Children and Young Persons Bill [HL]

Relationships between social work employers and universities are critical, especially, but not only, in relation to initial training. I endorse everything said by the noble Earl and by subsequent speakers in this debate, including the remarks made by the noble Baroness in terms of the long traditions of highly effective collaborative working between employers and universities in this field. Universities are responsible for identifying places for practice learning and involving employers in social work programme design, the provision of practice and design of placements, student selection, teaching and learning provision, quality assurance and preparation for practice learning. Employers of social workers are expected to contribute to the provision of social care and social work education and training, including effective workplace assessment and practice learning, through the provisions of the GSCC code of practice. To support and promote good relationships between universities and employers, as well as in relation to continuing professional development, the Government have funded learning resource networks in partnership with the Local Government Association and Department of Health. There are nine such networks, which were launched in 2003, and the work of the networks is divided into regional consortiums. They work on three main areas: building and supporting sustainable partnerships between universities and employers; increasing the supply and quality of practice placements; and on the collation of data on practice placements. The scope of the work that these networks do is currently under review. The CWDC and Skills for Care are preparing for both departments to review this work. However, the core of the work, to support practice placements and relationships between universities and local authorities, will continue to be central to the work. I will of course ensure that those undertaking the review are made aware of the remarks that have been made in this extremely useful short debate.