Holistic Student Report: Demonstrating PCF Domains in Social Work

This student report provides a holistic evaluation of the nine domains of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) in social work. The report details how the student, working as a student social worker, has met the required level for each domain through specific examples of practice and critical reflection. The domains covered include professionalism, values and ethics, diversity, rights, justice and economic wellbeing, knowledge, critical reflection and analysis, intervention, communication, and professional leadership. The report provides detailed accounts of the student's experiences in providing support and organizing recreational activities for aged people, undertaking various assessments, interacting with service users, applying ethical principles, addressing diversity and anti-oppressive practices, and applying legal frameworks and policies. The student also discusses the application of social work theories, critical thinking, and the importance of effective communication and professional leadership. The report demonstrates the student's understanding of the complexities of social work practice and their commitment to professional development. The student's report also includes discussion on the application of knowledge of social sciences, law, and social work practice theory and intervention, communication, and professional leadership.

Student Report
(Proforma 10)
Student Holistic report of each domain
The PCF has been mapped with the SOPS by both the HCPC and
TCSW
Please look at appendix 1 the mapping document for placement.
Under the heading of each of the nine domains of the PCF, you should write an
account of how you have met the required level for each domain. Provide
specific examples of your practice and discuss how and why these illustrate
that you have met each domain. (up to 300 words each domain. Please read
guidance)
Domain 1 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 by 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.
I am a student social worker and I also have the responsibly of providing support and organize the
recreational activities for the aged people. I do recreational activities in order to reduce the feelings
of isolation and loneliness of the aged people. I have also undertaken different types of the
assessment that has enabled and helped me to work and interact with the aged people on a one to
one approach. I have come to know that the one to one interaction has helped me to closely assess
the needs of the individual people the various way they differed. The other types of the assessment
undertaken by me regarding the home visits and undertake the assessment of the older service
users and the ways of befriending the older people. Another assessment that I have undertaken is
the assessment of the outing and the trips.
Thus, it is important to note that the above-mentioned assessment and the one to one approach of
the interaction strategy have taught me to view each individual and also assess them based on their
merit and also assessing the aged persons based upon the facts as well. I always take the person-
centred approach and this has enabled me to understand the different types of the approaches
associated with the aged person care. I have also come to know that speech and body language also
play a major role when I am interacting with professionals and the individuals that have the learning
disabilities or have any kind of the mental disabilities in my colleagues. The in-house organizational

training has also helped me to deal with a number of the situations like the food hygiene,
challenging behaviour, infection control and safeguarding. The various assessments have increased
my professional competency as well.
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 a partnership with people who use their services. Social workers are
knowledgeable about the value base of their profession, its ethical standards and relevant law.
I work as a student social worker and also as a project officer that has led me to work with different
types of individual and teams for the effective social care. Thus during my work, I have a cordial
relationship with the service users and the peers with whom I work with. When I am working with
the service users and my colleagues, I have been able to utilize, alter and change my approach,
speech, body language depending on whom I am working and talking with. My communication also
depends on a person he or she is having any disability. For example, if I am communicating with a
service user who is suffering from hearing impairment, then I know that I have to speak loud so that
the service user can hear me. I also know if the service user is not able to hear me properly, then I
will be using sign language or gestures.
It is also important to note that when I work with the service users or an individual that have
learning difficulties, physical disabilities, dementia. Then there is a definite need to possess a
number of important qualities like the smiling and reverting positively, listening and working
patiently, listening techniques of varied types, and having empathy. These qualities are important
because they serve as ethical principles and are viewed as values that guide the professional practice
of a social worker. The application of the ethical principles and the values are important when
working in a care providing setting because the professional practice often seeks to use the actions
that are ethically correct. Thus, when I am working within the aged people I have demonstrated the
ethical values and the principles through my interaction when I am sitting with them and having chat
over tea, engaging an individual in the activities and also getting feedback.

