In this episode, our hosts introduce the National Occupational Standards (NOS), with a particular focus on NOS 1: Maintain an Up-to-Date Knowledge and Evidence Base for Social Work Practice and NOS 2: Develop Social Work Practice Through Supervision and Reflection. The discussion is designed to support student social workers, Practice Educators, and those who are either undertaking or considering the Practice Educator qualification.

Throughout the episode, the hosts explore how the NOS can support learning, professional development, and reflective practice approaches within social work. The episode also includes responses to two questions submitted by student social workers relating specifically to the NOS and their application in practice learning and professional development.

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

Relational Social Work Practice

Relational social work practice is commonly understood as an approach that uses the professional relationship between the social worker and service user as the primary means of achieving change. Tosone (2004) describes it as a practice that recognises the interconnected nature of individuals’ internal experiences, interpersonal relationships, and wider community systems. Key features include the importance of the therapeutic relationship, the dynamic and often asymmetrical nature of interactions between practitioners and service users, and the influence of both personal and structural factors on engagement and outcomes. Ruch, Turney and Ward (2010) and Megele (2015) note that there is no single agreed definition, and debate continues as to whether relationship-based practice should be understood as a set of guiding principles or a broader theoretical approach.

Source: Ingram, R. (2013) Locating Emotional Intelligence at the Heart of Social Work Practice. Available at:

https://pureadmin.qub.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/148840484/13_Winter_relational_social_work_KW02APR2018.pdf

National Occupational Standards (NOS)

The National Occupational Standards (NOS) are UK-wide standards that outline the knowledge, skills, and understanding required to work in social care and early years and childcare settings at nationally recognised levels of practice. The NOS are organised into suites of standards and work areas, providing guidance and examples relevant to specific professional roles.

Source: Social Care Wales – National Occupational Standards (NOS)

https://socialcare.wales/qualifications-funding/national-occupational-standards-nos

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