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Ethical dilemmas and legal literacy training for NQSWs

Part of BASW's Taught Skills Development Programme for Newly Qualified Social Workers

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

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

Part 7 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 session explores the complexity of legal interfaces, the ethical dilemmas this can raise and the role of the professional in managing and negotiating such issues, including managing power appropriately. Case examples and caselaw will be used to demonstrate how these impact on Social Workers and then considers the transferrable skills needed to ensure NQSWs are able to negotiate these complexities in practice

This session will include:

  • An exploration of the Impact of the Covid Pandemic ( & Legislation where applied) 
  • An exploration of legal interfaces using the Human Rights Act 1998, Children Act 1989, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 1983
  • The balance in legislation between rights, choice and empowerment and safeguarding and public protection.  
  • The ability to identify and consider the complexities involved in balancing principles of autonomy & protection.

Learning Outcomes:

  • This course will provide participants with the following learning outcomes:
  • An exploration of legal interfaces using the Human Rights Act 1998, Children Act 1989, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 1983
  • Exploring the balance in legislation between rights, choice and empowerment and safeguarding and public protection and what that means in practice.
  • Recognising the impact of our own beliefs, values and biases in how we use law

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 10.00 Ethics and Values – application in practice

• What are values and ethics? How do they impact our practice?

• What power do we have and how do we use it?

11.00 COFFEE

11.20 Examples of Legal Interfaces & Related Dilemmas

• Mental Health Act / Children’s Act / Mental Capacity Act

12.30 LUNCH

1.45 Examples of Case Law Impact on Practice

• Care Act Challenge

3.00 COFFEE

3.20 Examples of Legal Interfaces & Related Dilemmas

• Use of PR

• Mental Capacity Act Vs Mental Health Act

4.15 Reflection and Review – learning points and next steps 

4.30 CLOSE

The Trainer :

Chloe Whittall

Chloe is a qualified and Social Work England registered Social Worker who has worked in both voluntary sector and in statutory service settings, including practice as a Consultant Social Worker within children's safeguarding services. ​

​Chloe holds qualifications in Social Work, Counselling, Diploma in Systemic Family Therapy, Practice Education, Management and Leadership and Training. ​She is a practicing BIA and Practice Educator / Assessor.

Chloe oversees DCC-i's practice activity, including specialist assessment and the children and family offers. She also provides leadership across their ASYE / NQSW and Practice Education / Assessor programmes.

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