Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Portfolio Grade 9 to 10

Handbook for Social Workers in Children’s and Adults’ Services

1. Aim

The completion of a portfolio of evidence provides a fair and consistent process by which the social worker can be assessed against the capability statements applicable to an experienced social worker on the PCF. This is a requirement of West Sussex County Council to enable the social worker to advance to Grade 10 Senior Social Worker.

2. IntroductionSocial workers across Adults’ and Children’s Services who have successfully completed the Assessed and Supported year in Employment or, (prior to September 2012) the Consolidation Module and first year in practice, will plan their continuous professional development using a structured approach based on the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF).

Portfolios may be submitted no earlier than 2.5 years after the candidate has qualified as a social worker (1.5 years after completion of ASYE or PQ Consolidation)

The portfolio is aimed at - Social Workers across Adults’ and Children’s who have successfully

completed the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE). or (prior to September 2012) the Consolidation Module and first year in

practice. or for experienced Social Workers who do not have Post Qualifying

Qualifications. or AMHP Social Workers who are completing or have completed the AMHP

modules.

Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHP) will be required to successfully complete 4 set AMHP training modules in order to qualify in this specialist area. Before progression to grade 10 can take place, the AMHP will have completed the 4 mandatory modules, a portfolio for CPD and have a minimum of 2.5 to 3 years post qualifying experience.

Social Workers within Adults’ Services who have completed the Best Interests Assessor route can submit this work within the portfolio to avoid repetition.

Social Workers undertaking the CPD portfolio will be required to produce an evidence file to demonstrate that their practice meets: The Standards of Proficiency of the Health and Care Professions Council for

Social Workers in England; The Standards of Conduct Performance and Ethics of the Health and Care

Professions Council; The capabilities of an “Experienced Social Worker” as defined within the

Professional Capabilities Framework.

The portfolio will provide evidence of the social worker’s commitment to

continuous professional development and the ability to demonstrate how this has contributed to the development of their professional capability. It is the responsibility of the social worker to complete the portfolio, supported by their line manager/supervisor.

As a number of Social Workers will be completing the portfolio within your service at the same time, Learning and Development suggest buddying up with colleagues and/or developing informal support groups. This could encourage wider discussion and debate around theory and social work practice.

3. Underlying Principles

The Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) was developed by the Social Work Reform Board, as the single way in which social workers should think about and plan their careers and professional development. It will serve as a backdrop to both initial social work education and continuing professional development after qualification.

All registered social workers have a responsibility, throughout their careers, to maintain their professional development and learning and to keep their knowledge and skills up to date.

Social workers also have a professional responsibility, set out in the PCF, to contribute to the development of the next generation of social workers. You can do this through supervision and support for students on placement, giving feedback on practice, or allowing shadowing opportunities.

Due to the complexity of social work practice, requiring interplay of knowledge, skills and values, the nine domains of the PCF should be seen as interdependent, not separate. Thus there are overlaps between capabilities and understanding what a social worker does can only be complete by taking into account all nine capabilities.

The candidate will contribute evidence for assessment but the professional judgement of sufficiency must be made by the social worker’s line manager, who must be a registered social worker. In the event that any social worker is not managed by a registered social worker, alternative arrangements will be made for a practice assessor to work with the candidate’s work based supervisor to meet the assessment requirement.

4. Contents of the Practice Evidence Portfolio

The social worker can request reasonable study time to complete the portfolio. This should be discussed at the time of completing the Learning Agreement, including the steps agreed to ensure any possible impact on service delivery and how this is to be managed, is set out. As a guide, a maximum of the 3 study leave days per 12 month period (pro-rata for Part Time staff) may be allocated. The social worker should apply for agreement for specific days through Employee Self Service as usual, as (paid) Special Leave.

The confidentiality and anonymity of all information relating to service users is critical and the social worker must state explicitly how they have ensured this within the portfolio.The social worker should include a brief personal statement that sets out the context of the portfolio of evidence that they are compiling. This can include:

The area of practice in which the social worker is employed The agency and team context of their role Roles undertaken while compiling the portfolio Any previous roles from which evidence has been drawn

The portfolio should include a statement from the social worker describing how feedback from service users and colleagues has been obtained and how this has contributed to their learning and development. (Max. 250 words)

The portfolio will contain the following elements:

Student’s confidentiality statement Social workers Self-Assessment at start of portfolio: this is a template to

enable the social worker to map their strengths and development needs against the Capability Statements at “Experienced Social Worker” level to inform their Personal Development Plan at the start of working towards their portfolio.

