Assessment
Evidence Documents
Revised September 2013
For Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) undertaking their
Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)
1
Contents
Evidence Folder Checklist: .......................................................................................................................3
Confidentiality statement ..........................................................................................................................4
ASYE Agreement .....................................................................................................................................5
Personal/Professional Development Plan (PDP) ......................................................................................9
NQSW / ASYE Evidence Log .................................................................................................................10
Direct observation Record of Practice ....................................................................................................11
Extended Observation Record................................................................................................................13
Supervision record .................................................................................................................................18
Service user and carer feedback ............................................................................................................20
Assessor Report - Three Month Review .................................................................................................21
Assessor Report - Six Month Review .....................................................................................................23
Assessor Report – Final Review .............................................................................................................25
Guidance for writing a critical case analysis ...........................................................................................31
Critical Career Review ............................................................................................................................34
Additional Evidence Reviewed by Assessor ...........................................................................................35
2
Evidence Folder Checklist:
Document
Completion
Required
Additional Info
Confidentiality statement:
At initial meeting
with line manager
No further action.
ASYE Agreement:
At initial meeting by
line manager
This document will be updated
throughout the process of ASYE to
evidence dates/changes additional info
etc.
Professional Development plan
At initial meeting
with line manager
NQSW to draft prior to the meeting
with line manager. To be updated
throughout the ASYE process
Evidence Log
Throughout process
by NQSW
This is an ongoing record of relevant
evidence of the NQSW’s progress,
completed by the NQSW
Direct Observations (minimum
of 2 carried out by assessor)
Either can be
submitted at the 3
month point. Both
by the end of the
ASYE
Both observations must be completed
before the end of the ASYE process.
Assessor reports: 3 Months, 6
months, and Final Assessment
Report (9 months).
At 3 months, 6
months, and 9
months by the
assessor
The final report requires pass/fail
judgments under each of the 9 PCF
domains, which need to be evidenced.
There is also an overall pass/fail
judgment.
Supervision records (x 3):
End of ASYE
process, collated by
assessor and
NQSW
That suitably evidences NQSWs
performance and/or progress
Service User and Carer
feedback (x2)
End of ASYE
process collated by
NQSW
Service user feedback template can be
used for this, or service user generated
evidence (letters, emails etc)
Critical Case Analysis:
End of ASYE
process
To be completed by the NQSW
Critical Career Review:
End of ASYE
process
To be completed by the NQSW
Additional evidence reviewed by
assessor
End of ASYE
process
Any additional information the
assessor deems relevant.
At least x1 should be using the
extended template (B)
3
Confidentiality statement
North East London Social Work Development Partnership
Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) Confidentiality Statement
This statement confirms that all names and distinguishing facts relating to Service Users involved in
case work evidenced in this practice log have been changed or removed to preserve confidentiality.
Please ensure that any case information, either personal or professional, has been treated with the
utmost care and respect for the Service Users’ right to dignity and confidentiality.
These confidentiality principles are expected to be adhered to by all NQSWs undertaking their ASYE
within the partnership.
Please ensure that a signed copy is inserted in your practice log.
For further advice/guidance on confidentiality, please contact your Local Authority ASYE Programme
Coordinator.
Signed by
Date
NQSW
Supervisor
4
ASYE Agreement
To be completed at the initial meeting with line manager and NQSW and to be reviewed at three, six and the
final review meetings. NQSWs and/or Assessors should address any queries or concerns about the
content or implementation of this agreement with the ASYE Coordinator/Lead in the first instance.
NQSW Name
HCPC registration no.
Date of qualification
Employer
Name of line manager
Name of supervisor/assessor
(if different from line manager)
Date ASYE commenced
Date set for 3 month review
Date set for 6 month review
Date for final submission of evidence
Supervision will be provided by:
Supervision sessions will be scheduled as follows: please agree and insert dates.
Weekly for first six weeks of
employment:
Week 1:
Week 2:
Week 3:
