Social Work Ambassador Scheme Guidance

July 2015

Social Work Ambassador Scheme

Ambassadorsfor SocialWorkNorthern Ireland

Produced by; Northern Ireland Social Care Council 7th Floor, Millennium House 19-25 Great Victoria Street Belfast BT2 7AQ Tel: 028 9536 2985 Email: info@niscc.hscni.net Website: www.niscc.info

© NISCC, July 2015

Contents

1. Social Work Ambassador Service

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1.1. Background, aims and outcomes

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1.2. Social Work Ambassadors: What is their role?

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1.3. Who benefits from the Social Work Ambassador Scheme

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1.4. Social Work Ambassador Scheme: How will it be implemented?

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1.5. How to join the Social Work Ambassador Scheme?

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1.6. Delivering Ambassador Activity – What does this involve?

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1.7. Ambassador Support - Training and Resource Bank.

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1.8. Ambassador Requests 10

1.9. Monitoring activity and impact 10

Appendix A: Principles and Policy

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The Principles for NI Social Work Ambassador Scheme

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The Principles for Co-ordinators of Social Work Ambassador Scheme

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The Principles for Social Work Ambassadors

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Appendix B: Registration Forms 16

Organisation Registration Form 17

Social Work Ambassador Registration Form 18

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Social Work Ambassador Service

1.1. Background, aims and outcomes

Who does this document apply to?

This document applies to all social work employers, education providers and ambassadors

signing up to the Social Work Ambassador Scheme.

Background

The Social Work Ambassador Scheme is part of a wider initiative already in place in

Northern Ireland which aims to improve public awareness of social care and social work as

rewarding, valuable and long term career options.

In March 2014, the NISCC launched the NI Careers in Care Ambassador Service to

support recruitment across the care sector and to raise the profile of careers in this sector.

This service developed out of a two year project called - Recruiting a World Class

Workforce (RWCW) which aimed to recruit Ambassadors to promote and encourage

careers in care and to support employers to get the “right people” into the “right” jobs. This

project was a UK wide initiative and the NISCC worked in partnership with the Skills for

Care and Development partners (Skills for Care, Care Council for Wales and the Scottish

Social Care Council) to establish and embed the ambassador model within Northern

Ireland.

The NI Careers in Care Ambassador Service was very positively received by employers

and recipients of the service in Northern Ireland such as colleges and schools. The results

from the NISCC evaluation of the service in April 2015 found a high level of commitment

by employers currently providing social care ambassadors. “We strongly believe in the

need for an Ambassador service and are supportive of it - it is a worthwhile effort.” (NI

Ambassador Service Evaluation Report, April 2015).

As a template for achievement, the NI Careers in Care Ambassador Service has therefore

provided an invaluable parallel model on which the social work ambassador service will be

based.

Key Policy Drivers:

The impetus for the development of a social work ambassador scheme is further

supported by key policy directives. These directives focus on social workers as leaders,

collaborative workers and key players in the multi-disciplinary arena. They also highlight

the importance of clearly understanding the complexities of the social work role and the

skills needed. An ambassador model can raise awareness of these issues and support the

promotion of the profession.

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The following policy directives are relevant to this project;

The PSS Training Strategy 2006-2016 includes leadership as a key component of

Strategic Priority 1.

The emphasis on strong effective management is underpinned by an implicit message

that this can only be achieved through the development of leadership skills.

The strategy emphasises how there is a commitment to promoting learning

organisations and encouraging the development of expertise and competence at all

levels.

Contained within the strategy is also a reference to ensuring the” talent and commitment

of staff at all levels”, an inclusion which dovetails with the principles underpinning the

development of the Social Work Ambassador scheme.

The PSS Training Strategy also places a specific significance on Priority 5,” Working in

Partnership.” It includes reference to shared learning across disciplines in order to

“support improved integration, partnership and team working.” There is an

acknowledgement that social workers are required to work closely with their health

colleagues but the strategy emphasises that they “must also engage with colleagues in

other sectors such as the police, the probation service, the court service and education

to carry out their duties effectively and ensure an holistic and integrated response to

people in need or at risk and to their families”. Implicit in this message is the necessity

for a comprehensive understanding of each other’s roles in order to provide that unified

seamless approach.