Learning agreement completed at start of portfolio: the social worker and their supervisor will agree and sign this at the point when the candidate starts to work towards their portfolio. It ensures that the process of learning and assessment, opportunities to meet learning needs are identified and support and study leave are agreed.

Critical career review and self-evaluation: this is intended to provide a critical reflection on your career to date, focusing on achievements and strengths as well as how you might have done things differently or to better effect. The emphasis will be on personal reflection on the nature of social work, the mechanisms and tools that the social worker uses to judge the quality of their work, the changing nature of social work nationally and locally and the impact of this on the social worker, tools and methods used to develop practice. This should not be a chronological account of your career, although reference to this is likely to be included. Specific reference should be made to the Professional Capabilities Framework and the HCPC Standards of Practice (1,500 words)

Critical self reflection: this builds on and supports the critical career review, but instead of relating your development to the nature of social work and national/local developments, you should critically reflect on your own skills, values and knowledge. You should refer to the Professional Capabilities Framework and the HCPC Standards of Practice; use these as a guide to support your critical self-reflection and also to demonstrate your development. (1,500 words)

3 reflective commentaries: these allow the social worker to provide a critical analysis and reflection on a particular piece of their own practice. Each case study should include:

o a brief description of the context o identification of the key issues, o use of theory/legislation to inform practice, o current research methods,

o service user involvement/participation, o multi-agency working, o anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice.

(1,500 words each - if you have completed the BIA or the AMHP modules, only 1 reflective commentary will be required in the portfolio.)

3 direct observations of practice: to ensure a robust and accurate approach to assessment, one observation should be completed by an independent assessor, i.e. a registered experienced social worker other than the main assessor. Assessment of practice will be based on the attached template which includes critical reflection and learning by the social worker in relation to both the practice experience and feedback from the observer.

Up to date CPD profile: using the HCPC pro-forma covering the period of the portfolio and describing how your CPD activities improve the quality of your work and the benefits to service users. (HCPC CPD Profile Template )

Feedback from Service Users and Carers: as well as some examples of specific feedback, the social worker should include a statement of how feedback from service users and carers has contributed to professional development in line with the PCF

Performance Development Review: PDR completed during the period of the portfolio, demonstrating achievement of targets and overall rating of level 3 or above in the latest PDR completed.

Supervision Verification Log: Children’s Services social workers should add the Verification Log from their supervision policy guidelines. Those in adult services should provide a list of their supervision dates, unless specific guidance is given by the service at a future date.

2 case file audits: identify two cases that you have worked on which demonstrate that you are working towards meeting the level of ‘Experienced Social Worker’ and request that your supervisor audits these. This is not part of the audit process being introduced to adult services, but supervisors can follow the same guidance they receive about this process. Those in children’s services can follow the system they currently use.

Assessment by line manager: relating to “Experienced Social Worker” level on the PCF

5. Assessment

The assessment and verification of the portfolio (appendix 6) will be conducted by the Line Manager (or agreed registered and experienced social worker where the line manager is not a registered social worker) and Service/Operations Manager. No external verification is required.

All social works must have a minimum 2.5 to 3 years post qualifying experience prior to verification and progression to Grade 10.Assessment will be based on the capability statements for an “Experienced social worker” as set out in the Professional Capabilities Framework.

This includes the following over-arching statement:

Experienced social workers are more autonomous in their role. They demonstrate expert and effective practice in complex situations, assessing and managing higher levels of risk, striking a balance between support and control,

liaising with a wide range of professionals, including more senior levels. They manage complex caseloads, and offer expert opinion within the organisation and to others. They chair a range of meetings, offer expert support to case conferences, and produce high quality assessments and reports for a range of functions. They model good practice, setting expectations for others. They start to take responsibility and be accountable for the practice of others, mentoring newly qualified social workers and supervising the work of junior staff. They undertake capacity-building with individuals, families, communities, user groups and voluntary organisations, and contribute their views on service provision to commissioners.