Week 4:
Week 5:
Week 6:
From week seven to six months –
insert fortnightly:
3 month review period highlighted
Fortnight 1:
Fortnight 2: (3 Month)
Fortnight 3:
Fortnight 4:
Fortnight 5:
Fortnight 6:
Fortnight 7:
Fortnight 8:
Fortnight 7: ( 6 month review point)
Insert monthly dates following six
month review:
Month 7:
Month 8:
Month 9:
Month 10:
Month11:
Month 12:
5
2. Workload management
How will workload be agreed and
allocated? (E.g. 10% reduction
implemented). Specify case number of team
and NQSW.
Case load at three month review: specify
number of cases, points in weighting system,
or complexity in comparison to experienced
members of the team.
Case load at six month review: specify
number of cases, points in weighting system,
or complexity in comparison to experienced
members of the team
3(a) Professional development plan
Date
Present at meeting & Notes
First PDP completed (initial
meeting)
PDP reviewed (3 months)
PDP reviewed (6 months)
PDP reviewed (end of ASYE)
3(b) Protected development time
Set out here the specific arrangements in
place for undertaking learning and
development (e.g. 10% of working week
equivalent to half a day a week, or one day
per fortnight). Agree how learning will be
evidenced.
Changes and actions agreed at the three
month review:
Changes and actions agreed at the six
month review:
6
4 Assessment
Collection of evidence
Discuss the PCF requirements and list the
types of evidence/work products that may be
used to meet requirements.
Any changes and actions agreed at the three
month review:
Any changes and actions agreed at the six
month review:
Assessment process
Discuss and list arrangements for decision
making including appeals process. Clarify
arrangements the employer uses to quality
assure ASYE assessments and decisions.
Agreement summary
Date of completion of agreement:
We confirm the arrangements set out in this agreement: signed and dated
NQSW
Supervisor/assessor
Line manager
(where different from supervisor/assessor)
Senior manager
(where required by employer organisation)
7
Date set for 3 month review:
We confirm the changes and actions agreed at this review as set out in this agreement:
NQSW
Supervisor or Assessor
Line manager
(where different from supervisor/assessor)
Senior manager
(where required by employer organisation)
Date set for 6 month review:
We confirm the changes and actions agreed at this review as set out in this agreement:
NQSW
Supervisor or Assessor
Line manager
(where different from supervisor/assessor)
Senior manager
(where required by employer organisation)
Date ASYE completed
We confirm that [XXXX] has / has not [delete as required] successfully completed the Assessed
and Supported Year in Employment
Supervisor/assessor
Line manager
(where different from supervisor/assessor)
Senior manager
(where required by employer organisation)
I understand that information on me passing the ASYE will be forwarded to the College
of Social Work and if I fail the ASYE, the information will be passed on to the HCPC.
I confirm that my employer has notified me of the outcome of my ASYE
NQSW
Date
8
Personal/Professional Development Plan (PDP)
Action plan for NQSW development
NQSW Name:
Completed by:
ASYE start date:
What?
Area of need / skill gap identified
Development
(Add new learning needs below as they
emerge at 3, 6 & final review)
activity or action
Links to
What is the goal or
which
what will success look
PCF
like?
Progress at 3 months
Progress at 6 months
Progress at Final
Assessment
domain?
9
NQSW / ASYE Evidence Log
This log can be used as a tool to record any documents that evidence how you meet the
requirements of the PCF. This log and related evidence can be presented to and discussed with
your supervisor/assessor at your review meetings and assist your assessor in making judgements
at each stage of the process.
Supporting evidence
Your name
Domain title and description
Assessor:
What evidence demonstrates the PCF domains?
1. Professionalism
Identify and behave as a professional social
worker, committed to professional development
2. Values and ethics
Apply social work ethical principles and values to
guide professional practice
3. Diversity
Recognise diversity and apply anti-discriminatory
and anti-oppressive principles in practice
4. Rights, justice and economic wellbeing
Advance human rights and promote social justice
and economic wellbeing
5. Knowledge
Apply knowledge of social sciences, law and
social work practice theory
6. Critical reflection and analysis
Apply critical reflection and analysis to inform and
provide a rationale for professional decisionmaking
7. Intervention and skills
Use judgement and authority to intervene with
individuals, families and communities to promote
independence, provide support and prevent harm,
neglect and abuse
8. Contexts and organisations
Engage with, inform, and adapt to changing
contexts that shape practice. Operate effectively
within own organisational frameworks and
contribute to the development of services and
organisations. Operate effectively within multiagency and inter-professional settings
9. Professional leadership
Take responsibility for the professional learning
and development of others through supervision,
mentoring, assessing, research, teaching,
leadership and management
10
Direct observation Record of Practice - Naturally
Occurring
NQSW name
Name and role of observer
Date and setting of observation
Section one: Observer to complete after the direct observation
Holistic assessment of the NQSW’s capability based on this observation.
Please comment on the NQSW’s capability, taking into account the following PCF Capability
level descriptor.
“By the end of the ASYE social workers should have consistently demonstrated practice in a