Transforming Your Care (2011) states that “professionals providing health and social

care services will be required to work together in a much more integrated way to plan and

deliver consistently high quality care.”

The report states that “Closer working together will be mandatory” and describes the

multi-disciplinary team as an “essential nucleus of support for patients and service

users.”

The Social Work Strategy (2012) which, by way of introduction, describes how the

improvement of social wellbeing is predicated on the effective collaboration of a wide range

of professions, agencies and sectors, further reflects this point.

The importance of skills in this area are emphasised in the strategy endorsing the fact

that social workers need to be skilled and confident in working in different multi-

disciplinary and inter-agency contexts.

One of the crucial roles of the social work ambassador will be to support social workers

who work in partnership within multi-disciplinary and multi-agency teams.

In Quality 2020, the 10 Year Strategy for Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland

(2011) - one of the key objectives describes better use being made of multi-disciplinary

team-working along with shared opportunities for learning and development.

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Through initiatives such as the Social Work Ambassador scheme opportunities for

shared learning and mutual understanding can be fostered.

The policy further emphasises the need to “support innovation and quality” and states

that there should be “...evidence of health and social care staff at all levels driving

quality improvements.”

In addition, “Standards should span health and social care sectors and be developed by

partnerships that include all those involved in providing and receiving a service.” The

development of such partnerships can pose significant challenges within certain work

settings e.g. the lone social worker in a multi-disciplinary team or the only social worker

in a small voluntary organisation.

A Readiness to Practise report published by NISCC in June 2013 and the Review of

the Degree in Social Work 2013/2014 also indicate that males and people from ethnic

minority groups are underrepresented in the social work profession. An Ambassador

model could go some way to targeting such groups and encourage consideration of this

career choice.

Aim of NI Ambassador Scheme:

The aim of the Social Work Ambassador scheme is to develop a sustainable parallel social

work ambassador model within Northern Ireland based on the existing NI Ambassadors for

Careers in Care model. The purpose of this scheme is to:

provide a realistic yet positive picture of what the social work role entails for those

considering the career– thereby providing “informed” choice into or out of the profession

at an early stage (pre-Degree);

ensure potential applicants are clear on the complexities of the social work role

including: the unique role of a social worker, the diversity of social work settings and

partnership working within a multidisciplinary team and across inter-agency contexts,

widen representation across gender and ethnicity minority groups,

build the social work identity within the sector by encouraging a focus on leadership at

all levels within the profession.

raise the profile of social work as a positive and valuable career choice and develop

good news stories to counter negative media coverage.

Key Outcomes of the Ambassador service/model.

A pool of trained voluntary Social Work Ambassadors representing all social work

areas of care, gender and ethnic minority groups.

Improved perception and understanding of the social work role from potential Degree in

Social Work applicants and multi-disciplinary colleagues.

Support for the emergence of a distinct social work identity.

Development of “good news” stories to counter negative media portrayal/profiling of

social workers and the social work profession.

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1.2. Social Work Ambassador: What is their role?

Social Work Ambassadors are enthusiastic social workers and/or social work students

who are passionate about working in the social work profession or becoming a social

worker.

Social Work Ambassadors are prepared to share their experiences with those who are

considering a career in social work and those who do not understand the social work role.

This is to support these individuals to gain a better understanding about what the job

involves and to communicate the valuable and unique role of the social worker within our

communities and wider society.

Social Work Ambassadors will also work to foster pride in their profession and to counter the negative myths which are often associated with the profession.

1.3. Who benefits from Social Work Ambassadors?

Benefactors of the scheme can include: Social Workers, individuals considering a career in

social work, social work education providers, social work employers and people who use

social work services.

How will this help Social Workers?

It will help Social Workers develop their skills and foster pride in their profession.

It will help Social Workers develop their unique identity within multi-disciplinary teams.

It will help Social Workers develop leadership skills and become mentors for other Social Workers.

For those choosing to be Social Work Ambassadors, it can be used to accrue credits for a Professional in Practice submission and/or PRTL requirements.

How will this help those who are considering a career in Social Work?

