1. Introduction.

1.1 All Social Workers must produce a portfolio to evidence that they are practicing at a level which meets the values and practice requirements set out by the General Social Care Council (GSCC). The evidence must also be sufficient to demonstrate the Social Worker’s ability and commitment to adhere to the value requirements.

1.2 This guide has been compiled for Social Workers to use with their Line Manager when considering what kind of evidence would be acceptable.

1.3 This guide should not be interpreted as a definitive statement of all the ways in which Social Workers can provide examples of their practice and dependent on work place settings, evidence will vary. There is an expectation that the experience of the Social Worker will influence the standard and contents of the portfolio.

1.4 The list of requirements is set down by the (GSCC) and is contained in Appendix 2.

1.5 It is the Social Worker’s responsibility to compile the portfolio, with advice from the Line Manager/Mentor.

2. Presentation of the Portfolio

Good presentation of the Portfolio is essential and the following points should be considered:

The portfolio should be contained within an A4 ring binder. A front sheet stating “West Sussex Adult or Children’s Services “Practice Evidence

Portfolio” with the Social workers name. The portfolio should have page numbers. A contents list which clearly relates to page numbers. The portfolio should be clearly divided by file dividers into appropriate sections. Use the Harvard System for citation of references. The portfolio text should be produced using a word processor. The portfolio is not a novel. The social worker should supply concise and coherent

information at an appropriate academic level. If the Social Worker is cross referencing between sections of the portfolio this

should be undertaken clearly and explicitly.

3. Contents of the Practice Evidence Portfolio

3.1 Confidentiality of service user information and anonymity of service user identity is critical. The Social Worker must explicitly state how they have ensured confidentiality/anonymity within the practice portfolio. (Brief).

3.2 The Social Worker should include in the portfolio a brief personal statement about his/herself. The object of the statement is to offer some context to the candidate who is presenting the portfolio. The personal statement may draw from information contained in the Critical Career Review. The statement can include the following:

1

The area of child care, or adult social work practice that the Social Worker is operating within.

The agency context. A description of the Team. Role(s) undertaken whilst compiling the portfolio The main tasks undertaken during the compilation of the portfolio. E.g.

explanation of service user group(s) worked with. Any previous jobs undertaken from which evidence has been drawn to meet

the value and practice standards/requirements. Any significant additional information the Social Worker wishes to offer about

their practice during this period

3.3 The portfolio should include a statement from the Social Worker on how the portfolio reflects service user involvement, how feedback from service users and colleagues was obtained and what learning has been gained from this process. (Maximum 250 words).

3.4. The portfolio will contain evidence from the following elements:

i) Material to provide evidence of the Social Worker’s ability to meet the values and practice requirements. The same material may be used as evidence for competence in more than one area. For example materials should include evidence of :-

Application of assessment models and frameworks to the assessment of needs, taking into account additional or complex needs and mental capacity. This includes the formulation of care plans, appropriate care and support packages and contribution to joint and multi-agency assessments;

Support for service users to make, wherever possible, a self-assessment of risk, showing how this information is used in the assessment and planning process;

Identification and management of risks, together with the ability to intervene in situations to reduce risks to individuals, their carers, families and dependents. This includes a capacity to identify abuse of vulnerable adults and their dependent children by others and working to safeguard them;

Support for service users with both shorter and longer term needs, with the aim of enabling them to live safely and as independently as possible in the place and community of their own choice. This includes utilising knowledge about available support within their communities and knowledge of assistive technologies; and

Recognition of any parental responsibilities held by service users and their carers. This includes taking into account the impact of their physical and mental health, illness and disability, any drug and alcohol misuse, or domestic violence on themselves and others. This also includes an awareness of the needs of dependent children and younger carers within an adult services context.

