Annotated ASYE assessment report: Jenny

Annotated ASYE assessment report: Jenny The sample report for Jenny has been annotated to illustrate how the main elements of holistic assessment are brought together within one assessment report. This is a real assessment with names changed to ensure anonymity Holistic assessment against the PCF ASYE Assessment Report Template Part : You may wish to use this section for TCSW for quality assurance purposes This form is intended for electronic completion. The answer spaces will expand to accommodate text. Guidance notes on last page Box : NQSW Jenny Professional mentor/assessor Aurelia Line manager if different to John the role above Agency employer xxxx service, xxxx Date ASYE commenced September 25 203 Box 2: Progressive assessment (see guidance note a) Date Personal Development Plan Action plans Learning agreement Dates not included to ensure anonymity 3 month review 6 month review 9 month review Final assessment Box 3: Minimum basis for robust judgements (see guidance note a) Does evidence contain Confirmation & examples (cross reference to box 4) Evidence of identifying and meeting Dates not included to ensure anonymity learning need via: learning agreement professional supervision reviews Observations of a range of examples of practice In different settings By different observers Over the period of the programme Final assessment recommendation made by experienced registered social worker

Box 4: Summary of evidence (see guidance note b) Evidence for final assessment (This is not a prescriptive list of evidence requirements and you may wish to add other examples) Manager report (where the assessor is not the line manager see attached template) Learning agreement Interim review Interim review 2 Supervision records dates Direct observations dates Work products (list) Extended piece of critical reflection (date/s) Other Please give a summary of the pieces of evidence that were used to contribute to the final assessment. Give details (dates, type, etc.) Dates not included to ensure anonymity Box 5: Signatures Assessor Line manager (if different role to above) NQSW (to confirm you have received this report) Aurelia John Jenny Holistic assessment report, Part 2 (see guidance note 2a) ASYE level descriptor: By the end of the ASYE social workers should have consistently demonstrated practice in a wider range of tasks and roles, and have become more effective in their interventions, thus building their own confidence, and earning the confidence of others. They will have more experience and skills in relation to a particular setting and user group, and have demonstrated ability to work effectively on more complex situations. They will seek support in supervision appropriately, whilst starting to exercise initiative and evaluate their own practice. Feedback on overall capability Building on interim reviews including the progressive assessment of the NQSW s capability please provide an overall judgment of professional capability at ASYE level, taking into account capability across all nine domains of the PCF, with reference to the level descriptor for ASYE and to the requirements for progression between levels. Link your comments to examples of the evidence presented over the course of the year. (Guideline approx. 500 words; box will expand to accommodate text.) 2 3 4 The ASYE programme has been a valuable learning opportunity for the candidate who has used it to build on her knowledge and understanding of the group of service users she is working with (adult with learning disabilities and their families and carers), of their needs, of the resources available to support them and of the agency she is working in as well as learning experientially from colleagues and from her own practice. Her confidence in her ability to apply the transferable skills and knowledge she brought to the placement has grown as has her use of critical reflection and analysis to maintain the high standards of practice that she expects of herself. She brought to this post her experience of working as a reviewing officer and has added to her skills in managing reviews and meetings and in working in partnership with colleagues from her own and other agencies. 5