wider range of tasks and roles, and have become more effective in their interventions, thus
building their own confidence, and earning the confidence of others. They will have more
experience and skills in relation to a particular setting and user group, and have demonstrated
ability to work effectively on more complex situations. They will seek support in supervision
appropriately, whilst starting to exercise initiative and evaluate their own practice.”
Observer’s signature
Date
11
Section two: to be completed by NQSW after direct observation
Complete 1 and 2 after reading the observer’s report
1. Critical reflection: how do you think this observation went?
2. Comments and reflections on the feedback given by the observer
NQSW’s signature
Date
12
Extended Observation Record
NQSW name
Name and role of observer
Date and setting of observation
Section one: to be completed by NQSW
Complete before the observation
1. Prior to intervention: Brief background and description of observed intervention, including how you
prepared for it.
13
Section two: Observer to complete after the direct observation
Please provide information to support your assessment of the direct observation; reference can
be made to the nine domains where relevant. You are not required to make a comment against
each domain but can identify strengths and areas for development/concern (including reference
to individual capability statements where there are areas of concern).
Holistic assessment of the candidate’s capability demonstrated in the direct observation of practice (up
to 300 words)
Domain 1: Professionalism: identify and behave as a professional social worker, committed to
professional development
Social workers are members of an internationally recognised profession, a title protected in UK law.
Social workers demonstrate professional commitment by taking responsibility for their conduct, practice
and learning, with support through supervision. As representatives of the social work profession they
safeguard its reputation and are accountable to the HCPC.
Domain 2: Values and ethics: apply social work ethical principles and values to guide
professional practice
Social workers have an obligation to conduct themselves ethically and to engage in ethical decisionmaking, including through partnership with people who use their services. Social workers are
knowledgeable about the value base of their profession, its ethical standards and relevant law.
14
Domain 3: Diversity: recognise diversity and apply anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive
principles in practice
Social workers understand that diversity characterises and shapes human experience and is critical to
the formation of identity. Diversity is multidimensional and includes race, disability, class, economic
status, age, sexuality, gender and transgender, faith and belief. Social workers appreciate that, as a
consequence of difference, a person’s life experience may include oppression, marginalisation and
alienation as well as privilege, power and acclaim, and are able to challenge appropriately.
Domain 4: Rights, justice and economic wellbeing: advance human rights and promote social
justice and economic well-being
Social workers recognise the fundamental principles of human rights and equality, and that these are
protected in national and international law, conventions and policies. They ensure these principles
underpin their practice. Social workers understand the importance of using and contributing to case law
and applying these rights in their own practice. They understand the effects of oppression,
discrimination and poverty.
Domain 5: Knowledge: apply knowledge of social sciences, law and social work practice theory
Social workers understand psychological, social, cultural, spiritual and physical influences on people;
human development throughout the life span and the legal framework for practice. They apply this
knowledge in their work with individuals, families and communities. They know and use theories and
methods of social work practice.
15
Domain 6: Critical reflection and analysis: apply critical reflection and analysis to inform and
provide a rationale for professional decision-making
Social workers are knowledgeable about and apply the principles of critical thinking and reasoned
discernment. They identify, distinguish, evaluate and integrate multiple sources of knowledge and
evidence. These include practice evidence, their own practice experience, service user and carer
experience together with research-based, organisational, policy and legal knowledge. They use critical
thinking augmented by creativity and curiosity.
Domain 7: Intervention and skills: use judgement and authority to intervene with individuals,
families and communities to promote independence, provide support and prevent harm, neglect
and abuse
Social workers engage with individuals, families, groups and communities, working alongside people to
assess and intervene. They enable effective relationships and are effective communicators, using
appropriate skills. Using their professional judgement, they employ a range of interventions: promoting
independence, providing support and protection, taking preventative action and ensuring safety whilst
balancing rights and risks. They understand and take account of differentials in power, and are able to
use authority appropriately. They evaluate their own practice and the outcomes for those they work
with.
Domain 8: Contexts and organisations: engage with, inform, and adapt to changing contexts
that shape practice. Operate effectively within own organisational frameworks and contribute to
