1.¿On completion of this module, you will be able to evaluate complex issues, including the impact of trauma, diversity, discrimination and oppression both systematically and creatively, to make appropriate evidenced based decisions in social work

Professional standards 1.4, 3.3, 3.4, 3.15
PCF 1, 2, 3, 7

Analysis¿
Application¿
Knowledge & Understanding¿
Problem Solving

2. On completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate a critical application and evaluation of the legal framework and evidence base for social work practice in complex and unpredictable situations

Professional standards 1.2, 1.5, 1.6, 3.1, 3.3, 4.4
PCF 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8

Knowledge & Understanding¿
Problem Solving¿
Communication¿
Learning¿
Application

3. On completion of this module, you will be able to articulate and apply the concepts of partnership and empowerment with service users and professionals to assessment, intervention and decision making¿

Professional standards 1.1, 1.3, 3.9
PCF 4, 7, 8, 9

Communication¿
Application¿
Reflection

4. On completion of this module you will demonstrate critical awareness and evaluation of current research and scholarship on the concepts of risk, vulnerability and uncertainty to inform evidence-based decision making in social work practice across the lifespan

Professional standards 3.2, 3.4, 3.14, 4.3
PCF 2, 5, 6

Knowledge and understanding
Enquiry
Analysis

Formative Assessment:¿

Group discussions and role play during teaching and learning sessions¿with the service user and carer group¿to embed learning within the module and to prepare for summative assessment elements.¿

Summative Assessment (3 Elements)¿

Assessments one and two will assess learning outcomes 2, 3

Assessment three will assess learning outcomes 1 and 4

This module provides you with an introduction to a range of issues impacting on contemporary social work practice, and the evidence-base for social work practice in response to these issues.¿ The module will provide you with knowledge and critical understanding of:¿

The relationship between legislation, policy and social work practice to promote and protect the wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults.¿

Current decision-making tools used in social work practices settings and the evidence-base that informs and evaluates them.¿

The concepts of risk, vulnerability and uncertainty and their impact on social work practice

The perspectives of service users and the concept of working in partnership with service users to empower people using social care services.¿

Making evidence-based decisions is a fundamental element of social work practice. This module provides students with the opportunity to develop their critical understanding and skills in application of the legislative framework, theoretical perspectives and contemporary research, ensuring that upon completion, students can demonstrate a critical, creative and systematic approach to assessment, intervention and decision making in social work practice across the lifespan.

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 before each lecture and prepare thoroughly for these by utilising the materials on Blackboard.¿¿

64¿hours: Independent assignment¿/ 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 databases to identify relevant peer-reviewed academic journal articles and contemporary research, including from an international perspective. It is also recommended that you dedicate some of this time to producing a detailed plan to help you to structure your assignment.

Beckett, C. (2010) Assessment and Intervention in Social Work. London: Sage¿

Chisnell, C.¿and Kelly, C. (2019) Safeguarding in Social Work Practice: A Lifespan Approach.¿ Exeter: Learning Matters¿

Dyke, C. (2016) Writing Analytical Assessments in Social Work: Critical Skills for Social Work.¿Northwich: Critical Publishing¿

Milner, P. Myers, S. and O’Byrne, J. (2015) Assessment in Social Work.¿Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan¿

The British Journal of Social Work¿

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.

Students need to be enrolled on MA Social Work