Background

This unit of study has been developed in recognition of a mounting problem with the recruitment and retention of social workers in England over the past two decades and currently, Local Authorities are investing heavily in recruiting from overseas. Recent figures published by the regulatory body, Social Work England, show that the numbers of international social workers applying to work in England has risen from 611 in the 2019-20 registration year to 1,684 in 2021-22. This represents a 175.3% rise. Figures show that applications come mainly from Zimbabwe, India, and South Africa. Zimbabwean social workers represent the second most common nationality on the social work register since 2019-20, behind British. 

A factor for concern is that there is not a clear formal adaptation process for non-UK trained social workers and a recent Community Care poll, highlighted the lack of appropriate support offered to social workers coming from overseas. Whilst there may be some similarities in social work education in their country of origin, they are frequently given a full case load on arrival without any time or support in becoming accustomed to their new professional, cultural and geographical setting. This has led to high attrition rates as newly recruited social workers are overwhelmed by the challenges of transferring their skills and knowledge to a new country and culture.

There has been a gradual recognition of some of the challenges involved in relocating to another country and there is varied support in terms of practical issues like housing, bank accounts etc. However, the social work profession is highly complex and requires a foundation of knowledge which includes legislation, policy, and procedure, but also requires a depth of understanding of the history and context of social work in the UK, as well as insight into the cultural, political, and societal context of the country in which they intend to practice. 

Social work is an international profession but never-the-less there are significant differences in the social work role across different cultures. “Indeed, how a social worker practises will be influenced by the culture and the specific cultural reference points in a given country context” (Simpson, 2009).

The unit will be delivered online.

This unit aims to:

• Prepare students for social work practice by developing their understanding of the context of social work and the social work role in the United Kingdom. 
• To develop their understanding of the legal and policy systems and frameworks which underpin the provision of Health and Social Care services in the UK.
• To develop an insight into the political systems which impact on approaches to service provision.
• To develop an understanding of the societal and cultural context of the UK. 
• To promote the acculturation process to align knowledge, skills, values, and experience to social work in the UK.

Indicative Content 

• The social work role in the UK.
• History and context of social work in the UK.
• Professional Bodies
• Registration
• Professional standards and capabilities
• Values and ethics
• Status and societal perceptions.
• Where do social workers work?
• How do they work?

Legal and Policy Frameworks.

• Key legislation
• Safeguarding
• Devolution in the United Kingdom
• Human Rights perspective
• Court systems
• Political systems including ideology.
• How does government work to include local government.
• Approaches to welfare.

Society, Culture, Values

• Key social policy areas including a history of the welfare state.
• Demographic makeup of the UK/ multi-culturalism 
• Equality and Diversity
• The class system.
• The impact of racism. Anti-racist perspective
• Cultural Values
• The family
• Rights, including education, health, right to justice etc.
• Attitudes to need and vulnerability.

A Graduate level social work qualification recognised by the English Regulatory Body, Social Work England. All applicants must be living and working in the UK.

100% Coursework.

• Course work 1.  Will normally be a presentation.
• Coursework 2. Will normally be in the form of a Continuous Professional Development (CPD log).

1. Demonstrate a holistic understanding of the social work role in the UK, in order to practice in line with professional standards, capabilities, values and ethics
2. To demonstrate understanding of the legal and policy framework of social work in the UK, including the social policy context.
3. To demonstrate understanding of the social and cultural context of social work in the UK. 
4. To develop an understanding of risk and vulnerability in relation to the people they will be working with.
5. Demonstrate an ability to critically reflect on the challenges of a transition to social work practice in the UK.