BASW welcomes Professional Capabilities Framework evaluation findings

The PCF is “an overarching framework of social work education and professional development in England” and is thus the predominant framework used to underpin nearly all social work education and development in England. BASW England has been the custodian of the PCF on behalf of the social work sector in England since 2015.

Following extensive sector consultation, it was reviewed and refreshed by BASW England in 2018. However, the PCF has not been independently reviewed at any point, and there is scant social worker informed research into its usefulness, acceptability and implementation across the sector. 

In 2023, BASW England commissioned an external, independent rapid review and evaluation as a starting point to understand how it is being used and valued contemporarily, with no influence from BASW England upon the research analysis, findings and recommendations. 

The project, led by Professor Jermaine Ravalier and his team of researchers at Buckinghamshire New University, considers what the PCF looks like compared to frameworks in other professions. It asks social workers their perceptions on whether the PCF is still fit for purpose and, if so, whether it needs to be changed or improved in any way.

Working with a steering group of sector representatives from social work and Experts by Experience of social work services, BASW has accepted and responded to the evaluation’s recommendations. The response outlines what further work we will do to deepen understanding of the relevance and value of the PCF within our sector, what developments are needed and how it relates to the other regulatory and non-regulatory standards and educational drivers within the English social work landscape.

Read the independent evaluation report and BASW's full response.

Commenting, BASW Chief Executive Dr Ruth Allen said:

“This is the first independent evaluation of the value and use of the PCF, and the results have been encouraging. The evaluation found a large majority of diverse respondents valued the PCF and what it has achieved. It also contains proposals for changes and developments in the framework and reflects helpful critiques and areas of less satisfaction.

“One of our Experts by Experience encouraged the evaluation in its early stages by saying ‘The PCF is the moral compass of social work’ and we hope to bring that even more to life, ensuring its role in shaping practice, leadership and social justice across social work as one profession is even clearer in its next iteration.

“We will now take forward ‘phase two’ of this PCF project and provide further opportunities for wide engagement, ensuring we shape a PCF fit for the future.”

BASW invites anyone interested in getting involved and engaging with this project to contact us via our webform.