(Examples provided by the University of Gloucestershire, and quoted in the GSCC 2009 report, ‘The teaching and assessment of safeguarding within approved post-qualifying (PQ) courses: Messages from the annual monitoring reports of PQ programmes (08/09).’ London, General Social Care Council). Accessed online on 30th November 2011 from gscc.org.uk

2

Please Note:

* Court reports should not be included in the Portfolio; however Social Workers can still use evidence from such reports by making reference in the critical self evaluation or reflective commentary. The Line Manager should see the report and verify it.

ii) Completed value requirement and practice requirement evidence reference sheets (Appendix 2). These are designed to ensure that Social Workers evidence for meeting the requirements is clearly cross referenced and “signposted” within the portfolio.

iii) The completed, signed and dated learning agreement (Appendix 1). The Critical Career Review. 3 Reflective Commentaries Critical Self Evaluation. Reflective and Critical Summary Personal Development Reviews Direct observation of practice Line Manager Verification statement which provides confirmation that the evidence

submitted in the portfolio is consistent with the Social Worker’s normal standard of practice. (Appendix 4)

Statement on how the portfolio reflects service user and colleague involvement/feedback

Observation of Practice

4. Using the guide.

4.1 It is recommended that Social Workers use this guide in planning what should be included in the portfolio. The Line Manager will advise the Social Worker in the process of identifying appropriate evidence to support material in their portfolio.

4.2 The learning agreement should be used to clarify respective roles, expectations and support available to the Social Worker. There is an expectation that the learning agreement is completed when the Social Worker commences the portfolio. The learning agreement should be attached to the Social Worker’s Personal Development Review to ensure a seamless management approach in supporting the social worker to satisfactorily complete the portfolio.

4.3 Guidance is offered in relation to each evidence indicator for the GSCC value requirements; and in respect of each evidence indicator for the Standards required for the Post Qualifying Specialist Award. This guidance should not be regarded as the only or best way of meeting a particular requirement. Social Workers may find other evidence, or ways of accessing evidence, which work for them.

4.4 The guide is organised so that ideas for the assessment of each evidence indicator are considered on a matrix sheet. Templates for use as matrices to identify the location and

3

nature of evidence for each evidence indicator are also provided in this handbook. It is suggested that the social worker make photocopies of these before using them, as they may wish to use them for both planning work and as signposts for those verifying/assessing the final document. These grids form the primary means for the social worker to provide evidence that they meet the value and practice requirements of the award.

4.5 It is not required that Social Workers produce evidence to support every practice evidence indicator separately, although they must provide enough evidence to demonstrate that they can meet each of the practice requirements.

4.6 Different aspects of the same material can be used as evidence for different indicators within the same practice requirement, and as evidence for different indicators linked with other values and practice requirements.

4. 7 It should also be possible to use material which is included as evidence for one or more of the practice evidence indicators, as evidence that one or more of the value requirements evidence indicators has been met. Good practice should illustrate adherence to the values of social work, and good practice should illustrate adherence to the specific value requirements linked with the Specialist Adult Award.

4.9 In exceptional circumstances, Social Workers may have no recent practice to illustrate their adherence to a particular value requirement evidence indicator. These Social Workers may need to explain by means of a brief reflective commentary why this is so, and to illustrate, using hypothetical examples, what they might do differently in particular situations.

4.10 It is appropriate for Social Workers to use evidence from employment/practice prior to their current post. Social Workers have found that this can provide helpful breadth and depth to evidence. It is normally expected that evidence will not be older than one year. However, if in exceptional circumstances you wish to include evidence a little older please discuss this with your Line Manager.

4.11 There is helpful guidance for both those compiling the Portfolio, and for those assessing the material provided by the social worker.

“Social Workers have a crucial role to play as members of the adult social services workforce. This includes drawing on their strong professional commitment to the person-centred philosophy of care, supporting a person’s carers and family, promoting service user empowerment and engaging with the complex process of helping to bring about positive outcomes for service users, their carers and families. Social work with adults also includes an ability to work inter-professionally with others in social care, health and other services”.