‘Holistic assessment’ is a recognised approach for assessing practice in these circumstances. This is characterised by:

Assessment that is progressive over time Evidence should demonstrate sufficiency and depth across all nine

domains PCF capability statements can be used diagnostically to identify learning

and development needs The assessment process must be trustworthy, reliable and transparent Evidence includes the ability to reflect critically, including reference to

different sources of knowledge and research. Evidence will come from a variety of sources over time1

Evidence submitted to the line manager to support the portfolio will include work products that demonstrate the social worker’s ability to manage complexity, risk, ambiguity and increasingly autonomous decision making across a range of situations. This will include:

Confidence, underpinned by practice experience, reflection and deepening understanding

The ability to work independently and to collaborate on equal terms with members of other professions

The quality of judgements made and the ability to explain and justify them

Efficacy of the work undertaken and the outcomes achieved, including opportunities for preventive work

The ability to take initiative, form constructive alliances and to act as change agent

The ability to engage effectively with situations of increasing complexity and challenge, for example those with: Multi-agency input Complex family/organisational dynamics Serious hostility and conflicts of interest Multiple problems/disadvantages Multiple/significant risk factors Need to take into account the public interest

The appropriate use of authority and challenge

1 Understanding what is meant by holistic assessment, The College of Social Work

It may include the ability and commitment to educate and provide professional supervision to others, such as in the role of practice educator.2

The Line Manager will make a recommendation as to whether or not the social worker has provided sufficient evidence of their practice at the level of Experienced Social Worker and has therefore, met the requirements for a pass. This recommendation will be verified by the Service/Operations Manager.

Subject to the above, the Line Manager will complete the Social Worker Progression Form and submit this to Employment Services. They will arrange for the social worker to advance to Grade 10 on either SCP 35 or 36, whichever gives the next incremental pay increase to Grade 10.

Appeal process

In the event of the Line Manager assessing a portfolio as “requires further development” and where the Social Worker has a difference of opinion on the assessment and feedback received, they may submit in writing to their applicable Principal Manager (Children’s) or Head of Health and Social Care Practice (Adults’) setting out the reasons for appeal.

This must be done within 10 working days of receiving notification by the Line Manager who assessed the portfolio. The decision of the applicable Principal Manager or Head of Health and Social Care Practice will be final.

Appendices:

Appendix 1: Resources/electronic links and suggested readingAppendix 2: Portfolio checklistAppendix 3: Social Worker’s self-assessmentAppendix 4: Learning agreementAppendix 5: Template for direct observationAppendix 6: Template for assessment by line manager report

2Progression between levels, The College of Social Work 2012

Appendix 1:

Resources from the College of Social Work:The College for Social Work: http://www.collegeofsocialwork.org

The Professional Capabilities Framework:PCFfancolour.pdf

Developing your social work practice using the PCF; Integrated Critical analysis and reflective practice:PCF21IntegratedCriticalReflectivePractice(1).pdf

Progression between PCF levels:progression-between-levels-may2012.doc

Understanding what is meant by Holistic Assessment:holistic-assessment.pdf

Principles for gathering and using feedback from people who use services and those who care for them:SUandCarerFeedbackPCF20.pdf

PCF Capabilities, experienced social worker level:PCF12NOVExperienceSocialWorkerLevelCapabilities.pdf

Table showing capability statements for different levels: PCF6Full-table-Qualifying-to-experienced-level08032012.pdf

Sources of further information and guidance:Department for Education:http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/social/developing/a00211051/asye

Skills for Care:http://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/socialwork/introductionsw.aspx

Health and Care Professions Council – CPD pages: http://www.hpc-uk.org/registrants/cpd/

Social Care Institute for Excellence:http://www.scie.org.uk/index.aspx

Centre for Excellence in Outcomes for Children: policy and practice examples: www.c4eo.org.uk/

Research in Practice: http://www.rip.org.uk/

Department of Health: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/index.htm

West Sussex Learning and Development Gateway: http://www.westsussexcpd.co.uk/cpd/default.asp?sid

Appendix 2:

Portfolio Checklist

Evidence IncludedYes/No

Standardachieved

Comments/furtherevidence needed

Confidentiality statement

Social worker’s Self-Assessment (Appendix 3)

