Resources: New social work tool aims to support and improve recording skills – SCIE

This resource aims to support social workers and other social care staff to improve recording skills – how you write down what you have seen and done, your analysis of that, and what you plan to do as a result.

It is based on the concept of PARTNERSHIP – that recording should be done, as much as possible, in conjunction with the person you are working with.

The resource sets out 11 top tips to consider when recording, whether that be daily case notes, or more formal reports or assessments. You can practice your recording skills with our scenarios.

The importance of recording

Recording is an integral and important part of social work and social care. It is not simply an administrative burden to go through as quickly as possible, but is central to good, person-centred support. Recording is vital:

  • It supports good care and support
  • It is a legal requirement and part of staff’s professional duty
  • It promotes continuity of care and communication with other agencies
  • It is a tool to help identify themes and challenges in a person’s life
  • It is key to accountability – to people who use services, to managers, to inspections and audits
  • It is evidence – for court, complaints and investigations

It will enhance your practice and the support you can offer people if you can make good recording a central part of your work.

Perspectives of the importance of social care recording

These three short films illustrate the actual harm that can occur if recording is done poorly. They show that recording is part of making sure people’s wellbeing is promoted, not an administrative add-on to the main business of social work.

Service user’s perspective – the importance of care recording

Carer’s perspective – the importance of care recording

Professionals’ perspective – the importance of care recording

Click here to access this resource.