Reports

An article in two parts exploring the possible uses of web 2.0 technologies to support the informal learning of social work and social care workers.

We live in an age where efficacy is a key issue, particularly in respect of the use of public funds. A poor evidence base underpinning policy or practice is, therefore, a vulnerability that should be avoided.

This discussion document on continuing professional development (CPD), commissioned by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), marks an important step in workforce development for the social services sector in Scotland.

Social Work Graduate Fast Track Scheme Evaluation Report 2006.

Social Work Graduate Fast Track Scheme. Evaluation Report 2006. Executive Summary.

This report discusses the results of commissioned research into the type of learning materials required to support the transition for students moving from the HNC in Social Care to the social work degree. The key questions to be addressed were: what issues do these students face; and what learning materials might help?

Three demonstration projects were initially planned to cover assessment of performance of social work students within three distinct aspects of the social work degree: readiness to practice, academic based coursework and practice learning. The University based coursework project did not proceed. However, as noted above, this area was covered in more detail in the literature. The two demonstrations that ran addressed areas where little appears to have been tested.

Our aim was to consider new opportunities for inter-professional learning within a range of existing and new service settings and explore the possibilities for a shared approach to the assessment of social work students in these placements. We have done this by placing one cohort (8) of Fast-track Direct Practice 1. (D.P.1.) Diploma in Social Work (Dip.S.W.) students in a range of placements provided by Quarriers.

This evaluation examines the processes involved in establishing the provision of a range of innovative opportunities for interprofessional learning. The report also evaluates the experience of students who have completed interprofessional practice placements on two demonstration projects. The pilot projects operated from October 2004 until March 2005 and the demonstration projects operated from February to June 2005.

Between November 2003 and July 2005, the Scottish Institute for Excellence in Social Work Education commissioned The Universities of Edinburgh, Dundee and The Robert Gordon University to undertake a study of Learning for Effective and Ethical Practice (LEEP), the main purpose of which was as follows: To improve radically the quality, quantity, range, relevance, inter-professionality and management of practice learning opportunities for the new social work honours degree.