Learning agreement (Appendix 4)

Critical career review(1,500 words)

Critical self-evaluation.(1,500 words)

3 x reflective commentaries(1,500 words each)(if you have completed theBIA, or AMHP modules only 1reflective commentary isrequired)3 x direct observations of practice, including one by an alternative assessor (Appendix 5)Up to date CPD profilehttp://www.hpc-uk.org/

registrants/cpd/Feedback from Service Users and Carers – minimum of 3 plus statement by social workerPerformance Development Review

Supervision verification log

2 case file audits

Assessment by line manager (Appendix 6)

Appendix 3:

Self-assessment template for social workers prior to embarking on CPD portfolioThis form is intended for electronic completion. Answer spaces will expand to accommodate text. Professionalism - Experienced Social Worker - Social workers are members of an internationally recognised profession, a title protected in UK law. Social workers demonstrate professional commitment by taking responsibility for their conduct, practice and learning, with support through supervision. As representatives of the social work profession they safeguard its reputation and are accountable to the professional regulator.Capability Statement Options for meeting identified learning needsBe able to meet the requirements of the professional regulator HCPC registration and CPD profileModel the social work role, set expectations for others and contribute to the public face of the organisation.Expect supervision that covers practice, organisational and management aspects of role, applying critical reflection throughoutModel and help others to demonstrate professionalism

Model and help others with effective workload management skills

Model and help others to maintain professional/personal boundaries and skilled use of selfMaintain awareness of own professional limitations and knowledge gaps. Establish a network of internal and external colleagues from whom to seek advice and expertise.Contribute to a learning environment for self, team and, colleagues

Recognise and seek ways to promote well-being for team and colleaguesPromote up to date expectations about practice norms, identifying and helping resolve poor practice issues.

Values & Ethics - Experienced Social Worker - Social workers have an obligation to conduct themselves ethically and to engage in ethical decision-making, including through partnership with people who use their services. Social workers are knowledgeable about the value base of their profession, its ethical standards and relevant law.Capability Statement Options for meeting identified learning needsDemonstrate confident and critical application of professional ethical principles to decision-making and practice, supporting others to do so using a legal and human rights frameworkModel and support others to reflect on and manage the influence and impact of own values on professional practiceProvide guidance and support to analyse, reflect on and work with ethical dilemmasDemonstrate confident application of an understanding of the benefits and limitations of partnership work, support others to do so, and promote service user and carer participation in developing service deliveryPromote and advance wherever possible individual’s rights to autonomy and self-determination, providing support, guidance and challenge to others.Demonstrate skills in the sensitive exploration of issues of privacy and information-sharing in complex or risky situations, offering support and guidance to colleagues in managing such these dilemmas

Diversity - Experienced Social Worker - Social workers understand that diversity characterises and shapes human experience and is critical to the formation of identity. Diversity is multi-dimensional and includes race, disability, class, economic status, age, sexuality, gender and transgender, faith and belief. Social workers appreciate that, as a consequence

of difference, a person’s life experience may include oppression, marginalisation and alienation as well as privilege, power and acclaim, and are able to challenge appropriately.

Capability Statement Options for meeting identified learning needsInform, guide and model good practice in the application of understanding of identity and diversity to practice; identifying and taking up issues when principles of diversity are contravened in the organisationModel critically reflective practice and support others to recognise and challenge discrimination, identifying and referring breaches and limitations in the ability of your own or other organisations’ ability to advance equality and diversity and comply with the lawDemonstrate and model the effective and positive use of power and authority, whilst recognising and providing guidance to others as to how it may be used oppressively

Rights, Justice & Economic Wellbeing - Experienced Social Worker - Social workers recognise the fundamental principles of human rights and equality, and that these are protected in national and international law, conventions and policies. They ensure these principles underpin their practice. Social workers understand the importance of using and contributing to case law and applying these rights in their own practice. They understand the effects of oppression, discrimination and poverty.Capability Statement Options for meeting identified learning needsProvide guidance and challenge to others about applying the principles of social justice, social inclusion and equality to decision-making.

