Level 5 HND Health and Social Care: Reflective Essay, Task 1

This document is a reflective essay assignment for a Level 5 HND Diploma in Health and Social Care, focusing on personal and professional development. The essay requires students to identify and explore their personal values and prejudices, examining their origins and potential impact on their role in supporting service users. It necessitates a comparison of personal values with the principles of the Care Value Base, including equality, diversity, confidentiality, rights, anti-discriminatory practice, and effective communication. The assignment, worth 1500 words, assesses students on their ability to compare personal and professional values, assess cultural influences, and demonstrate effective vocational language. Merit and Distinction grades are awarded based on the application of structure, concise language, insightful conclusions, and self-criticism. The portfolio is designed to encourage students to become reflective practitioners, linking their learning to real-world experiences in health and social care settings. This assignment is Task 1 of a broader portfolio, which will be completed over two years and includes a minimum of 200 hours of work experience.