Critical thinking, assessment & evidence informed decision making for NQSW's (2)

Part of BASW's 2024-25 NQSW CPD Programme

Delivered by BASW’s accredited training partner DCC-i via MS Teams.

Critical Thinking, Assessment and Evidence Informed Decision-Making meets the following National Standards:

England: PCF 6 – Critical Reflection, Adult PQS3 – Person-Centred Practice, Adult PQS6 - Effective assessments and outcome based support planning, Adult PQS7 – Direct Work, Childrens PQS1 – Relationships and Direct Work, Childrens PQS7 – Analysis, Decision-Making, planning and review

Scotland: CLE2 – Communication, engagement and relationship-based practice CLE3 - Critical thinking, professional Judgement & Decision-making CLE6 – Use of Knowledge, research and evidence in practice

Wales and Northern Ireland: NOS1 – Maintain Professional Accountability, NOS2 – Practise Professional Social Work, NOS4 – Assess needs, risks and circumstances.

Course Outline: This one-day session is designed to support students & Newly Qualified Social Workers to effectively incorporate meaningful analysis into all levels of assessment and review processes to ensure they are able to articulate clear evidence- based recommendations for the child / family, individual and/or carer. The course will provide participants with practical tips for ensuring assessments are concise and easy to follow whilst still containing the necessary depth for complex decision making and support planning within the social care legislative and policy frameworks.

Learning Methods: This training is delivered using an online interactive classroom approach and all delegates will be expected to take part to ensure an effective adult learning experience. Using whiteboards and breakout rooms, a combination of learning methods will be used throughout the day, including trainer presentation and group work in the form of case studies and reflection dilemmas to support application to practice. Local templates and expectations will be embedded in the programme where required and appropriate. Learning Outcomes: This course will provide participants with the following learning outcomes:

A clear understanding and ability to articulate the needs of an individual, free from jargon and with a clear analysis regarding the implications of leaving needs unmet, the options for responding and how successful outcomes can be measured. The ability to effectively analyse information gathered during the assessment or review process to make appropriate decisions and inform both case management and support planning. A transferable approach that can be used for a range of settings. The ability to articulate clearly, concisely and appropriately record information, understanding the difference between fact, professional opinion and being aware of bias. The ability to articulate the reasoning for decision-making and recommendations, including considering legal responsibilities to children and adults who are vulnerable, assessment of risk, issues of capacity, consent, wishes & feelings, available options and how to explain clearly professional rationale and own professional judgement. Programme Outline: 9.00 Log-in – Check your connection, camera & mic (then get a cuppa) 9.30 Introduction to the session and the tech 9.45 Legislative and Policy Framework

How does law and policy guide our practice? 10.15 Understanding and explaining ‘Needs’

Be outcome-focused and strengths-based Identifying, assessing and articulating options 11.10 COFFEE 11.30 Understanding facts, opinions, and professional judgment

Becoming aware of unconscious bias Knowing the difference between facts and opinions Capturing the views of individuals, family and professionals 12.30 LUNCH 1.15 Analysing Information

Considering capacity, consent and choice, including unwise decisions Considering Risks, Strengths and Protective Factors Ensuring the voice of the person is represented. 2.40 COFFEE 3.00 Articulating your analysis and decision making

Identifying all the possible response options Hypothesising meaningfully about possible and probably outcomes Articulating your professional judgement using evidence 4.00 Reflection and Review – learning points and next steps 4.30 CLOSE

The Trainer:

Tony Clamp, Specialist Trainer (Motivational Interviewing)

Tony is an Social Work England registered Social Worker with 25 years experience in both the voluntary & statutory sectors of social care.

​Since qualifying as a Social Worker, Tony has held academic positions at a number of British universities, as well as spending time as a children's social care practitioner.

Tony is an experienced motivational interviewing practitioner and trainer. ​As one of DCC-i's core crew, Tony specialises in Motivational Interviewing and its application in practice as a means to improve the quality of child & family safeguarding.

Corporate multi booking rates available - contact ProfDE@basw.co.uk for details