Assessment and Evidence-Informed Decision Making Training for NQSWs

***Session for students & NQSWs only***

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

Part 4 of 7 in BASW's Taught Skills Programme for NQSWs - click here to view the full series

You may pick and choose between topics, there is no need to attend all sessions. To discuss rates for block bookings of 5 or more delegates on any one session, please email ProfDE@basw.co.uk

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 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 vulnerable adults, assessment of risk, issues of capacity, consent, wishes & feelings, available options and how to explain clearly professional rationale and own professional judgement.

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. 

Resources Required: 

All delegates will need a laptop with a functioning mic and camera and a strong stable internet connection to allow effective participation. Laptops should have an up-to-date browser such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Where possible delegates should be using the MS Teams App, fully updated. Please note – for health and safety reasons it is not appropriate to access these courses from a mobile phone. Whilst tablets can be used; delegates will find a laptop/desktop is easier as functionality on tablets is still limited.

Programme Outline:

9.00 Log-in – Check your connection, camera & mic (the 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

• Capturing the views of service users, family and professionals

• Reflection on practice

12.30 LUNCH

1.15 Analysing Information

• Considering capacity, consent and choice, including unwise decisions

• Considering Risks, Strengths and Protective Factors

2.40 COFFEE

3.00 Articulating your analysis in assessment reports

• Considering purpose and audience

• Recording reflections, hypothesis, and decisions

• Being concise, clear and accessible.

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.

BASW members please log in to your BASW account prior to booking to maintain your CPD record