This episode explores student social workers’ Practice Learning Opportunities (PLOs), more commonly known as placements. Our hosts reflect on their own experiences of undertaking PLOs during social work training, discussing expectations, different placement settings, commonly used acronyms, and the differences they have encountered both as students and as Practice Educators. The episode also features questions submitted by three social work students, which are discussed and answered throughout the conversation.

To support clarity throughout the podcast, some professional terms referenced in the discussion are explained below.

Statutory Social Work

Statutory social work refers to social work carried out under the legal duties and powers of local authorities. This includes protecting and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children, adults at risk, and communities, often involving complex decisions that balance rights, risks, and needs. Accountability for these statutory interventions rests with registered social workers.

Source: Scottish Government, The Role of the Registered Social Worker in Statutory Interventions

https://www.gov.scot/publications/role-registered-social-worker-statutory-interventions-guidance-local-authorities/pages/2/

Practice Learning

Practice learning describes the experience students gain through practical placements, where they develop and apply the skills, knowledge, and values required of professional social workers.

Source: Social Care Wales, Practice Education Guidance (2019)

https://socialcare.wales/cms-assets/documents/Practice-education-guidance-2019-English.pdf

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