the development of services and organisations. Operate effectively within multi-agency and
inter-professional partnerships and settings. Social workers are informed about and pro-actively
responsive to the challenges and opportunities that come with changing social contexts and constructs.
They fulfil this responsibility in accordance with their professional values and ethics, both as individual
professionals and as members of the organisation in which they work. They collaborate, inform and are
informed by their work with others, inter-professionally and with communities.
16
Domain 9: Professional leadership: take responsibility for the professional learning and
development of others through supervision, mentoring, assessing, research, teaching,
leadership and management
The social work profession evolves through the contribution of its members in activities such as
practice research, supervision, assessment of practice, teaching and management. An individual’s
contribution will gain influence when undertaken as part of a learning, practice-focused organisation.
Learning may be facilitated with a wide range of people including social work colleagues, service users
and carers, volunteers, foster carers and other professionals.
Action plan following the direct observation (if applicable)
Have areas of development/learning needs been identified? What action needs to be taken to address
these? Are they any other outstanding issues?
Service user feedback (if applicable)
Observer’s signature
Date
Section three: to be completed by NQSW
1 After the intervention: Please reflect on the intervention and the observers’ feedback.
17
Supervision record
Local templates should be used if already in existence for the ASYE programme. Please use this template to
record your supervision discussions if no other template exists at your workplace.
Name of NQSW
Date and duration of supervision
Name of assessor/supervisor
Agreed agenda
Case discussion:
(In line with the time the NQSW
has been in post, caseload and
the type of caseload being held).
Organisational matters:
How is NQSW coping in the first
4, 8 and 12 weeks? How many
supervisions in this period?
Assessor please keep a record
of frequency of supervisions
Personal/Professional
Development action plans:
Any other business:
18
Action from supervision session
Local templates should be used if already in existence for the ASYE programme. Please use this template
to record your supervision discussions if no other template exists at your workplace.
Outline below the key actions resulting from your supervision session.
Action
Who?
By when?
Link to PCF
(insert domain no)
Case discussions:
How does the work done link to the Professional Capabilities Framework domains?
Organisational matters
Professional development action plans
Any other business
Notes
19
Service user and carer feedback
Feedback from service user questionnaire (Please indicate if transcribed by NQSW
Yes / No
Has your Social Worker explained why they are working with you?
Yes / No
If yes, could you briefly comment on how this happened?
Do you feel that your Social Worker has listened to you and understood your views?
Yes / No
If yes, could you briefly comment on how your Social Worker has done this?
Have you been included in making plans and decisions about what should happen next
for your family/carers?
Yes / No
If yes, could you briefly comment on how your Social Worker has done this?
What does your Social Worker do that really supports you and your family/carers? Please comment:
Is there anything else that your Social Worker could do to provide more support for you and your
family? Please comment:
Signed by
Date
Service user or carer
NQSW
Supervisor/Line Manager
20
Assessor Report - Three Month Review
Adapted from www.skillsforcare.org.uk/asye and www.collegeofsocialwork.org
The Assessor/employer may wish to use information from this section for quality assurance purposes for
both the local authority and TCSW.
Identities
NQSW
Date ASYE
commenced:
Professional supervisor /
assessor
Line manager
(if different role to above)
Agency / employer
Date of 3 month review meeting
Who is present at 3 month
review?
Strengths/Areas for Development
Using the ASYE Agreement as the basis; please discuss and record the following: (boxes will expand
and increase as required). Please ensure you refer to the domains of the PCF.
Strengths:
Link to PCF
Areas for development:
Link to PCF
Agreed actions to be included/updated in the PDP:
Have performance management concerns been indicated and addressed through the interim
review process? (please specify if applicable)
21
Assessment Outcome: (Assessor to tick as appropriate)
Good progress:
Satisfactory progress:
Concerns:
Further comments: (Optional)
Line Manager Comments: (where different from Assessor)
NQSW Comments:
Signatures:
Date:
Assessor
Line manager
(if different to assessor)
NQSW (to confirm you have
received this report)
22
Assessor Report - Six Month Review
Adapted from www.skillsforcare.org.uk/asye and www.collegeofsocialwork.org
The Assessor/employer may wish to use information from this section for quality assurance purposes for
both the local authority and TCSW.
Identities
NQSW
Date ASYE
commenced:
Professional supervisor /
assessor
Line manager
(if different role to above)
Agency / employer
Date of 6 month review meeting
Who is present at 6 month
review?
Strengths/Areas for Development
Using the ASYE Agreement and any items from the three month review as the basis; please discuss
and record the following: (boxes will expand and increase as required). Please also ensure you refer
to the domains of the PCF.
Strengths:
Link to PCF
Areas for development:
Link to PCF