Demonstrate ability to interpret and use current legislation and guidance to protect and/or advance peoples’ rights and entitlements, balancing use of different legislation to achieve the best outcomes; support colleagues (both inside and outside the organisation) to do so

Be able to communicate legislative issues to other professionals and agencies

Model best practice in applying human and civil rights, providing support to others and challenge where requiredSupport others to enable individuals to access opportunities that may enhance their economic status (e.g. education, work, housing, health services & welfare benefits)Promote access to independent advocacy, ensuring best practice and critical review, and contribute to the evaluation of independent advocacy

Knowledge - Experienced Social Worker - Social workers understand psychological, social, cultural, spiritual and physical influences on people; human development throughout the life span and the legal framework for practice. They apply this knowledge in their work with individuals, families and communities. They know and use theories and methods of social work practice.Capability Statement Options for meeting identified learning needsDevelop knowledge in one or more specialist areas of your practice. Expand your knowledge to inform the connections between this and other settings or areas of practiceDemonstrate knowledge and application of appropriate legal and policy frameworks and guidance that inform and mandate social work practice. Apply legal reasoning, using professional legal expertise and advice appropriately, recognising where scope for professional judgement existsDemonstrate and apply to practice a working knowledge of human growth and development throughout the life courseRecognise the short and long term impact of psychological, socio-economic, environmental and physiological factors on people’s lives,

taking into account age and development, and how this informs practiceRecognise how systemic approaches can be used to understand the person-in-the-environment and inform your practiceAcknowledge the centrality of relationships for people and the key concepts of attachment, separation, loss, change and resilienceUnderstand forms of harm and their impact on people, and the implications for practice, drawing on concepts of strength, resilience, vulnerability, risk and resistance, and apply to practiceDemonstrate a critical knowledge of the range of theories and models for social work intervention with individuals, families, groups and communities, and the methods derived from themDemonstrate a critical understanding of social welfare policy, its evolution, implementation and impact on people, social work, other professions, and inter-agency workingRecognise the contribution, and begin to make use, of research to inform practiceDemonstrate a critical understanding of research methodsValue and take account of the expertise of service users,carers and professionals

Critical Reflection & Analysis - Experienced Social Worker - Social workers are knowledgeable about and apply the principles of critical thinking and reasoned discernment. They identify, distinguish, evaluate and integrate multiple sources of knowledge and evidence. These include practice evidence, their own practice experience, service user and carer experience together with research-based, organisational, policy and legal knowledge. They use critical thinking augmented by creativity and curiosity.

Capability Statement Options for meeting identified learning needsDraw on a wide range of evidence sources to inform decision makingEnsure hypotheses  and options are reviewed to inform judgement and decision makingStart to provide professional opinion

Intervention & Skills - Experienced Social Worker - Social workers engage with individuals, families, groups and communities, working alongside people to assess and intervene. They enable effective relationships and are effective communicators, using appropriate skills. Using their professional judgement, they employ a range of interventions: promoting independence, providing support and protection, taking preventative action and ensuring safety whilst balancing rights and risks. They understand and take account of differentials in power, and are able to use authority appropriately. They evaluate their own practice and the outcomes for those they work with.Capability Statement Options for meeting identified learning needsCommunicate skilfully and confidently in complex or high risk situations. Model and help others to develop communication skillsSustain and model engagement with people in fluctuating circumstances and capacities, including where there is hostility and risk.Be able to gather information quickly and effectively so as to inform judgement for interventions including in crises, and in response to challenge, or in the absence of complete information.Use assessment procedures discerningly so as to inform judgementMaintain and expand a range of frameworks for assessment and interventionDemonstrate skilled use of a range of frameworks for assessment and interventionActively support and initiate community groups and networks, including professional onesContribute to the development of the organisations information

strategy and systemsModel and help others with appropriate information sharingModel and help others to manage changing circumstancesRecognise and appropriately manage the authority inherent in your positionAnticipate, assess and manage risk, including in more complex cases, and support others to develop risk management skillsUndertake assessment and planning for safeguarding in more complex cases, and help others with safeguarding skills