GSCC Standards and Requirements for PQ Social Work Education and Training.

Social Work with Adults ( 2006)

4.12 General Social Care Council Codes of Practice:Social care social workers must:

4

Protect the rights and promote the interests of service users and carers. Strive to establish and maintain the trust and confidence of service users and carers. Promote the independence of service users while protecting them as far as possible

from danger or harm. Respect the rights of service users while seeking to ensure that their behaviour does not

harm themselves or other people. Uphold public trust and confidence in social care services Be accountable for the quality of your work and take responsibility for maintaining and

improving your knowledge and skills.

General Social Care Council 2002

The above is a summary of the Codes. Social Workers will be expected to be familiar with the full content of the Codes of Practice and subsequently adhere to them.

5.0 The following information aims to offer guidance to Social Workers and Verifiers on the

criteria that will provide robust evidence of the Social Worker’s ability to present a

coherent, methodical analysis of their practice which is commensurate with the

standards of the Post Qualifying Specialist Award.

Social Worker’s will need to consider the five areas below in each piece of their work.

Effective presentation of material: Demonstrate ability to:

Provide a coherent, structured assignment, which has an identifiable introduction,

main section and conclusion.

Write in a clear and concise manner.

Reference all academic work to Harvard APA format.

Write in the 1st person, i.e. the “I “word.

Write in their own words and be familiar with plagiarism.

Structural Coherence:Demonstrate ability to:

Select material and demonstrate it’s relevance to the assignment.

Collate and summarise evidence from a range of sources.

Analyse different theories and concepts relevant to the assignment.

Relate different theories and concepts to each other.

5

Develop a critique appropriate to the academic level required.

Appropriate application to social work practice:Demonstrate ability to:

Show how social work theories and models apply to any practice situations

described. .

Make reference to where theories and models can be applied and where they cannot

be applied in order to facilitate analysis of practice.

Examination of anti discriminatory and anti oppressive practice (ADP and AOP) issues:Demonstrate ability to:

Apply ADP and AOP theory and models to social work practice.

Examine how issues of power and empowerment impact on service users, carers

and social work professionals.

Examine how Social Worker’s own experience is affected by discrimination and

consider how this can be applied to develop social work practice.

Critical appraisal/depth of analysis:Demonstrate ability to:

Explain and analyse using theories that draw out the complexity of situations

described and any under pinning assumptions behind these theories.

Undertake a critical appraisal of the subject.

Draw conclusions based on an understanding of the key issues raised in the

assignment.

Compare models applied in different social work contexts and internationally.

(Adapted from University of Portsmouth’s Handbook: Graduate Diploma and BSc Hons in Post Qualifying Specialist Social Work with Children, Young People, their Families and Carers. 2010/11.)

6. 0 There is a clear expectation that the GSCC embedded values will be made explicit in each area of work outlined below.

6.1 Critical Career Review

6

This assignment is assessed by a 1.500 word essay. The emphasis in this assignment is to critically reflect on the Social Worker’s career to date and will concentrate on the following areas:-

What the Social Worker has learnt post qualifying about his/her job role/s so far. How and in what way has this prepared the social worker for social work? Reflection on the Social Worker’s strengths and areas to be developed. Learning and Development as part of Professional Registration

7.2 Critical Self Evaluation

This assignment is assessed by a 1,500-word essay and builds on the previous piece of work i.e. Critical Career Review. The emphasis in this assignment is on personal reflection about the nature of social work and its relevance for the Social Worker’s professional practice and will concentrate on the following three areas :-

What mechanisms/tools the Social Worker uses to ‘judge’ the quality of their work. The changing nature of social work, both nationally and locally, and the impact of this on

the Social Worker. What tools/methods will be used to develop practice?