7 8 9 2 3 4 5 She has used her research skills, supervision discussion with her line manager and the knowledge of her colleagues to help her better understand the legislation and policies she has been working with and has been able to build up specialist knowledge about topics such as CHC and Deputyship. Her commitment to future learning continues and she has welcomed the opportunity to learn sign language in her new post. 6 She has built on her assessment skills as her confidence and experience grew and she is now able to collect the relevant information, analyse it and write up the assessment and make relevant recommendations within the required time scale. Her time keeping is good, she can manage her diary and is comfortable working independently keeps accurate and up-to-date case records. The candidate has always prioritised the needs of the service users and their careers in her practice. She has very good communication skills, she has a friendly, open approach that enables her to establish and sustain positive working relationships whilst maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. She has added to her advocacy and negotiating skills and has demonstrated that she can positively represent the agency in a variety of situations. The positive feedback from service users and carers reflects the importance she attributes to making and maintaining effective working relationships. 0 Her continued incorporation of social work values into her practice has been an integral part of her professional development this year and is evidenced in all aspects of her practice; it has been positively commented on in the service user and carer feedback. Similarly her ability to work instructively with all aspects of diversity and to value service users needs, within the limitations the agency role, has been widely evidenced She acknowledges that she still finds some aspects of social work frustrating and is using these situations, such as working within the financial limits for supporting service users, to develop creative approaches to addressing their needs. This has enabled her to develop a comprehensive knowledge of local resources in the voluntary and independent sector and skills in signposting service users and carers to them and in enabling them to use the services. She has built on her emotional resilience during this year and has used the mentoring sessions and supervision to critically reflect on how she can manage stress constructively; this has enabled her to give greater priority to her level of self care and be able to establish an improved work/personal life balance. In my opinion the candidate is well equipped for her career in social work and has the skills, knowledge and resilience needed to move on from her ASYE. Comments 2 3 4 5 This word usefully convey progression. Referencing service user group provides a good link to the level descriptor. This paragraph shows good awareness of a number of interconnected domains of the PCF (numbers in brackets) adding the numbers to the text could make the links to the PCF more explicit. Referencing confidence is a good link to the level descriptor. This is a key overarching theme is addressed in a positive way. The comment is not backed up with evidence here, but is expanded in the the additional comments under Domain 6 later in the report. A reference here to Domain 6 would have been useful, as this a such an important theme.

Comments 6 7 8 9 0 2 3 4 5 Discussion of assessment skills in this section is important because it crosses a number of domains especially, 6, 7, 8. The wording used here is similar to the wording used in Domain 7 which is an acceptable approach but it could just have been referenced to keep the text succinct. If there had been problems in the candidate s assessment skills, these would have been summarized here but explored and evidenced in detail under the domain. This is quite a static statement. While this might reflect existing competence, it may have been helpful to note how the candidate has maintained this skill, despite the pressures of her increasing workload. The line manager has commented on this at the end of the report, as does the assessor in Domain. These perspectives could have been incorporated into the main report to indicate progression. Discussion of communication skills in this section is important because it crosses a number of domains esp., 2, 6, 7. 8. Providing further detail in this section is probably right as this area is mentioned under a number of domains but it needs pulling together in one place. Reference to a wider range of tasks and roles is a good link to the level descriptor. Discussion of social work values in this section is important because it crosses a number of domains especially 2, 3 and 4. Whilst it is acceptable to consider something as widely evidenced, mentioned twice in this paragraph, it would be helpful to add a specific reference to a Domain to avoid generalisation e.g.the candidate s progression in this area is described further in Domain 2. There are two comments about service user and carer feedback, which suggest how this has been integrated into the supervisory relationship. This paragraph is useful because it notes a significant area of progression. Reference to using support but taking more initiative is a good link to level descriptor. This paragraph could have been enhanced by incorporating the line manager s comments about how the candidate has overcome her self doubts during the year. This provides a snapshot statement, marking the end of ASYE but it could have been enhanced by adding some pointers about future areas of development on the candidate s journey of professional development Part 2 cont/d: Holistic assessment of each domain Please provide information to support your overall assessment against the nine domains identifying strengths and areas for development/concern. Looking at the individual capability statements may help you with making and articulating your decision. (Please delete or Fail as required.)

