Guidance: Updated knowledge and skills statements for child and family social work
The knowledge and skills statements are the foundation for the introduction of a post-qualification specialist career pathway for child and family social workers. They’re important for:
- child and family social work education
- recruitment
- career development
- performance appraisal
These statements will form the basis of the national assessment and accreditation system (NAAS) for child and family social workers.
They’re for:
- frontline practitioners (staff)
- practice supervisors
- practice leaders
Practice supervisors are qualified social workers responsible for:
- supervising approved child and family social workers
- developing the skills of teams and individuals involved in child and family social work services
Practice leaders are qualified social workers responsible for:
- making sure the whole local system for child and family social work practice operates correctly
- overseeing child and family frontline practitioners and practice supervisors
For frontline practitioners and practice supervisors, these statements have been determined as the post-qualifying improvement standards as set out under Section 42 of the Children and Social Work Act 2017, which means a professional standard, the attainment of which demonstrates particular expertise or specialisation.
Download the guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/knowledge-and-skills-statements-for-child-and-family-social-work
