The findings and recommendations of the second phase of the Review of Social Work Education, led by the SSSC, are now available in a new report.
Phase two of the review involved a wider group of stakeholders and a series of commissioned pieces of work to gather additional evidence, research and draft standards. The review shared and debated its findings with stakeholders from across the sector at a national engagement event in March 2016.
The phase two report The Review of Social Work Education: Statement on progress 2015-2016 outlines the main recommendations which are the:
- development of a national infrastructure to enable and sustain a shared approach to professional learning
- sector should contribute to a consultation on the revised Standards in Social Work Education (SiSWE)
- introduction of a supported year and a new benchmark standard for newly qualified social workers (NQSWs)
- increased use of values in social work student selection
- need for further discussion on widening access pathways into social work
- development of a new Standard for Continuous Professional Learning.
Co-chairs of the review group, Dr Trish McCulloch, University of Dundee and Susan Taylor, Social Work Scotland and East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership said:
‘We have made real progress in phase two of the review towards a vision of a strong, shared and sustainable approach to social work education and professional learning.
‘We need to continue working closely with professional leaders and key partners to consider the review recommendations and to ensure that the social work profession continues to contribute positively towards achieving good outcomes with people who use services.’