Agreed actions to be included/updated in the PDP:
Update on any previous performance management concerns raised at the 3 Month Review or new
areas raised during this period? (please specify if applicable).
23
Assessment Outcome: (Assessor to tick as appropriate)
Good progress:
Satisfactory progress:
Concerns:
Further comments: (Optional)
Line Manager Comments: (where different from Assessor)
NQSW Comments:
Signatures:
Date:
Assessor
Line manager
(if different to assessor)
NQSW (to confirm you have
received this report)
24
Assessor Report – Final Review
Identities
NQSW
Date ASYE
commenced:
Professional supervisor /
assessor
Line manager
(if different role to above)
Agency / employer
Date of final review completion
Support
Provide details of how the NQSW has been supported through the ASYE. Indicate if there
have been issues in the provision of the level of support and reflective supervision as
expected by the Employer Standards at ASYE. State how issues have been overcome, or any
additional support provided with reference to the ASYE Agreement and any updates at the
three and six month review meetings.
Performance Management
Have performance management concerns been indicated and addressed through the interim
review processes? (please specify if applicable)
25
ASYE Capability Level Descriptors
Making reference to the PCF ASYE level descriptors, please discuss and record the following:
(boxes will expand as required)
“By the end of the ASYE social workers should have consistently demonstrated practice in a
wider range of tasks and roles, and have become more effective in their interventions, thus
building their own confidence, and earning the confidence of others. They will have more
experience and skills in relation to a particular setting and user group, and have demonstrated
ability to work effectively on more complex situations. They will seek support in supervision
appropriately, whilst starting to exercise initiative and evaluating their own practice.”
Feedback on overall capability
Building on interim reviews please provide an overall judgement of professional capability at ASYE level,
taking into account capability across all nine domains of the PCF. Link your comments to examples of
the evidence presented over the course of the ASYE. Use evidence log where appropriate. (Guideline
approx. 500 words; box will expand to accommodate text.)
Holistic assessment of each domain
Please provide information to support your overall assessment against the nine domains identifying
strengths and areas for development/concern. Looking at the individual capability statements may help
you with making and articulating your decision. (Please delete ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’ as required.)
Domain 1: Professionalism: identify and behave as a professional social worker, committed to
professional development
Social workers are members of an internationally recognised profession, a title protected in UK law.
Social workers demonstrate professional commitment by taking responsibility for their conduct, practice
and learning, with support through supervision. As representatives of the social work profession they
safeguard its reputation and are accountable to the professional regulator.
Source of evidence used to support judgement:
Pass
Fail
26
Domain 2: Values and ethics: apply social work ethical principles and values to guide professional
practice
Social workers have an obligation to conduct themselves ethically and to engage in ethical decisionmaking, including through partnership with people who use their services. Social workers are
knowledgeable about the value base of their profession, its ethical standards and relevant law.
Source of evidence used to support judgement:
Pass
Fail
Domain 3: Diversity: recognise diversity and apply anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive principles in
practice
Social workers understand that diversity characterises and shapes human experience and is critical to
the formation of identity. Diversity is multidimensional and includes race, disability, class, economic
status, age, sexuality, gender and transgender, faith and belief. Social workers appreciate that, as a
consequence of difference, a person’s life experience may include oppression, marginalisation and
alienation as well as privilege, power and acclaim, and are able to challenge appropriately.
Source of evidence used to support judgement:
Pass
Fail
Domain 4: Rights, justice and economic wellbeing: advance human rights and promote social justice
and economic well-being
Social workers recognise the fundamental principles of human rights and equality, and that these are
protected in national and international law, conventions and policies. They ensure these principles
underpin their practice. Social workers understand the importance of using and contributing to case law
and applying these rights in their own practice. They understand the effects of oppression, discrimination
and poverty.
Source of evidence used to support judgement:
Pass
Fail
27
Domain 5: Knowledge: apply knowledge of social sciences, law and social work practice theory
Social workers understand psychological, social, cultural, spiritual and physical influences on people;
human development throughout the life span and the legal framework for practice. They apply this
knowledge in their work with individuals, families and communities. They know and use theories and
methods of social work practice.
Source of evidence used to support judgement:
Pass
Fail
Domain 6: Critical reflection and analysis: apply critical reflection and analysis to inform and provide a
rationale for professional decision-making
