Hospital Social Work in Practice Training

Hospital Social Work in Practice is an introductory programme designed to give social workers a clear, structured overview of what hospital social work involves. The session explores the core functions of the role, the legal frameworks that shape practice, and the key processes that drive hospital discharge and patient flow.

Participants are introduced to the realities of working in a fast paced, high pressure clinical environment, including the importance of effective multidisciplinary team (MDT) collaboration and the common barriers that can arise.

Through practical examples and guided discussion, learners gain a foundational understanding of how social workers contribute to safe, timely, person centred care within acute settings, and how to navigate the ethical dilemmas that often accompany hospital based Social Work.

⭐ Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, the learner will be able to:

• Describe the core functions of hospital social work

• Explain key legal frameworks

• Analyse hospital discharge models

• Explain and evaluate MDT working in hospital settings

• Analyse ethical dilemmas

⭐ Programme Outline

9:30 – 9:45 | Welcome, Introductions & Course Orientation

• Welcome and housekeeping • Participant introductions • Overview of course purpose and structure • Review of learning outcomes • Scene setting: What makes hospital social work unique (pace, pressure, MDT culture, flow)

9:45 – 10:30 | Introduction to Hospital Social Work: Roles, Law & Discharge Pathways

• Core functions of hospital social work (assessment, risk, safeguarding, discharge planning) • Key legal frameworks: Care Act 2014, MCA 2005, Best Interests, safeguarding duties • Overview of hospital discharge models and pathways • Short case example to illustrate the role in practice

10:30 – 10:40 | Break

10:40 – 11:25 | Working Within the MDT: Collaboration, Influence & Barriers • The role and value of MDT working in safe, timely discharge • Understanding professional identities within clinical teams • Barriers to collaboration: hierarchy, communication challenges, medical Vs Social model, funding streams. • Mini scenario: navigating disagreement within the MDT

11:25 – 11:35 Break

11:35 – 12:10 | Ethical Decision Making in Hospital Social Work

• Common ethical dilemmas in acute settings • Balancing autonomy, safety, and organisational pressure • Capacity, consent, and risk in fast paced environments

12:10 – 12:30 | Reflection, Q&A & Course Close

• Summary of key learning points • Open Q&A and group reflection

⭐ Trainer Bio - Maggie Hesford: Social Work Trainer, Supervisor and Consultant

Maggie is a qualified and CORU-registered Social Worker and experienced supervisor and trainer. She holds a BA (Hons) in Social Work, a Certificate in Clinical Supervision and a QQI Level 6 qualification in Training, combining academic grounding with practical expertise in professional development.

Her career spans community and hospital settings, with extensive experience across adult social care and four years in hospital social work management. She has practiced in both the UK and Ireland, giving her a strong, comparative understanding of the legislative, organisational and cultural contexts that shape social work across both systems.

With a background that blends frontline practice, management, supervision, and training delivery, Maggie brings a grounded, real world perspective to her teaching. She is known for her clear, engaging style and her commitment to strengthening reflective practice, professional confidence, and high quality social work across health and social care.

Delivered using MS Teams in an interactive virtual classroom with limited group sizes. Corporate multi booking rates available - contact ProfDE@basw.co.uk for details.

If you’re not yet a BASW member, now’s the perfect time to join. Membership starts from just £5.39 a month and gives you access to this training, plus a huge range of BASW events, at a significantly reduced rate. It’s a great way to invest in your professional growth while connecting with a supportive community. Learn more here: https://basw.co.uk/why-join-basw