NQSW resource - about this resource

This resource was created by SCIE in consultation with Skills for Care to support newly qualified social workers and their supervisors working through the NQSW Framework in adult services. It is structured around the evidence sections of the 12 outcome statements in the framework and aims to provide easy access to relevant legislation, policy, and evidence-based research.

The aim is to

• Encourage newly qualified social workers to promote and evidence their on-going learning through knowledge-based practice.
• Provide easy access to legislation, policy documents and research.
• Support formal supervision, preparation for new tasks, debriefing and learning from early experience in practice.
• Encourage a learning culture among employing organisations.

Criteria we used for selecting resource material:

• Minimum 10 items for each statement, up to 15 as necessary or appropriate.
• From a broad range of sources.
• Normally 2007 onwards – flag up anything earlier that looks key.
• Should be accessible in full, where possible.
• Generally UK-based – exceptions to have rationale.
• Relevance to first year in practice.
• Good quality evidence.
• Relate to personalisation and the common core principles for self-directed support.

The materials should be used within the context of local practice and procedures, organisational policies and job-roles. They could complement induction, training and supervision.

NQSW framework

The framework for adult services was developed by Skills for Care through consultation with all key sector partners. It consists of guidance in the form of outcome statements designed to support the growth and development of newly qualified social workers in their role.

Link: Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) resource pack (Skills for Care)

The Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) also developed a NQSW framework for social workers in children and families services. The outcome statements developed by CWDC are slightly different to the Skills for Care framework.

Link: NQSW Outcome statements and guidance (PDF file)

Feedback from NQSWs

I am busy in my practice and no longer a student, however, I have found the resource useful as a springboard into action planning goals for learning, plugging those gaps in knowledge and building evidence for my portfolio

It’s prompted me to visit the county web site

It makes me question my practice

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to the Advisory group:

• Claire Baker (NQSW co-ordinator, Portsmouth City Council)
• Don Brand (SCIE consultant)
• Sinclair Coward (London Metropolitan University)
• Marion Darlow (Skills for Care)
• Angela Etherington (Independent Advisor);
• Steve Foster (practitioner)
• Diane Fossey (Acting learning and professional development lead, Hertfordshire)
• Tracey Hanna (Senior workforce commissioning officer, Essex)
• Steven Keen (Bournemouth University);
• John Brown King (NQSW practice teacher, Newcastle)
• Sara Lewis (consultant)
• Ian Mason (practitioner)
• Louise Mcvoy (practitioner)
• Jo White (NHS Essex)
• Maxine Wrigley (National Voice).