Contexts & Organisations - Experienced Social Worker - Social workers are informed about and pro-actively responsive to the challenges and opportunities that come with changing social contexts and constructs. They fulfil this responsibility in accordance with their professional values and ethics, both as individual professionals and as members of the organisation in which they work. They collaborate, inform and are informed by their work with others, inter-professionally and with communities.Capability Statement Options for meeting identified learning needsKeep abreast of changing contexts at local and national level, and take account of these in practiceDemonstrate the ability to work within your own organisation, and identify and begin to work with the relationship between the organisation, practice and wider changing contextsWork to and explain the relevant legal structures in the organisation, including basic case law; know when and how to access support and appropriate legal advice and consultationExplore, and identify how  organisational practice can support good social work practiceKeep abreast of changing roles in the organisation; recognise, value and engage with other specialist perspectivesBe confident about your role in the team, working positively with others; draw on and contribute to team working and collaborative

support wherever possibleTake an active role in inter-professional and inter-agency work, building own network and collaborative working.

Professional Leadership - Experienced Social Worker - The social work profession evolves through the contribution of its members in activities such as practice research, supervision, assessment of practice, teaching and management. An individual’s contribution will gain influence when undertaken as part of a learning, practice-focused organisation. Learning may be facilitated with a wide range of people including social work colleagues, service users and carers, volunteers, foster carers and other professionals.Capability Statement Options for meeting identified learning needsContribute to organisational developments.Play leading role in practice development in the team and help sustain a learning culture.Provide supervision to colleagues as organisation determines. Support others to manage and prioritise workAssess and manage the work of social work students and ASYE.Practice Educator Standards Stage 2: Domain B & C (see also capability 1)

Appendix 4:

WEST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCILCPD Portfolio Learning Agreement

This form is intended for electronic completion. Answer spaces will expand to accommodate text. It is recommended that you save copies each time the form is updated.

Social workerHCPC registration no:Date of qualificationWorkplace/teamTelephone numberEmail addressName of line managerTelephone numberEmail addressName ofService/OperationsManagerTelephone numberEmail address

Date portfolio commencedDate for final submission of evidence

Brief Description / Profile of Team(To be completed by candidate)e.g. key services provided, target service user profile(s), community profile, staffing profile.

1. SupervisionFurther information can be found in the Standards for Employers and Supervision Framework accessible at www.local.gov.uk/social-worker-standardsSupervision will be provided by:Frequency of supervision

Agenda to include:

2. Disability and Equality Arrangements[Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (2001) & Equality Act (2010) requirement]

Any specific needs or circumstances to be taken into accountDoes the candidate consider that he or she has any disability or specific learning needs that need to be taken into consideration in relation to completion of the portfolio? Yes/No

If yes, these should be outlined above.

3. Protected development time

Set out here any arrangements in place for CPD, including study time allowed and when it can be takenChanges and actions agreed at the six month review

4. Assessmenta. Direct Observation of PracticeDates by which direct observation of practice will be undertaken and by

whomDOP 1 Observer

To be completed byDOP 2 Observer

To be completed byDOP 3 Observer

To be completed byHow will the social worker prepare for direct observation of practice, feedback and evaluation?Arrangements for verbal and written feedback, including timescale.

b. EvidenceDates by which items of evidence will be completedCritical career reviewCritical self-evaluationReflective commentaries

1.2.3.

CPD Profile

c. Feedback from service users and carersArrangements agreed between social worker and line manager to identify and obtain feedback from service users, carers etc.

d. Case file auditArrangements for undertaking casefile audit and provision of feedback.

Assessment process Clarify how the social worker and line manager will deal with any disagreements over decisions

Agreement summaryDate of completion of agreementWe confirm the arrangements set out in this agreement:Social Worker

Line manager

Appendix 5:

WEST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCILDirect observation templates

This form is intended for electronic completion. The answer spaces will expand to accommodate text.

Social Worker

Name & role of observer

Date & setting ofobservation

Section 1 – Social Worker to complete3

Complete boxes 1 and 2 before the observation1. Brief background to observed contact between yourself and the

service user

2. Planning for intervention 4

Complete boxes 3 and 4 after the observation3. Brief description of the intervention5

4. Reflections on the observed practice 6

3 See guidance note 14 See guidance note 35 See guidance note 46 See guidance note 5

Complete boxes 5 and 6 after reading the observer’s report 5. Critical reflection and professional development7

6. Comments and reflections on the feedback given by the observer 8

Social Worker’s signature:

Date:

Section 2 - Observer to complete after the direct observation

7 See guidance note 68 See guidance note 2

Please provide information to support your assessment of the direct observation; reference can be made to the nine domains where relevant. You are not required to make a comment against each domain but can identify strengths and areas for development (including reference to individual capability statements where there are areas for development).

