Expectations of leaders

Ensure an evidence-based strong statement sets out the social work practice vision, values, and desired outcomes.

Strong and Clear Social Work Framework

Building a strong statement

A strong statement is a critical part of Employment Standard 1. Make sure the statement is evidence-based. 

Examples of the evidence from research

From their inspections of local authorities, Ofsted has emphasised that the successful implementation of a clear practice model can benefit the lives of children and their families.

The Care Act 2014 general duties for adult social care are underpinned by a strengths-based approach and is a practice model which applies to the whole of this sector.

Working Together 2023 cites research that taking a systematic approach to enquiries using a conceptual model is the best way to achieve a comprehensive assessment for all children.

You should work with partners to develop the statement. Frequently revisit the statement to include input from practitioners and from people using services. The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) recommends using a strategic integrated approach to planning and delivering services. 

You should share the statement with partner organisations and this will help you to:

work with partners
engage with professional bodies and trades unions
promote a culture of learning and improvement
provide guidance on how to use professional judgement and creativity

Building a strong practice model

Practice models will vary across organisations. There is no single practice model that is the ‘best’ one to use. When deciding on a practice model, consider the evidence that informs it, the needs of the local area, and the priorities for practice. The practice model should use data and feedback from people using services to improve social work practice. Consider how social workers’ perspectives contribute to encouraging a supportive practice environment. Develop the principal social worker role to report on development and practice standards. If you encourage a culture of high support and challenge, this will promote:

learning, reflective practice, and accountability
the support of social workers with career opportunities
effective recruitment, retention, and workforce planning
a ‘whole-systems’ approach that recognises the complexity of connections across organisational systems

The National Framework for social care

The National Framework identifies the role of leaders as a key enabler for achieving better outcomes for children. It says that ‘leaders drive conditions for effective practice.’ Developing a strong practice model can support leaders to meet this statutory guidance.

References

This is the list of research and evidence sources used to produce this section. Publicly available links are included.

HM Government (2023). Working Together to Safeguard Children. A guide to multi-agency working to help, protect and promote the welfare of children.

Mckinsey (2021). Psychological safety and the critical role of leadership development

Ofsted. (2019). Social care commentary: Using models of practice successfully.

Social Care Institute for Excellence (nd) Next steps and some examples of good strengths-based practice.

Social Care Institute for Excellence (2007). Whole Systems Approach: The participation of adult service users, including older people, in developing social care.

Next page: Benefits of achieving the strong and clear social work framework

The resources have been developed by Research in Practice in collaboration with DfE.
Published: 30 October 2024
Last updated: 09 July 2025