Domain Professionalism: identify and behave as a professional social worker, committed to professional development Social workers are members of an internationally recognised profession, a title protected in UK law. Social workers demonstrate professional commitment by taking responsibility for their conduct, practice and learning, with support through supervision. As representatives of the social work profession they safeguard its reputation and are accountable to the professional regulator. Throughout the ASYE the candidate has demonstrated her understanding of her responsibilities as a professional person by being a positive representative of the agency and of her role. She has undertaken and learned from the range of training opportunities available to her and has been pro-active in sharing that knowledge. She has used line management supervision and ASYE mentoring appropriately and has developed strategies for managing the stress associated with the work she undertook; this was an area of learning for her that enabled her to use her reflective skills to support her level of self care. She has demonstrated recognition of and desire to address her on-going learning needs through training courses and has shown her enthusiasm for new learning in the commitment to learn within her new job. (Link to box 4 in part, above): Direct Observation, 2. Reflective Account 2,3,6,7,9, 0. All mentoring sessions Domain 2 Values and ethics: apply social work ethical principles and values to guide professional practice Social workers have an obligation to conduct themselves ethically and to engage in ethical decision-making, including through partnership with people who use their services. Social workers are knowledgeable about the value base of their profession, its ethical standards and relevant law. The implementation of social work values as an integral part of her practice has been a key factor for the candidate and her inability to enable service users and their carers to access what the service users and carers saw as their needs caused the candidate some stress in the early stages of her ASYE. She has learned strategies to better support service users, carers and herself and remains a strong advocate for them. She is non-judgemental and works to achieve both equality and equal opportunities for service users. She feels able to challenge oppression and discrimination from fellow professionals and has identified that sometimes the oppressive nature of the agency bureaucracy and the current limited resource availability makes the task of positively enabling and empowering service users particularly challenging. (Link to box 4 in part, above): Direct Observation and 2. Reflective Account 4, 5,8,9 and 0. Mentoring sessions 2.0.3, 9.0.3, 24.06. and 28.08.3.

Domain 3 Diversity: recognise diversity and apply anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive principles in practice Social workers understand that diversity characterises and shapes human experience and is critical to the formation of identity. Diversity is multidimensional and includes race, disability, class, economic status, age, sexuality, gender and transgender, faith and belief. Social workers appreciate that, as a consequence of difference, a person s life experience may include oppression, marginalisation and alienation as well as privilege, power and acclaim, and are able to challenge appropriately. The candidate has always been aware of the direct and indirect discrimination faced by people with learning difficulties and always treats them with respect. This was clearly evidenced in each Direct Observation and in the manner in which she talked about service user needs and views as part of mentoring and informal discussions. The interpersonal skills she uses with service users, carers and other professionals reinforced her positive approach to managing any power imbalance that may exist. (Link to box 4 in part, above): Direct Observation, 2. Reflective Account 2, 3, 7,8, 0. Mentoring sessions 2.0.3 and 9.03.3. Domain 4 Rights, justice and economic wellbeing: advance human rights and promote social justice and economic well-being Social workers recognise the fundamental principles of human rights and equality, and that these are protected in national and international law, conventions and policies. They ensure these principles underpin their practice. Social workers understand the importance of using and contributing to case law and applying these rights in their own practice. They understand the effects of oppression, discrimination and poverty. The overall wellbeing of service users is an important factor for the candidate when assessing, reviewing and evaluating the needs of service users and how they can best be met.part of her learning during her ASYE has focused on her being able to set realistic goals for herself when addressing service user need. (Link to box 4 in part, above): Direct Observation and 2 Reflective Account, 8 and 0 Mentoring sessions 9.03.3, 24.06.3 and 28.08.3

