This module will introduce students to the historical, social policy and legal context of social work practice. You will learn how social welfare policies and the legislative framework which underpins them, inform and direct statutory social work interventions; in addition to studying the relationship between the political present and contemporary social work practice.¿ The module will consider how legislation is developed, emphasising the role Serious Case Reviews have played in the creation and progression of social work legislation, social policy and practice.

You will study legislation in relation to Human Rights, Equality, Confidentiality, Safeguarding Children, Safeguarding Adults and Mental Health in this module, and apply this to practice. You will explore the links between practice underpinned by the appropriate legislative framework, the wider political and social policy context and the lived experiences of service users. These issues will be explored in greater depth in the second year of the award, during the Safeguarding Across Lifespan module, which deals with the practical application of social work legislation in social work practice.

Formative assessment

5 minute talking head video focusing on a piece of legislation or policy which guides social work practice, for example Human Rights legislation, UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Welfare Reform, or Asylum.

Summative assessment:

3 x examinations (Covering adult’s, children's and mental health law) assessing LOs 1 &3

Academic poster (Maximum 1000 words) assessing LO 2 Demonstrating critical knowledge and evaluation of the application of a piece of legislation or policy to Social Work practice.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (36 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 and to design informal presentations to your peers (in small groups).

Guided Independent Study: (164 hours)

100 hours: Independent reading - You will be expected to read the recommended reading, law texts and Serious Case Reviews before each lecture and prepare thoroughly for these by utilising the materials on Blackboard.

64 hours: Independent assignment preparation - You will need to undertake the necessary research and analysis to gain a thorough knowledge of the basics of key social work legislation and its resultant practice. You will be expected to have made use of databases to identify relevant peer-reviewed academic texts to inform your understanding and prepare for the summative written examination assessment at the end of this module.

1. On completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the legislative framework for Social Work practice
Professional Standards 1.2, 1.6, 1.7, 2.6, 4.4,
PCF 2, 4, 5, 7, 8

1, Knowledge and Understanding
2, Learning


2. On completion of this module, you will be able to critically evaluate the relationship between law, social policy and social work practice in both the UK and the wider global context, including the way in which this is applied to uphold individual rights and dignity.
Professional Standards 1.5, 1.6, 4.4,
PCF 2, 4, 5

3, Enquiry
4, Analysis
7, Application


3. On completion of this module, you will demonstrate critical understanding and evaluation of the legislative framework and its practical application in a range of contexts for practice
Professional Standards 1.7, 2.2, 3.1, 3.3, 4.4,
PCF 2, 3, 4, 5

5, Problem solving
6, Communication
7, Application

During this module, you will be encouraged to utilise Microsoft Teams and Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to support your learning. You will be invited to collaborate with students and academic staff virtually through Microsoft Teams. 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.

Brammer, A (2019) Social Work Law 5th. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.

Johns, R. (2020) Using the Law in Social Work (8th edn.) London: Learning Matters

Cunningham, J. & Cunninigham, S. (2017) Social Work and Social Policy (2nd edn.) London: Sage

Golightly, M. & Goemans, R. (2017) Social Work and Mental Health (6th edn.) London: Sage

Rogers, J. Bright, L & Davis, H. (2015) Social Work with Adults London: Sage

Davis, L. & Duckett, N. (2016) Proactive Child Protection and Social Work London: Sage

Students need to be enrolled on MA Social Work.

The foundation of statutory social work practice is primary legislation which imposes statutory duties and powers on social workers and their employers. Therefore, it is important that social workers understand how the contemporary social, political and legal context of social work provision impacts on social work practice. The Social Work Law module aims to provide social work students with an understanding of key social work legislation as well as the social and political issues with impact upon and direct legislative change and its resultant social policy and social work practice.