The Social Work Ambassador Scheme provides a first-hand, current picture, of what it’s like to work in social work;

It provides the opportunity to ask questions and check understanding of social work.

It offers valuable and up to date information that will help people to make informed career decisions.

How will this help Social Work education providers?

It will help them attract more informed applicants who have a clearer understanding of what the role entails.

It will help them attract applicants with the right value base.

It will encourage wider representation across gender and ethnic minority groups.

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How will this help Social Work employers?

It will help employers promote the unique role of the Social Worker within multi-disciplinary teams.

It will help develop Social Workers’ skills and foster pride in their profession.

How will this help people who use social work services?

They will be supported by professionals who have the right values and skills to provide high quality care services.

They will by supported by professionals who clearly understand their unique role within the social care sector.

They will be supported by individuals who are motivated and proud of their profession.

1.4. Social Work Ambassador Scheme: How will it be implemented?

Social Work Ambassador Reference Group:

A range of social work employers and education providers have come together in

partnership with the NISCC to establish a reference group. This reference will ensure all

stakeholder perspectives are represented and support the NISCC, as the lead partner.

The terms of reference of the group are as follows;

To agree the content of a Project Initiation Document (PID) for the Social Work

Ambassador Scheme.

To raise awareness of the development of the Social Work Ambassador Scheme within

own organisations.

To define the role of Social Work Ambassadors through the identification of knowledge,

skills and values concomitant with the role.

To identify a recruitment process for Ambassadors.

To ensure that the Scheme is informed by relevant policy direction.

To contribute to the development of the scheme pilot by engaging in work identified in

the PID.

To bring a range of stakeholder perspectives to the project.

To influence the promotion of social work as a positive career choice.

To influence the strengthening of the social work identity.

The role of the NISCC:

The NISCC will act as the lead partner and in partnership with the reference group will

manage and deliver the Social Work Ambassador Project and pilot.

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The NISCC will do this by;

Providing staff to manage and deliver the Social Work Ambassador project aims and

objectives.

Developing a Project Initiation Document (PID) which sets out the aims and objectives

of the Social Work Ambassador Project and plans for the implementation of the project.

Establishing a project reference group to support the development and implementation

of the project aims and objectives.

In conjunction with the reference group, promoting the project within Northern Ireland

through the NISCC website, NISCC Face-book, twitter and email/post and other

relevant fora and events.

In conjunction with the reference group engaging with a wide range of social work

employers and education providers to obtain their commitment and sign up for the

project.

Recruiting social work professionals and students to become Ambassadors and

ensuring they are trained and registered as per registration guidance.

Acting as a central point for Ambassador requests, ensuring employers, education

providers and ambassadors are contacted in a timely manner and made aware of

requests.

Maintaining, reviewing and developing a Social Work Ambassador Resources Bank

and ensuring Ambassadors have access to same.

Providing information and updates to employers, education providers and

Ambassadors to support them to deliver ambassadorial activity.

Monitoring the progress and impact of the Ambassador Scheme to ensure it is being

delivered consistently and is meeting the aims and objectives of the project.

Social Work Ambassador Scheme Pilot:

The scheme will be piloted during 2015-2016 to establish and test commitment and impact

of a social work ambassador model within Northern Ireland.

The pilot period will be from September 2015 to March 2016 subject to ambassador

recruitment and training i.e. that there are available ambassadors trained to deliver

ambassadorial activity.

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1.5. How to join the NI Social Work Ambassador Scheme:

Social work employers and/or social work education providers wishing to join the

scheme and participate in the pilot must register with the NISCC by completing an

organisation registration form. (See Appendix B). In completing this form, the

organisation is agreeing to sign up to the scheme’s Principles and Policies. The

organisation is also required to nominate a named Co-ordinator who will act as the

main contact and agree to support social workers and/or social work students who are

nominated to participate in the scheme.

Prior to registering, all organisations must confirm that they have read the NI Social

Work Ambassador Principles and Policies (See Appendix A). The Principles and

Policies define the key criteria and expectations for the NI Social Work Ambassador

Scheme.

Social Workers and/or social work students must obtain approval from their

organisation (employer/education provider) to join the scheme. Once they have been

approved, they can submit a Social Work Ambassador registration form. (See

Appendix B).

