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Employers should have in place a strong and clear social work framework. The framework needs to have 2 parts: 

  • a statement of the purpose, vision, values and outcomes for your social work practice 
  • an evidence-based practice model 

The statement and the practice model should use input from:  

  • social workers 
  • people using services 

Employers will use different practice models to reflect local circumstances and practice approaches. Explain your goals in the statement. Show how the goals will help practitioners and the people who use social work services. This provides clarity for practitioners about the practice model the organisation expects them to use and why they should do so. 

A strong and clear social work framework will help your organisation to: 

  • align staff with your organisation’s goals 
  • create a culture that offers a safe place for reflection and continual improvement 
  • listen to the views of practitioners 
  • help the organisation to react in the best way when things go wrong 
  • communicate your goals with the community you work in 
  • improve the quality of your social work practice 

Read the full details of Employment standard 1 on the Local Government Association website.

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