Suffolk adheres to the College for Social Work’s Framework for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). CPD is essential to ensure that social workers remain up-to-date with professional developments, and can adjust their practice in line with new evidence. The Framework recognises learning can, and does, take place in a range of different ways and circumstances. It is not always associated with a ‘course’ and the development need may be met through a range of different activities.
Outcomes of learning and career development routes are identified within the professional capabilities framework (PCF) which will act as a ‘scaffold’ to inform the CPD requirements of any individual social worker. It is used in conjunction with Performance development and supervision structures which help identify learning requirements to support the social worker in meeting organisational as well as personal and professional needs.
Social Workers in Suffolk will be supported by Suffolk County Council and expected to take professional responsibility for developing their skills to a high professional level, through undertaking learning and development activities over and above the core standards required for re-registration with HCPC.
Social Workers are expected to be proactive in identifying and meeting their individual professional needs. Learning activities will arise from everyday work, as well as any other requirements imposed by external circumstances or organisational needs.
A wide range of learning and development activities is promoted in Suffolk County Council. Space for critical reflection, learning from others and opportunities for access to research should be valued alongside more structured training.