Ambassador registration information is used to determine the level of commitment of

each Ambassador and help the NISCC select appropriate Ambassadors when requests

are received. The following information is requested of each ambassador;

Name

Age range

Gender

Ethnic Minority Group

NISCC Registration Number

Job title

Organisation name

Contact details

County (county prepared to provide activity within)

Experience – areas of practice they have worked in

Audience – what type of audience they are prepared to work with

Services – type of activity they are prepared to provide

Organisations must ensure that all their Ambassadors abide by the Principles and

Policies.

Organisations must ensure that all Ambassadors complete Ambassador training prior

to undertaking activity. (See Page 10).

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To become a Social Work Ambassador, individuals must be;

A qualified social worker or a social work student on an approved social work course in

Northern Ireland.

Registered with the NISCC.

Be willing to share their career journeys with those considering the social work

profession and/or their experience of applying to and undertaking an approved social

work course.

Be willing to share real experiences of their day to day practice. This is to allow them to

showcase what a social worker does on a daily basis to create a realistic picture of

their roles and to highlight the challenges and rewards that are involved.

Have the ability to communicate enthusiastically and positively about their own job

roles.

Agree to abide by a set of Principles and Policies and ensure that they conduct their

ambassadorial activities in a manner consistent with these Principles and Policies.

(See Appendix A). This includes adhering to the NISCC Standards of Conduct and

Practice.

1.6. Delivering Ambassador Activity – What does this involve?

Ambassador activities may include; giving a presentation to potential students attending a

university open day, talking to a small group of young people in a school or college who

are considering their career options, leading an interactive game or activity, facilitating a

discussion around a scenario or speaking to groups of teachers and careers advisors to

inform their understanding of the social work profession.

The full list of Ambassador activities that Social Work Ambassadors are asked to select

from at registration are as follows;

Giving formal presentations

Providing information talks or discussions

Engaging in interactive group activities

Supporting an information stand at events

Supporting work experience placements

Facilitating guided workplace visits

Participating in publicity/media activities

Ambassadors can begin by offering a small range of activity which may increase as their

confidence and skills grow. Social Work employers and education providers may already

have established links with local schools or colleges and be already providing this type of

activity which they could develop further. Whatever the level and type of activity being

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offered – employers/organisations participating in the scheme must commit to a minimum

of one event/talk per year when they join the scheme.

Who are the target audiences for ambassador services? Requests for social work ambassadors are made by organisations such as: schools; colleges; universities and careers advisory organisations. These are the intended “customers” and target audience of the Ambassador Scheme. Social Work Ambassador services may be delivered to some or all of the following settings: This is not an exhaustive list.

Social Work Ambassadors

Universities

Schools

Community Groups

Multi-Disciplinary Colleagues

DEL Careers Service

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1.7. Ambassador Support – Training and Resources: Ambassador Training:

Before social workers and/or social work students begin the practical work of an

Ambassador, it is important that they understand their role, the support they can expect

and the resources available to them.

The NISCC will provide Ambassadors with training to help them understand their role and

the support available to them. This training will be delivered in one face to face session. All

Ambassadors must complete this training prior to delivering ambassadorial activity.

The NISCC will develop resources as deemed relevant and ensure Ambassadors have

access to these.

1.8. Ambassador Requests

During the project timeframe, requests from customers for Social Work Ambassadors will

be redirected to the relevant organisations providing ambassadors. Any requests received

by an employers/education providers directly should be copied to the NISCC to ensure

requests can be evaluated and measured.

The NISCC will negotiate and manage all arrangement/activity directly with customers and

ensure that ambassadors are briefed prior to the activity/event. This can include; dates

and timing of a talk for example or the exact nature of the activity they are prepared to

provide.

1.9. Monitoring activity and impact

The NISCC will develop evaluation forms to be used by Ambassadors during the project.

These evaluation forms will be used to monitor activity and the impact of the Ambassador

pilot/project. Employers and ambassadors must agree to ensure evaluation forms are

completed and returned to the NISCC after each event/talk.

