1. Demonstrate systematic knowledge of the legislative framework for Social Work practice.

Knowledge and Understanding

2. 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.

Application & Problem-Solving

3. Demonstrate critical understanding and evaluation of the legislative framework and its practical application in a range of social work contexts.

Application & Problem Solving

4. Critically analyse and effectively communicate the ethical dilemmas arising in the application of law to practice.

Critical Reasoning & Collaboration

Communication

Formative Assessment -

You will have the opportunity to complete formative tasks throughout the module including whole group and small group discussion / debate. You will also complete formative multiply choice tests mid module to gauge your understanding of the key areas of the law and identify any areas for development for the remainder of the module.

Summative assessment –

You will be required to design and deliver an academic poster presentation; the written and spoken elements combined should provide a succinct yet analytical overview of the legal frameworks for practice linked to a case study. In doing so you will demonstrate a clear understanding of, and critical insight into, legal issues, relevant case law, safeguarding adult reviews, child safeguarding practice reviews, legislation and scholarly debate. You will critically evaluate competing perspectives or where there may be ethical dilemmas or conflicts in the application of legal frameworks.

The suggested word count for the poster is 500-750 words,the presentation will be 20 minutes long during which time you will provide a clear and engaging overview of the knowledge presented in the poster.

This summative assessment is designed to assess your ability to critically apply legal frameworks for practice and analyse these in line with the broader evidence-base for practice.

This module will introduce students to the historical, social policy and legal context of social work practice. Starting with an introduction to the British legal system, the roll and function of the judiciary and the way in which legislation develops and evolves over time. 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.

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 critical 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.

Scheduled teaching and learning activities: 60 hours

You will attend lectures on key topics relevant to the indicative content.

During the classroom sessions there will be -

- Peer learning: Small group discussion to explore some of the key issues in greater depth.

- Case-based learning: Realistic scenarios for critical thinking.

- Simulated practice: Supported by members of our service user and carer group.

- Guest speakers: Experienced practitioners

Guided Independent study: 240 hours

Independent assignment preparation - you will need to undertake reading to consolidate the knowledge introduced in the scheduled teaching and learning sessions. It is recommended that you dedicate time to planning your assignment including using reviewing library guidance on how to complete an academic poster.

Brammer, A (2024) Social Work Law, 6th ed. Pearson

Carr, H & Goosey, D (2024) Law for Social Workers. 17th ed. OUP Oxford

Johns, R (2023) Using the Law in Social Work. 9th ed. Sage

Sabbagh, M. and Korgaonkar, G. (2022) Social work law, ethics & social policy. 1st edn. Sage

Simulation Suites

Virti or other digital tools to aid in the delivery of phenomena or simulation-based learning