Domain 5 Knowledge: apply knowledge of social sciences, law and social work practice theory Social workers understand psychological, social, cultural, spiritual and physical influences on people; human development throughout the life span and the legal framework for practice. They apply this knowledge in their work with individuals, families and communities. They know and use theories and methods of social work practice. The candidate has shown that she is building a growing body of knowledge about legislation, policy, procedure and practice. She has shown her ability to research and read to extend her knowledge In her practice and in reflective discussion she has used the knowledge she brought from her social work training and her work as a reviewing officer to inform her planning and analysis. She has a good understanding of the theories that inform her practice and is building on her understanding of the impact the organisation s ethos has on good practice and how to reconcile the sometimes conflicting approaches that she has to work with. (Link to box 4 in part, above): Direct Observation and 2 Reflective Account, 2,6,7,8,9 and 0. Mentoring sessions 2.0.3 and 9.03.3 Domain 6 Critical reflection and analysis: apply critical reflection and analysis to inform and provide a rationale for professional decision-making Social workers are knowledgeable about and apply the principles of critical thinking and reasoned discernment. They identify, distinguish, evaluate and integrate multiple sources of knowledge and evidence. These include practice evidence, their own practice experience, service user and carer experience together with research-based, organisational, policy and legal knowledge. They use critical thinking augmented by creativity and curiosity. As the candidate s confidence has grown she has been able to feel more comfortable and more confident in extending her critically reflective skills to include factors other than her own practice. She is now able to critically reflect more holistically and to better understand the wider context of her practice and of the policies and guidelines of the agency. She is self critical and continues to have high expectations of herself in terms of what she would like to achieve in relation to the quantity and quality of her work. She is aware of the impact of her own identity and takes this into account in her practice. (Link to box 4 in part, above): Direct Observation and 2. Reflective Account 2,3,5,7,8 and 0. Mentoring session 2.0.3, 24.06.3, 28.08.3 and 9.03.3

Domain 7 Intervention and skills: use judgement and authority to intervene with individuals, families and communities to promote independence, provide support and prevent harm, neglect and abuse. Social workers engage with individuals, families, groups and communities, working alongside people to assess and intervene. They enable effective relationships and are effective communicators, using appropriate skills. Using their professional judgement, they employ a range of interventions: promoting independence, providing support and protection, taking preventative action and ensuring safety whilst balancing rights and risks. They understand and take account of differentials in power, and are able to use authority appropriately. They evaluate their own practice and the outcomes for those they work with. The candidate has used the skills she brought from her social work training course and from her previous work experience to add to and expand her skill basis. Her confidence in using her skills and knowledge has grown with practice experience. She has used both academic and experiential research to add to her knowledge base and has been happy to share this knowledge with colleagues, service users and carers. She has built on her assessment skills and demonstrated her ability to gather relevant information, evaluate and analyse it and produce concise, focused summaries and recommendations. She has built an extensive knowledge of the local resources available to service users and has learned how to signpost carers and service users to these resources rather than thinking she has to be actively involved in the transition. (Link to box 4 in part, above): Direct Observation. Reflective Account, 2,4,5,6, 7,8,9. Mentoring session 2.0.3, 9.03.3 and 28.08.3. Domain 8 Contexts and organisations: engage with, inform, and adapt to changing contexts that shape practice. Operate effectively within own organisational frameworks and contribute to the development of services and organisations. Operate effectively within multi-agency and inter-professional partnerships and settings. Social workers are informed about and pro-actively responsive to the challenges and opportunities that come with changing social contexts and constructs. They fulfil this responsibility in accordance with their professional values and ethics, both as individual professionals and as members of the organisation in which they work. They collaborate, inform and are informed by their work with others, inter-professionally and with communities. The candidate has benefitted from having worked as a reviewing officer with the agency before starting her ASYE; this meant she had some familiarity with some of the processes and procedures used though still had to undertake considerable learning in relation to the management of service users supported by this team. She has continued to add to her knowledge and skills base, particularly in relation to budgeting and resource management. She has always worked within the professional boundaries of her role and is a valued team member; as her experience increased she was happy to share her knowledge and the expertise she developed. (Link to box 4 in part, above): Direct Observation and 2. Reflective Account,2,4,6,7,8 and 9. Mentoring sessions 2.0.3, 9.03.3, 29.05.3, 24.06.3 and 28.08.3,

