Lecturer/Student Contact Hours: Students will engage in interactive learning and teaching strategies including interactive lectures, which includes an assignment workshop (12 hrs)

Guided Indepdendent Study: (138 hours)
30 hours Online group work, group discussion and seminar presentations
15 hours Reflection on the impact of the law on their own specialist area of practice
75 hours Critical analysis of the legal framework in relation to an individual case within their specific practice setting, incorporating up to date legislation, and recent case law, augmented by research evidence
18 hours Access to learning materials and discussion group on Blackboard