
How to use this app:
This app provides an easily accessible tool through which social workers can reflect on where they are and where they want to get to, both in their practice and their career. Social workers will practice at different levels of capability as their careers progress, and this app sets out the expectations of social workers who practice at two particular levels on the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF): social worker and experienced social worker.
To use the app, the following guidance will be helpful.
- First, select a level ('Social Worker' or 'Experienced Social Worker'). You will then read a level descriptor. This is a paragraph that describes the expected overall standard of capability of an individual practising at this level.
- Once you have read the level descriptor, select 'Explore' to progress to the 'domain' area. You will see a coloured fan which lists each of the nine capability domains within the PCF, from Professionalism to Professional Leadership.
- Select your domain area and tap 'View Section'. You will then be able to view the expectations (or 'capability statements') of that particular practice area and the types of evidence which might be used to demonstrate that you meet these expectations.
- Select 'Evidence example' to view a practical evidence illustration. Please note that this is only an example and should not be considered a model answer. It is for individual practitioners to demonstrate, using their own evidence, how they meet the standards set out in the PCF.
- Should you wish to make notes on the capabilities and evidence examples, select the speech bubble at the bottom of the screen
. Return to the same page and click the icon again to view and add to your notes.
- Select the envelope to email a copy of the information on any page to yourself
.
More information:
In the coming year, we hope to add the remaining PCF levels to this app. For more information related to the PCF in the meantime, please visit www.tcsw.org.uk.
This Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Workers in England App has received co-investment from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills through the Employer Investment Fund. Skills for Care and Development would like to thank The College of Social Work who, as co-developers, have given their time, knowledge and contributions, making it possible to offer a mobile product that supports social workers and their employers.