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Appendix A: Social Work Ambassador

Principles and Policy

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The Principles and Policy for Organisations of the NI Social Work Ambassador Scheme Eligibility: To be eligible to join the NI Social Work Ambassador Scheme, you will

Be a social work employer or an approved social work provider who has signed up to

participate in the scheme;

Expectations: In registering to join the NI Social Work Ambassador Scheme, you agree to:

Complete an organisation registration form nominating a scheme Co-ordinator.

Ensure that all those who register with the service are eligible to be Social Work

Ambassadors.

Ensure that all ambassadors understand and abide by the Principles and Polices for

the scheme.

Ensure Ambassadors complete the Ambassador training before undertaking any

activity and support them to attend at least one activity per year.

Ensure that all Ambassadors have completed the registration process and these

details are kept up to date.

Ensure that requests for Ambassadors are dealt with efficiently and professionally

and in a timely manner.

Ensure Ambassadors promote social work using impartial, non-biased information.

Ensure your Ambassadors deliver their roles in a way that reinforces the positive

reputation of the Ambassadors model being delivered within Northern Ireland.

Ensure your Ambassadors return all evaluations to the NISCC to assist with the

monitoring of the pilot.

Notify the NISCC of any complaints including referrals to conduct regarding your

Ambassadors.

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The Principles and Policy for Co-ordinators of the NI Social Work Ambassadors Scheme

Eligibility: As a NI Social Work Ambassador Scheme Co-ordinator you will:

Be nominated by your employer or education provider to co-ordinate your Ambassador

Scheme on their behalf.

Expectations:

As a NI Social Work Ambassador Scheme Co-ordinator you will:

Be the main contact person for your Ambassador Scheme, providing your contact

name, an email address and a telephone number as part of your organisations

registration to join the scheme.

Support your employers/education provider to select appropriate social workers or

students to become social work ambassadors.

Ensure that your Ambassador/s are trained and supported to deliver ambassadorial

activity.

Ensure “requests” are responded to efficiently and information is communicated

effectively.

Support your employer/education provider to gather and forward data and information

to the NISCC on behalf of your organisation, as required and appropriate.

Ensure that your organisation is notified when customers or others raise concerns or

Ambassadors fail to abide by the Principles and Policy of the scheme.

Inform the NISCC of any fundamental changes regarding your Ambassador/s including;

withdrawal from the scheme, failure to abide by Principles and Policy of the scheme

and any complaints made against your Ambassadors.

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The Principles and Policy for Social Work Ambassadors of the NI Social Work Ambassador Scheme

Eligibility: As a Social Work Ambassador you will:

Be a social worker and/or a social work student who is registered with the NISCC.

Be supported by, a social work employer or a social work education provider who has

signed up to participate in the Social Work Ambassador Scheme.

Expectations: As a Social Work Ambassador you will:

Have passion, enthusiasm and a desire to tell your story about how and why you became a social worker or social work student.

Be able to communicate clearly with a range of people, promoting a positive image of the social work role within society to raise the profile and status of the social work profession.

Provide a first-hand, current picture of what it is like to work in social work and bring the working environment to life.

Ensure that those making career choices have access to information about a wide range of job roles within the social work profession and are presented with impartial, non-biased information.

Agree to complete Social Work Ambassador training before you start your role as an Ambassador and to continue to develop your knowledge and skills as may be outlined by your employer/education provider.

Advise your service Co-ordinator/organisation of any changes to your registration details.

Agree to abide by the Social Work Ambassadors conduct expectations (below).

Commit to giving some of your time to the Social Work Ambassador Scheme. (The amount of time and activity involved can vary depending on your level of commitment, please seek approval for your expected commitment with your employer/education provider.)

Ensure materials provided by the NISCC are not altered and are used appropriately.

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Conduct:

As a Social Work Ambassador, you will commit to:

Treating the role offered as a professional assignment.

Behaving in a manner that presents your organisation and the sector in the best

possible light.

Being tolerant and treating people with dignity and respect.

Being punctual and giving adequate notice if unable to attend any agreed activities.

(The period of adequate notice should be agreed between parties delivering and

receiving the service at the outset.)

Refraining from any conduct or wrong-doing which may bring the profession into

disrepute, or behaving in a manner which would lead any reasonable person to question

your suitability to be an Ambassador or to act as a role model.