7.3 Reflective Commentaries

There will be three reflective commentaries (case studies) each comprising of 1, 500 words. Each reflective commentary will provide the Social Worker with the opportunity to critically analyse and reflect on a particular piece of their practice. Social Workers should use a variety of case work to demonstrate their skill and knowledge base. Each case study should begin with approximately 250 words setting the casework in context before concentrating on the following areas :-

Identification of the key issues Use of Theory/legislation to inform practice. Research evidence Service user involvement/participation Multi agency working Anti discriminatory and anti oppressive practice

7.4 Reflective Critical Summary

This assignment is assessed by a 1,500 word overarching essay, and the Social Worker will reflect on the new skills and the knowledge base gained by reading, researching and by critically analysing their practice when compiling the Portfolio. They will draw on their experience of assessing and managing risk; working in partnership to ensure positive outcomes for service users, their families and carers; supporting transitions and by being an accountable worker in the following areas :-

7

The agency context Multi agency working Working within the legislative context Life stages Safeguarding Policies (national and local) Valuing diversity

This piece of work also provides the opportunity to identify and explain future learning and development needs.

7.5 Reading List

ADSS (2008) Directors of Social Services ‘ Personalisation & Safeguarding’ discussion paper (October 2008) Carr, S (2007) Choice, Control & Individual Budgets; Emerging Themes, SCIE, London Clements L (2004) Community care and the law. London: Legal Action Group.Clements L (2011) Social care law developments: a sideways look at personalisation and tightening eligibility criteria. (www.lukeclements.co.uk, accessed on 10th August 2011)Close, L. (2009a) Explaining About Individual Budgets and Self-Directed Support. Working With Older People 13(2), 9-12.Close, L. (2009b) Safeguarding and personalisation: Two sides of the same coin www.in-control.org.ukDepartment of Health (2009) Safeguarding adults: Response to consultation on the review of the No secrets guidance London: Department of HealthDepartment of Health (2010) Prioritising Need in the Context of Putting People First . Avialable from; http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/documents/digitalasset/dh_4019641.pdf (accessed 20/9/11)Dept. of Health (2011) Vision for Social Care, HMSO, London Duffy S (2006) Keys to citizenship : a guide to getting to grips with people with learning disabilities ( 2nd ed.) Birkenhead: Paradigm Ferguson, I. (2007) Increasing User choice or Privatizing Risk? The Antinomies of Personalisation, British Journal of Social Work, 37, p387- 403Gardner A (2011) Personalisation in Social Work, Exeter: Learning Matters Glasby J. & Littlechild R. (2009) ‘Direct Payments & Personal Budgets – Putting Personalisation into Practice’ (2nd ed). Bristol: Policy Press Land H & Himmelwiet S (Unison, 2010) Personalisation : Who Cares? Who Pays?Leece & Leece J (2006) Direct Payments & user controlled support : the challenges for social care commissioning, Practice, 19, no3, p211-21Manthorpe J. et al ( 2008) Safeguarding & System Change : Early Perceptions of the implications for adult Protection Services of the English Individual Budget Pilots – a qualitative study, British Journal of Social Work (2008) March 26th p 1 -16 . Mansell J. et al (2009) Adult Protection incidents of referrals , nature & risk factors in two English local authorities, Journal of Social Work 9(1)p 23 -38 Mitchell W & Glendinning C (2007) A review of the research evidence surrounding risk perceptions, risk management strategies and their consequences in adult social care for different groups of service users: Working paper no. DHR 2180 01.07 York: University of York Social Policy Research UnitNeedham C ( 2011) Personalising Public Services – Understanding the personalisation narrative , Bristol : Policy Press