Holistic assessment of the candidate’s capability demonstrated in the direct observation of practice (up to 300 words)

Domain 1 ProfessionalismSocial workers are members of an internationally recognised profession, a title protected in UK law. Social workers demonstrate professional commitment by taking responsibility for their conduct, practice and learning, with support through supervision. As representatives of the social work profession they safeguard its reputation and are accountable to the professional regulator.

Domain 2 Values and ethics: apply social work ethical principles and values to guide professional practiceSocial workers have an obligation to conduct themselves ethically and to engage in ethical decision-making, including through partnership with people who use their services. Social workers are knowledgeable about the value base of their profession, its ethical standards and relevant law.

Domain 3 Diversity: recognise diversity and apply anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive principles in practice

Social workers understand that diversity characterises and shapes human experience and is critical to the formation of identity. Diversity is multidimensional and includes race, disability, class, economic status, age, sexuality, gender and transgender, faith and belief. Social workers appreciate that, as a consequence of difference, a person’s life experience may include oppression, marginalisation and alienation as well as privilege, power and acclaim, and are able to challenge appropriately.

Domain 4 Rights, justice and economic wellbeing: advance human rights and promote social justice and economic well-beingSocial workers recognise the fundamental principles of human rights and equality, and that these are protected in national and international law, conventions and policies. They ensure these principles underpin their practice. Social workers understand the importance of using and contributing to case law and applying these rights in their own practice. They understand the effects of oppression, discrimination and poverty.

Domain 5 Knowledge: apply knowledge of social sciences, law and social work practice theorySocial workers understand psychological, social, cultural, spiritual and physical influences on people; human development throughout the life span and the legal framework for practice. They apply this knowledge in their work with individuals, families and communities. They know and use theories and methods of social work practice.

Domain 6 Critical reflection and analysis: apply critical reflection and analysis to inform and provide a rationale for professional decision-making

Social workers are knowledgeable about and apply the principles of critical thinking and reasoned discernment. They identify, distinguish, evaluate and integrate multiple sources of knowledge and evidence. These include practice evidence, their own practice experience, service user and carer experience together with research-based, organisational, policy and legal knowledge. They use critical thinking augmented by creativity and curiosity.

Domain 7 Intervention and skills: use judgement and authority to intervene with individuals, families and communities to promote independence, provide support and prevent harm, neglect and abuseSocial workers engage with individuals, families, groups and communities, working alongside people to assess and intervene. They enable effective relationships and are effective communicators, using appropriate skills. Using their professional judgement, they employ a range of interventions: promoting independence, providing support and protection, taking preventative action and ensuring safety whilst balancing rights and risks. They understand and take account of differentials in power, and are able to use authority appropriately. They evaluate their own practice and the outcomes for those they work with.

Domain 8 Contexts and organisations: engage with, inform, and adapt to changing contexts that shape practice. Operate effectively within own organisational frameworks and contribute to the development of services and organisations. Operate effectively within multi-agency and inter-professional partnerships and settings.Social workers are informed about and pro-actively responsive to the challenges and opportunities that come with changing social contexts and constructs. They fulfil this responsibility in accordance with their professional values and ethics, both as individual professionals and as members of the organisation in which they work. They collaborate, inform and are informed by their work with others, inter-professionally and with communities.

Domain 9 Professional leadership: take responsibility for the professional learning and development of others through supervision, mentoring, assessing, research, teaching, leadership and managementThe social work profession evolves through the contribution of its members in

activities such as practice research, supervision, assessment of practice, teaching and management. An individual’s contribution will gain influence when undertaken as part of a learning, practice-focused organisation. Learning may be facilitated with a wide range of people including social work colleagues, service users and carers, volunteers, foster carers and other professionals.

Action plan following the direct observation (if applicable)Have areas of development/learning needs been identified? What action needs to

be taken to address these? Are they any other outstanding issues?

