1. On completion of this module, you be able to demonstrate a critical awareness and evaluation of current research, and advanced scholarship in the discipline to inform critical analysis of the structural, cultural, and professional issues facing organisations that undertake social work tasks

Professional standards 6.2
PCF 2, 3, 5,8

Analysis

2. On completion of this module, you will demonstrate systematic application of theoretical concepts and models to explain how organisations that undertake social work tasks function both nationally and internationally

Professional standards 3.6, 4.2.
PCF 5, 8

Application
Knowledge and understanding

3. On completion of this module, you will critically reflect on the organisational factors which impact on multi-agency and multi-professional working.

Professional standards 3.6; 3.7
PCF 7, 8

Reflection

4. On completion of this module, you will evaluate complex issues both systematically and creatively to inform and articulate an evidence-based professional opinion and challenge unfair decision making.

Professional standards 2.1; 2.7; 3.1-3; 3.5-9; 3.13; 6.2; 6.5
PCF 1, 5, 7, 8, 9

Communication
Problem solving

The written assignment will require you to reflect on the organisation/team that provided your first placement.

You are asked to write a 3000-word assignment to demonstrate your knowledge, understanding, application of theory, and analysis against the learning outcomes for this module.

You are also required to take the lead in a 20 minute assessed role play where you will be challenging an unfair decision which has been made by a senior manager. You will need to advocate on behalf of the service user, making effective use of evidence and research to justify your professional opinion. You will be expected to communicate effectively and professionally during this role play as well as demonstrating social work values.

This module provides builds upon the foundations of the ‘Critical Perspectives on Social Work and Society’ module. We will consider some of the sociological perspectives already covered to help us to explore the professional identity of a social worker in a variety of contexts including the statutory, private, and voluntary sectors. Further to this, we will explore theoretical explanations of the way organisations function. Consideration will also be given to international perspectives to broaden our understanding of how social work services are delivered around the world. Throughout the module, students will be encouraged to engage with research from the United Kingdom and the rest of the world.

In this module, the roles of other professionals and managerial staff within organisations also are examined. There will also be a focus on policies and processes including mechanisms for organisational accountability (supervision, caseload management, performance indicators, the roles of Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission, and other regulatory bodies). There will be a focus on the role of a social worker in challenging decisions and promoting the rights of service users in organisations. Relationships with other professionals from other agencies (including multi-disciplinary and multi-agency services) will also be covered.

Social workers work in a variety of organisations - from small voluntary organisations to large and complex agencies like the NHS or Local Government. This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand how these organisations work, and the strengths and weaknesses of different types of organisation. You will also learn about quality assurance and the role of regulation in the social work profession. The module will give you an overview of theoretical concepts to help you to understand how social work organisations function. This module will also explore international approaches to social work, as well as multi-agency working, and professional identity.

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.

Hughes, M. & Wearing, M. (2016) Organisations and Management in Social Work: Everyday Action for Change. 3rd. London: Sage

Martin, R. (2012) Teamworking Skills for Social Workers. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Parrott, L & Maguiness, N (2017) Social Work in Context. London: Sage

Webb, S., A. (ed) (2017) Professional Identity and Social Work. Oxon: Routledge

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.

Students need to be enrolled on MA Social Work