8

Neill M.et al (2008) ‘A Positive Approach to Risk Requires Person - Centred Thinking’ ; a discussion paper. Newman, S Ed. (2009) ‘Personalisation –Practical; thoughts & ideas from those making it happen’, Brighton: OLM – PavilionUnison & Community Care (2011) Personalisation Skills shortfall afflicts social workers: Annual Personalisation Survey, Community Care [01/06/2011] O’Keeffe M. et al (2007) UK Study of Abuse & Neglect of Older People : Prevalence Survey report : Kent National Centre for Social Research SCIE (2010) At a glance 31 : Enabling risk, ensuring safety: Self - Directed Support & Personal Budgets [accessed on 11/11/11] www.scie.org.uk/publictions/ataglance/at aglance31.asp Useful Websites: www.dhcarenetworks.org.uk/personalisation/PersonalisationToolkit [ accessed on 16/10/11] www.safeguardingadultsforum.co.uk  [accessed 12/03/11] www.in-control.org.uk [ accessed 11/11/11]

9

Appendix 1

The Social Worker and Line Manager agree that their first responsibility is to protect the interests of service users. They agree to adhere to West Sussex Equal Opportunities Policy and to the GSCC Codes of Practice for Social Care Workers.

Date of Meeting to Establish Learning Agreement

Name of Social WorkerWorkplace AddressTelephone NumberEmail address

Name of ManagerWorkplace Address

Telephone NumberEmail address

Name of Service ManagerAddress for correspondence

Telephone NumberEmail address

1. Learning objectives of the Social Worker based on the requirements of the Portfolio

10

Learning Agreement

2. Learning opportunities available to meet the requirements of the Portfolio and how these will be provided by the Service.

3. Are both parties aware of the Assessment Schedule and the need for the practice observation to be completed by specified dates? Please agree date/s for observation.

4. Does the Social Worker have any special learning needs? How will these be addressed in In order to enable the Social Worker to complete the Portfolio to the required standard?

5. What are the agreed arrangements for the Manager to read material evidence in order to verify practice? What is the proposed submission date for the Portfolio?

6 How will the Social Worker prepare for direct observation of their practice, feed back and evaluation?

7. How will the Line Manager, or Senior Practitioner support the Social Worker in carrying out directly observed practice, reflection and evaluation of their Practice?

8. Agree dates and timescale for submission of written feedback from the Manager/ Senior Practitioner regarding the observation.

9. Arrangements agreed between Social Worker and Line Manager to identify and obtain feedback from service users, carers etc.

11

10. How the Line Manager will deal with practice issues, in particular those relating to professional ethics and codes of practice?

11. Have all arrangements been agreed between the Social Worker and their Manager/Agency re study leave?

12. Has the Social Worker achieved a rating of 3 or above on their most recent PDR?

Signed by Social Worker:

Date

Signed by Manager

Date

Signed by Senior Manager

Date

12

Appendix 2

Requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Professional Studies: Specialist Award in Social work with Adults to be replicated in the Social Worker’s Portfolio.

Requirements Where met in the portfolio Common Induction Standards

Critical Career Review

Critical Self Evaluation

Reflective Commentary One

Reflective Commentary Two

Reflective Commentary Three

Reflective Critical Summary

Direct observation

Standard 1 Understand the principles of care

Standard 2 Understand the organisation and the role of the workerStandard 3 Maintain safety at work

Standard 4 Communicate effectively

Standard 5 Recognise and respond to abuse and neglect

Standard 6 Develop as a worker

GSCC Specialist Adults requirements ( requirement 5)

Critical Career Review

Critical Self Evaluation

Reflective Commentary One

Reflective Commentary Two

Reflective Commentary Three

Reflective Critical Summary

Direct observation

13

(5.1) Legislation, social policy and social welfare

(5.2)Adulthood, development and transitions(5.3)Communication and engagement

(5.4)Assessment independence risk vulnerability and protection

(5.5) Multi-agency working, networking and accountability

NOS for social work:Key roles

Critical Career Review

Critical Self Evaluation

Reflective Commentary One

Reflective Commentary Two

Reflective Commentary Three

Reflective Critical Summary

Direct observation

1. Prepare for work with individuals families carers groups and communities 2. Plan, carry out, review and evaluate social work practice3.Support individuals to represent their needs ,views and