Service user feedback (if applicable)

Observer’s signature:

Date:

GUIDANCE on the Direct Observation Template

1. Preparation for the direct observation of practice:1.1. The SW and observer should plan the direct observation and agree

objectives and assessment criteria for the observation (what do they want to achieve in the intervention and there any specific capabilities, identified as areas for development or concern, they would like the observer to focus on and provide feedback). The SW should complete and share boxes 1 and 2 of the SW form (section 1) with the observer as part of the preparation for the observed session.

1.2. Wherever possible the service user(s)/carer involved should be asked if they are willing to be part of the process. If they agree, it is the responsibility of the observer and the candidate to ensure that the service user/carer is given the opportunity to comment on the SW’s capabilities, and/or for the service user to be given feedback about the SW and assessor’s own assessment. Not all service users will be able to or want to be involved in the process; others will be willing to contribute and be part of the assessment process. The observer and candidate will need to plan how this is managed using their knowledge of or/and relationship with the service user wherever possible to ensure that this is comfortable for all concerned

1.3. SW and observer should agree and clarify the role of the observer during the intervention: how will they be introduced, under what circumstances, if any, will they intervene.

1.4. SW and observer should agree what happens after the observation—how and when will feedback be given, what reports/documents need to be completed by the SW and observer and by when.

2. The SW should have the opportunity to reflect and comment on the observer’s report (box 6).

3. Planning for intervention Questions you might want to think about:

How did you prepare for this intervention? What is your purpose, role and responsibility. What outcomes or objectives do you want to achieve? (These can be linked to

areas for development identified in reviews, supervision or previous observations).

4. Brief description of the interventionQuestions you might want to think about:

What happened, what was achieved? Describe your role and the action of others.5. Reflections on the observed practiceQuestions you might want to think about:

What went well? How did you know it had gone well? Were the outcomes achieved? What action do you need to take next in this intervention? How did you feel generally and about being observed? What key points have you learnt from this experience? Were there any surprises for you in this observation?

6. Critical reflection and professional development Questions you might want to think about:

Bearing in mind the Experienced Social Worker capabilities and level descriptor, have you identified or confirmed any specific areas for further development? (cross reference to capability statements if required)

How do you intend to address these areas of development? What support do you require?

Appendix 6:WEST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL

Holistic Assessment using the Professional Capabilities FrameworkAssessment Report Template

Assessor MUST be a registered Social WorkerThis form is intended for electronic completion. Answer spaces will expand to accommodate text. It is recommended that you save copies each time the form is updated.SECTION 1: Summary of assessment and supporting evidence Details of work base

Social Worker

Line Manager

Service/Operations Manager

Work-base details

(delete as applicable)

Adults

Children

Field

Day

Residential

Team name/Agency

Dates portfolio commenced FINAL ASSESSMENT See Section 2 for holistic assessment reportRecommendation Evidence of

practice at Experienced Social Worker level (as defined within PCF):

Yes/no Further evidencerequired

:

Yes/no

Line Manager signatureSocial Worker signatureService/Operations Manager signatureDate

SECTION 2: Assessment Report

Holistic assessment

PCF level descriptor (use the description below to make a judgement about the social worker’s progression from social worker to experienced social worker)

Experienced social workers are more autonomous in their role. They demonstrate expert and effective practice in complex situations, assessing and managing higher levels of risk, striking a balance between support and control, liaising with a wide range of professionals, including more senior levels. They manage complex caseloads, and offer expert opinion within the organisation and to others. They chair a range of meetings, offer expert support to case conferences, and produce high quality assessments and reports for a range of functions. They model good practice, setting expectations for others. They start to take responsibility and be accountable for the practice of others, mentoring newly qualified social workers and supervising the work of junior staff. They undertake capacity-building with individuals, families, communities, user groups and voluntary organisations, and contribute their views on service provision to commissioners.

Please provide an overall judgement of the social worker’s professional capability with reference to the level descriptor for experienced social worker, taking into account:

Capability across all nine domains of the PCF Progressive assessment of the candidate’s capability Any factors that may have affected the social worker’s practice

(Guideline approx 500 words )

Feedback on overall capability

Social worker’s comments on assessment(Guideline approx 300 words)

Service/Operations Manager’s comments on theassessment (Guideline approx. 200 words)