Adhering to the NISCC Standards of Conduct and Practice as a member of a regulated

profession and informing the NISCC and your employer/education provider if you have

breached these standards.

Using appropriate and acceptable verbal and non-verbal language.

Respecting the rights, religious or similar beliefs and cultural differences of individuals

and uphold equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices.

Providing information in a non-biased way and promoting relevant resources as

appropriate.

The diagram below shows key Ambassador Qualities:

AmbassadorQualities

Experienced

Enthusiastic

Knowledgeable

Positive Professional

Able to communicate

Tolerant/

Respectful

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Appendix B: Registration Forms

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Organisation Details:

Name of Organisation:

Address:

Telephone:

Email:

Name of Ambassador Co-ordinator (Organisation Co-ordinator):

Co-ordinator Contact Details:

Name of Nominated Ambassador(s):

I confirm that (Name of Organisation):_____________________________________

is a member of the NI Social Work Ambassador Scheme and hereby agrees to provide

Social Work Ambassador/s as per the Principles and Policies of this scheme.

We agree to nominate a staff member to act as the main Co-ordinator for our Social Work

Ambassador Service. This person will be responsible for our Ambassador/s and will

ensure that all Ambassadors have been registered and have undertaken/being supported

to undertake Social Work Ambassador training prior to starting Ambassadorial activity.

We agree it is the responsibility of the organisation to quality assure their Ambassadors; to

report any conduct referrals and to manage complaints if these arise.

We agree to inform the NISCC if we no longer wish to remain a part of this scheme and if

the Ambassador/s wants to step down or have been replaced.

Principles and Policies (tick that you have read and understood these):

Signature of Manager/Co-ordinator:

Date:

Social Work Ambassador

Organisation Registration Form

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(1) First name:

(2) Surname:

(3) Age range:(Circle as appropriate) 16-24 25-49 50+

(4) Gender: (Circle as appropriate) Female Male

(5) NISCC Registration Number:

(6) Job Title:

(7) Organisation Name:

(8) Contact details: (Include

telephone number and email).

(9) Ethnic Minority Group: (Circle to

indicate which of the following

applies to you):

White Chinese Irish Traveller

Indian Pakistani Bangladeshi

Other Asian

Black Caribbean

Black African

Black Other

Mixed ethnic group (please state which):

Any other ethnic group (please state which):

(10)Please select area where you would be willing to travel (tick all counties that apply)

Antrim [ ] Armagh [ ] Down [ ] Fermanagh [ ] Derry / Londonderry [ ] Tyrone [ ]

(11)Experience - who do you have experience working with (tick all that apply)?

Children and young people [ ] Older people [ ] People with autistic spectrum conditions [ ] People with learning disabilities [ ] People with mental health needs [ ] People with physical disability [ ] People with sensory impairment [ ] Other (please specify): _______________________________________________________________

[ ]

Social Work Ambassador

Registration Form

June 2015

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(12)Audience – what type of audience would you like to work with (tick all that applies)?

Career advisors [ ] Colleges / training providers [ ] Community groups [ ] Employment advisors [ ] Schools [ ] Teachers / Educators [ ] Unemployed [ ] Universities [ ] Other (please specify): [ ]

(13)Services – what services would you be able to provide (tick all that apply)?

Formal presentation [ ] Informal talk or discussion [ ] Interactive group activity [ ] Information stand [ ] Guided workplace visit [ ] Media / publicity e.g. promotional materials like DVD [ ] Mentoring new people to the sector [ ] Supporting a workplace opportunity [ ] Other (please specify): [ ]

I have read the Social Work Ambassador Principles and Policy and agree to abide by these

principles. (Please indicate below)

I (the co-ordinator) confirm that this Ambassador is a Social Worker and/or Social Work Student

and is registered with the NISCC.

Social Work Ambassador Principles and

Policy: (Yes/No)

Registered Social Worker/ Social Work

Student: (Indicate as appropriate)

Signature of Social Work Ambassador:

Name of Organisation Co-ordinator/Manager:

Signature of Organisation Co-ordinator/Manager:

Date:

Thank you for taking the time to complete this form. Please return completed forms to

mairead.harkin@niscc.hscni.net