Social workers are knowledgeable about and apply the principles of critical thinking and reasoned
discernment. They identify, distinguish, evaluate and integrate multiple sources of knowledge and
evidence. These include practice evidence, their own practice experience, service user and carer
experience together with research-based, organisational, policy and legal knowledge. They use critical
thinking augmented by creativity and curiosity.
Source of evidence used to support judgement:
Pass
Fail
Domain 7: Intervention and skills: use judgement and authority to intervene with individuals, families
and communities to promote independence, provide support and prevent harm, neglect and abuse
Social workers engage with individuals, families, groups and communities, working alongside people to
assess and intervene. They enable effective relationships and are effective communicators, using
appropriate skills. Using their professional judgement, they employ a range of interventions: promoting
independence, providing support and protection, taking preventative action and ensuring safety whilst
balancing rights and risks. They understand and take account of differentials in power, and are able to
use authority appropriately. They evaluate their own practice and the outcomes for those they work with.
Source of evidence used to support judgement:
Pass
Fail
28
Domain 8: Contexts and organisations: engage with, inform, and adapt to changing contexts that
shape practice. Operate effectively within own organisational frameworks and contribute to the
development of services and organisations. Operate effectively within multi-agency and interprofessional partnerships and settings.
Social workers are informed about and pro-actively responsive to the challenges and opportunities that
come with changing social contexts and constructs. They fulfil this responsibility in accordance with their
professional values and ethics, both as individual professionals and as members of the organisation in
which they work. They collaborate, inform and are informed by their work with others, inter-professionally
and with communities.
Source of evidence used to support judgement:
Pass
Fail
Domain 9: Professional leadership: take responsibility for the professional learning and development
of others through supervision, mentoring, assessing, research, teaching, leadership and management
The social work profession evolves through the contribution of its members in activities such as practice
research, supervision, assessment of practice, teaching and management. An individual’s contribution
will gain influence when undertaken as part of a learning, practice-focused organisation. Learning may
be facilitated with a wide range of people including social work colleagues, service users and carers,
volunteers, foster carers and other professionals.
Source of evidence used to support judgement:
Pass
Fail
Overall assessment decision
Pass
Fail
29
NQSW Comment:
Any comments you wish to make?
Line Manager Comment:
(Where the line manager has not been responsible for conducting the ASYE assessment
process).
Overall assessment
With reference to the three, six and final month reviews detailing the NQSW’s capability, please provide
an overall judgement of professional capability at ASYE. Where there are concerns make reference to
the individual capability statements.
Senior Manager Comment:
Comments of the Senior Manager overseeing the assessment process: (this may be the manager
line managing the NQSW’s line managers, the Head of Service or Principle Social Worker).
Signatures:
Date:
Assessor
Line manager
(if different to assessor)
NQSW (to confirm you have
received this report)
30
Guidance for writing a critical case analysis
(1500-2000 words)
a) This element will require the candidate to reflect on a complex case. This will draw on one or two
pieces of work.
b) You will need to identify objectives for your future development.
c) You must also integrate the HCPC Standards of Proficiency and the Professional Capabilities
Framework and explain how they underpin your practice
This piece of work must evidence the knowledge base that underpins the candidates practice and
contain references to relevant reading.
Additional Guidance
A Critical case analysis/study is a written analytical narrative about a practice experience. It has a clear
reflective structure to guide the writer. It has more depth than a reflective log and can be used to
evaluate incidents within a single case. It is therefore helpful as it promotes consistent responses when
dealing with risk and need by reviewing past events.
It also helps new social work practitioners understand the complexity of direct work with service users by
promoting reflective practice.
This is a tool which builds practice wisdom or professional judgement and emotional intelligence and
allows writers to deliberately review significant events within their caseload. The written method
promotes learning at the writers own pace and is designed to be empowering allowing ‘pausing to
reflection’ about practice dilemmas.
It is very useful when discussing near misses and working out what went well in practice and considering
how good practice outcomes can be built upon and duplicated in other casework; this deconstruction
and reconstruction in practice helps to encourage improved risk management. A good CCA can enable
the writer to consider gaps in knowledge and skills and as a part of supervision it can form a personal
development plan to inform evidence based practice.
The following are intended to act as prompts for your reflection and should not be applied as an
exhaustive list to your case study.
Provide a brief account of the incident and its context:

Give an honest/balanced account of what happened

Who was involved?

Was it sudden and unexpected?
31
What was your Initial response to the incident?

Consider your emotional response as an NQSW

How did you cope, what helped you?

What did you learn?
How did you then deal with the incident?

What were the issues and dilemmas?

How did you seek information and or support from other professionals?

Did this work?

Did you just respond to a crisis or work as part of a wider strategy?

Did you deal with the incident and consider the wider issues? What was appropriate to the
timescale?

Did the outcome meet the service user needs?
Did you analyse and interpret the incident effectively?

Did you make assumptions?

Did you make a chronology?

What helped you remain child/person centred?

Did you use an evidence/theory base to help your practice?
What could I do differently if I am faced with a similar incident again?

Be realistic about my goals

Work on the most important issue first

Identify my practice support

Update my knowledge base

Did I ascertain the wishes and feelings of the service user?
What did I do well with this incident (and how could I replicate this good practice in other
cases)

I made a plan that was understood by all parties

I visited with a more experienced colleague who gave me advice
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
I acted on information from other agencies

I reviewed case thresholds with a manager

I asked for feedback
Overall learning and evaluation of your practice with incident i.e. learning from the
incident over time

On reflection what was best practice and did I achieve it?

Were there any misunderstandings and how would I promote improved communication?

Did I miss information? How do I analyse a lot of information quickly?

Did my value base help me? Is there any training I need to help me?

Did I listen to children or service users enough?

How will I build on my new learning and transfer my knowledge and skills to other critical
incidents?

Are my emotional needs being met as an NQSW?
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Critical Career Review
(750 - 1000 words)
This is a piece of reflective writing critically analysing your learning and professional development during
the first year of your professional career. You could chose to comment on the nature of your induction,
supervision, and any training you have received since completing professional education and your
progression in your new role. The piece should not exceed 750 - 1000 words and needs to contain a
reference list.
Guidance on preparing your Critical career Review:

Ensure your work is analytical and reflective rather than descriptive

Include how you use theory in practice and how you evaluate the efficacy of different theories for
use

Evaluate your use of legislation and agency policies in your practice

Identify your developing strengths in practice (knowledge, skills and values) and also areas that
need attention and say how you intend to address these

Identify any value dilemmas arising from your personal beliefs, your agency values and social
work core values

Identity areas for continuing personal and professional development which may include unmet
needs identified in the PDPs

Screen your work to ensure the reader has an idea of your development as a social worker since
qualification
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Additional Evidence Reviewed by Assessor
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