Preparing for practice: students, standards and sector trends shaping education and training

Описание: Presenters:

Natalie Day - Assistant Director, Policy and Strategy, Social Work England
Anne-Marie Glover - Professor of Social Work, University of Birmingham and National Advisory Forum member
Kevin Stone - Associate Dean, University of South Wales, Chair of Education and Training Advisory Forum, Social Work England
Joe Hill - recent graduate and registered social worker, and National Advisory Forum member

This discussion focused on the landscape of social work education and training in England. Social Work England holds a unique position overseeing all social work courses across England through monitoring, inspection cycles, and approvals. Having reviewed nearly 260 courses in the first four-year cycle, it was emphasised that collaboration with education providers is fundamental.

The Education and Training Advisory Forum (ETAF), comprising 28 members from across the sector, supports Social Work England by developing standards to ensure consistent education regardless of pathway.

Key initiatives include:

reviewing education standards with new knowledge, skills and behaviour (KSB) statements
improving inspection models
developing a landscape trend publication
approving specialist approved mental health professional (AMHP) and best interests assessor (BIA) courses
researching artificial intelligence’s (AI's) impact on social work education

A wider consultation on education standards begins autumn 2025, aiming to balance current requirements with future needs.

AI presents both opportunities and challenges, with universities beginning to educate students on its ethical use. The sector acknowledges AI is unavoidable and growing, requiring collaborative approaches to navigate its complexities. Overall, social work education must continue evolving while maintaining focus on preparing compassionate, skilled professionals.