Avsnitt
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In this episode, our hosts introduce the National Occupational Standards (NOS), with a particular focus on NOS 1: Maintain an Up-to-Date Knowledge and Evidence Base for Social Work Practice and NOS 2: Develop Social Work Practice Through Supervision and Reflection. The discussion is designed to support student social workers, Practice Educators, and those who are either undertaking or considering the Practice Educator qualification.
Throughout the episode, the hosts explore how the NOS can support learning, professional development, and reflective practice approaches within social work. The episode also includes responses to two questions submitted by student social workers relating specifically to the NOS and their application in practice learning and professional development.
To support clarity throughout the podcast, some professional terms referenced in the discussion are explained below.
Relational Social Work Practice
Relational social work practice is commonly understood as an approach that uses the professional relationship between the social worker and service user as the primary means of achieving change. Tosone (2004) describes it as a practice that recognises the interconnected nature of individuals’ internal experiences, interpersonal relationships, and wider community systems. Key features include the importance of the therapeutic relationship, the dynamic and often asymmetrical nature of interactions between practitioners and service users, and the influence of both personal and structural factors on engagement and outcomes. Ruch, Turney and Ward (2010) and Megele (2015) note that there is no single agreed definition, and debate continues as to whether relationship-based practice should be understood as a set of guiding principles or a broader theoretical approach.
Source: Ingram, R. (2013) Locating Emotional Intelligence at the Heart of Social Work Practice. Available at:
https://pureadmin.qub.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/148840484/13_Winter_relational_social_work_KW02APR2018.pdf
National Occupational Standards (NOS)
The National Occupational Standards (NOS) are UK-wide standards that outline the knowledge, skills, and understanding required to work in social care and early years and childcare settings at nationally recognised levels of practice. The NOS are organised into suites of standards and work areas, providing guidance and examples relevant to specific professional roles.
Source: Social Care Wales – National Occupational Standards (NOS)
https://socialcare.wales/qualifications-funding/national-occupational-standards-nos
Got a question or topic you'd like us to discuss? We'd love to hear from you. Send your questions and feedback to [email protected].
So What: Social Work with Abigail & Josh. Real conversations about adult social work, from people who've lived it.
Find us on social media @SoWhatSocialWork
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Meet your hosts, Abigail and Josh, alongside producer and co-host Tom, as they introduce themselves and share the journeys that led them into social work and on to becoming practice educators.
In this opening episode, they reflect on their personal and professional experiences, the motivations behind their work, and the inspiration for creating this podcast. Join them as they set the scene for honest conversations, shared learning, and insights from the world of social work practice and education.
For clarity throughout this podcast, some professional terms used in discussion are explained below.
Local Authority – A local authority is an administrative organisation responsible for governing local areas within the UK, including the delivery of public services and local planning functions.
Source: OCSI – “Local Authority” (https://ocsi.uk/term/local-authority/)
Statutory Social Work – Statutory social work refers to social work carried out under legal duties and powers held by local authorities. This includes protecting and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children, adults at risk, and communities, often involving complex decisions that balance rights, risks, and needs.
Accountability for these statutory interventions rests with registered social workers.
Source: Scottish Government – The Role of the Registered Social Worker in Statutory Interventions (https://www.gov.scot/publications/role-registered-social-worker-statutory-interventions-guidance-local-authorities/pages/2/)
Got a question or topic you'd like us to discuss? We'd love to hear from you. Send your questions and feedback to [email protected].
So What: Social Work with Abigail & Josh. Real conversations about adult social work, from people who've lived it.
Find us on social media @SoWhatSocialWork
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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This episode explores student social workers’ Practice Learning Opportunities (PLOs), more commonly known as placements. Our hosts reflect on their own experiences of undertaking PLOs during social work training, discussing expectations, different placement settings, commonly used acronyms, and the differences they have encountered both as students and as Practice Educators. The episode also features questions submitted by three social work students, which are discussed and answered throughout the conversation.
To support clarity throughout the podcast, some professional terms referenced in the discussion are explained below.
Statutory Social Work
Statutory social work refers to social work carried out under the legal duties and powers of local authorities. This includes protecting and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children, adults at risk, and communities, often involving complex decisions that balance rights, risks, and needs. Accountability for these statutory interventions rests with registered social workers.
Source: Scottish Government, The Role of the Registered Social Worker in Statutory Interventions
https://www.gov.scot/publications/role-registered-social-worker-statutory-interventions-guidance-local-authorities/pages/2/
Practice Learning
Practice learning describes the experience students gain through practical placements, where they develop and apply the skills, knowledge, and values required of professional social workers.
Source: Social Care Wales, Practice Education Guidance (2019)
https://socialcare.wales/cms-assets/documents/Practice-education-guidance-2019-English.pdf
Got a question or topic you'd like us to discuss? We'd love to hear from you. Send your questions and feedback to [email protected].
So What: Social Work with Abigail & Josh. Real conversations about adult social work, from people who've lived it.
Find us on social media @SoWhatSocialWork
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What is adult social work really like?
Join Abigail & Josh as they lift the lid on the realities of adult social work. With more than 50 years of combined experience in the social care sector, and as qualified Social Workers and Practice Educators, they bring honest conversations, practical insights, and real world experiences from the frontline of practice.
Whether you're a social work student, preparing for your Practice Learning Opportunities, or a newly qualified social worker finding your feet, this podcast is designed to support you every step of the way.
Each week, Abigail and Josh explore key topics, theories, and challenges in adult social work. From navigating placements and assessments to understanding power, strengths-based approaches, and everything in between.
The first episode drops on Wednesday 1st July, so make sure to put a rock in your diary. Follow the podcast now to be the first to know when new weekly episodes are released.
Got a question or topic you'd like us to discuss? We'd love to hear from you. Send your questions and feedback to [email protected].
So What: Social Work with Abigail & Josh. Real conversations about adult social work, from people who've lived it.
Find us on social media @SoWhatSocialWork