14

circumstances4.Manage risk

5. Manage and be accountable for own practice6. Demonstrate professional competence

Embedded Values (GSCC)

Critical Career Review

Critical Self Evaluation

Reflective Commentary One

Reflective Commentary One

Reflective Commentary Three

Reflective Critical Summary

Direct observation

a/Access services and make choices to remain socially and economically activeb/Remain or become as independent and healthy as possiblec/ Enjoy life , realise potential and achieve life goalsd/ Providing and developing flexible services responsive to individual needse/ Overcoming barriers to inclusionf/ Promoting anti-oppressive practice

15

Appendix 3Checklist for Contents of Portfolio

It is suggested that the portfolio should be constructed in the following sequence:

Completed front sheet

Contents page including numbers and if appropriate, appendices.Managers Statement of Verification

Social Worker’s Confidentiality Statement.

The Learning Agreement

Statement on how portfolio reflects service user and colleague involvement/feedback

Personal Development ReviewsCritical Career Review

The three Reflective Commentaries

Critical Self Evaluation

Reflective and Critical Summary

Direct Observation of Practice

Value requirement and practice requirement evidence reference sheets

Ö

16

Appendix 4

17

ADULTS AND CHILDREN’S

Social Worker Progression to Grade 10

LINE MANAGER and SENIOR MANAGER VERIFICATION

Section ASocial Worker Name:

Current post:

Work Base (Address and contact point):

Section B

I certify that the above named employee is a competent practitioner and consistently works to the GSCC codes of practice.

I certify that the above named has satisfactorily completed the Pay and Progression Portfolio to an equivalent standard of work and practice as expected in the Post Qualifying Award. I therefore recommend that they progress to Senior Social Worker Grade 10.

* the portfolio route is a West Sussex initiative and as such is not transferable to other Local Authorities.

Senior Manager Signature:

Date:

Actions: Give the above named person a copy of this form. Forward this form to the relevant Pay and Employment Services contact (all contact

name are available on the intranet). Guidance notes for Managers are attached.

Guidance Notes for Managers

Line Manager:(print name)

18

Progression to Grade 10 Senior Social Worker via the Post Qualifying Specialist Level Award in Social Work OR Portfolio route:

In WSCC, the PQ Award is desirable and encouraged but not mandatory. However, all staff wishing to progress to grade 10 must have completed either one of the specialist level awards, or satisfactorily completed the Pay and Progression Portfolio route.

Information on how to access the Award and the expectations if completing the portfolio route, can be found in the Learning and Development Gateway, or by contacting learninganddevelopment@westsussex.gov.uk

Progression to grade 10 is dependent on:

Successful completion of one of the specialist awards in social work OR the Pay and Progression Portfolio route

and * Line manager verification using the attached pro forma.

* A line manager can delay progression if s/he is not satisfied the person is ready.

The line manager will be responsible for notifying Pay and Employment services by submitting the verification form to confirm that the criteria for progression have been met.

Senior Social Worker Practitioner Posts:

These posts are by appointment only through the advertised recruitment processes. Your Recruitment & Resourcing Team contact can advise you on this.

Appendix 5

Direct observation of practice pro forma

19

The observation can be undertaken by the Line Manager, or delegated to the Senior Practitioner and this should be agreed at the Learning Agreement stage and incorporated into the Agreement.

Evidence to support the following may have been witnessed during the direct observation of practice, or from reflection before, or after the observation. In addition, supporting evidence can be gathered from case files/Frameworki.

The observation should give the Social Worker the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to critically analyse and reflect upon the assessment/session citing relevant theories, methods and approaches.

1. Detail how appropriate consent for the observation by the Social Worker was obtained from the service user/s.

2. Give a brief outline of the context of the observation.

3. Direct practice skills observed

4. Case Management and operational skills observed

20

5. Ethical practice and personal qualities

6. Any additional/overall comments

*The report should be signed and dated by both the observer and the Social Worker

Signed

Dated

Signed

Dated

21