Domain 9 Professional leadership: take responsibility for the professional learning and development of others through supervision, mentoring, assessing, research, teaching, leadership and management The social work profession evolves through the contribution of its members in activities such as practice research, supervision, assessment of practice, teaching and management. An individual s contribution will gain influence when undertaken as part of a learning, practicefocused organisation. Learning may be facilitated with a wide range of people including social work colleagues, service users and carers, volunteers, foster carers and other professionals. The candidate was able to share her knowledge with other professionals and to support this with written information She set up, with a colleague, a plan for reflective discussions within the team and was disappointed that, after initial success, pressure of work meant that subsequent meetings had to be cancelled. Her participation in the interviewing process at a university reflected the value she attaches to the quality of future recruits to the social work profession. (Link to box 4 in part, above): Direct Observation. Reflective Account 3,4,5,7 and 8 Mentoring sessions 06.2.3 and 9.03.3, NQSW: Any comments you wish to make? The ASYE process has been a positive way of reflecting on my practice in my first year as a newly qualified social worker. This has made me aware of my strengths as well as areas where I can need further development on. This process has allowed me to see how far I have progressed which has made me less self critical. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my mentor and my work colleagues that have supported me throughout my first year of practice.

Line manager assessment report (Where the line manager has not been primarily responsible for providing reflective supervision or final professional assessment.) Overall assessment Building on interim reviews including the progressive assessment of the NQSW s capability, please provide an overall judgement of professional capability at ASYE. Where there are concerns make reference to the individual capability statements. Following her appointment, the candidate has quickly established herself as a key member of the team, has made significant contributions to the service she has worked in. She works proactively in an organised fashion using her own initiative, and seeks advice and guidance appropriately when required. has gained in confidence and is content to question advice, guidance and established patterns of working appropriately. She has enthusiastically embraced training opportunities and uses these opportunities to inform and develop her practice. She has engaged in supervision well. The candidate conducts herself professionally in her interactions with service users and with colleagues. She considers communication style and how she presents herself appropriate to context. The candidate s attendance and timekeeping are also very good. She will be a loss to the Learning Disability service when she moves to her new role. In summary, the candidate is an asset to the team and has used her prior experience and learning, and Assessed and Supported Year in Employment, to consolidate and develop her professional capability as a Social Worker. I support the Assessor s judgements of pass in each of the PCF Domains, and endorse the comments she has made in evidencing the candidate s capability. Performance management Have performance management concerns been indicated and addressed through the interim review process? There have been no significant performance management concerns identified through the review process. Hovever the following issues have been addressed: It was identified through Personal Development Review and supervision that the candidate has a tendency to doubt her own ability and the contributions she makes. She has developed confidence as her competence has increased throughout her ASYE, and she now appears to have a better understanding of her strengths as well as areas for development. It was identified that the candidate had been finding prioritisation of work a challenge, and had felt under significant pressure as a result at times. The candidate has since developed effective strategies for managing a busy and complex caseload, and is more able to prioritise work on the basis of risk and need.

Support Provide details of how the NQSW has been supported. Indicate if there have been issues in the provision of the level of support and reflective supervision as expected by the employer standards at ASYE with reference to the learning agreement and interim reviews. The candidate has received supervision in line with XXXXXX s supervision and Personal Review policies. In practice this entails formal weekly meetings for the first six weeks of their employment and at least fortnightly thereafter and, as a minimum, for the duration of the first six months. They were held in a private room and were uninterrupted for a duration of -.5 hours minimum. Additional support and advice has been available from the Line Manager and colleagues who share the candidate s office space, and the team has a supportive and facilitative culture in respect of learning and development. The candidate was offered significant training opportunities, and attended team meetings regularly. She received a Personal Development Review. The candidate has been well supported by the Assessor I Mentor who has clearly evidenced above that she has a good understanding of the candidate s level of capability. Reviews have been carried out regularly, and I am not aware of any issues of concern relating to the level of support and reflective supervision provided.