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 diversity is relatable to the variety of the group and the individuals and it means the difference
in the between the individuals and the groups. The diversity is often linked with the different types
of the characteristics that come into play within the social policy. The diversity also includes the
social inequalities that arise within the group and individual characteristics. The diversity stresses on
maximising the potential and making considerable consideration. It encompasses everyone and
excludes none. It also focuses on the valuing the difference and change in culture.
The anti-oppressive practice is a novel approach for the reduction of the socio-economic
oppression through the effective social work. This involves a critical examination by the social worker
and that is pertaining in the neighbourhood or in an organizational setting. The anti-oppressive
measure also involves the freeing up the environment of the racism, oppression and the other forms
of discrimination. This also involves the lessening or exclusion of the certain social groups that are
fang the issues like the hindrances into accessing the social justice, rights, social equality. Social work
generally pertains to be a caring profession but it also involves controlling of certain situations. Anti-
discriminatory practices emphasize the different ways through which the service users are
discriminated against. The anti-discriminatory principles also focus on the professional practice so
that the discrimination can be encountered (Humphries, 2017). The anti-discriminatory practice is
not different from the social work methodologies. It is important to mention that the anti-
oppression and the anti-discriminatory practices and the principles aim towards assisting the clients
in order to gain awareness about how the oppression affects the lives of the service users. It also
includes the gaining the mutual support and must prevent the agencies from being discriminatory
(Thompson, 2016).
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 by 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.
Through the usage of the Care Act, organization procedure and policy has helped me to develop an
understanding of the legal framework that is the foundation of the work practice. The organization
policy and procedure have played a major role in seeking guidance and advice depending on the
compliance. I have along with the service users in a partnership that also included the family
members depending on the strengths and the wishes of the service users and the family workers.
Specifying the necessary eligibility conditions and the convenience of the service users has led to the
greater service benefits like the personal independence payment. It is also important to note that
the I have able to demonstrate a good understanding and how to effectively apply the policy
requirements and the legislation to my work. The effective application of the legal framework and
the policy requirements has led to helping me in raising a safeguarding alert when a service user
needs help on an urgent basis. I also understood the value of empowering the family members and
also the service users so that they are able to cope and equip themselves with the future
responsibilities. I have also been able to understand the bad effect of poverty and social exclusion
upon the service users and also apply the eligibility benefits for the poor service users. I have taken
the responsibility and supported the service users that are unable to meet the requirements of the
personal independence payment eligibility criteria. The step that I have taken has resulted in
supporting the service users so that they can access the health, housing, work, education and
training. I have also done activities like the sign-posting the service users that are able to maintain
the tenancies like the Citizen Advice Bureau that deal with the serious debt issues.
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 lifespan 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.
Supervision sessions like the PT, PS and PE has helped me recognize and identify the area that is vital
and provides me with the scope for improvement by asking multiple questions about what I was
able to do in practice and what is I have learned and done in the PCF. This also applies to the PCF.
The training sessions that I have received has helped me in challenging the behaviour and also
safeguarding the knowledge in the decisions making. The effective decision-making process also
includes the role of the legislation and the professional values that are necessary for the decision
making process with respect to the service user in an ideal way. in order to apply the knowledge of
the social work theory has led to the build-up of skills and knowledge so that the relationships can
be built with the clients or the service users. For example, in order to apply the theory to practice, I

have applied the person-centred approach for the demonstrating the respect, empathy and
understanding my interaction with the service users and the clients. I have utilized my interpersonal
skills and the communication in my work so that it can be applied to the colleagues and the service
users. I also have worked along with my placement tutor in partnership and also with the colleagues
in order to ensure that the best services are rendered to the service users that best suits their needs.
I have also shown that there is a range of the social work theories and the methods for the purpose
of the solution based technique, person-centred care, family systems theory, attachment,
assessment and this also includes the careful usage of the silence. I have also been able to analyse
the and adopt from my assessments and the interventions that I have supervised.
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.
It is vital as well as important to mention that the case discussions and the reflect supervision upon
which I have reflected and conducted an analysis of my practice. When I was working with the
service users, especially during the planning for the support has led to the adopting an approach for
the purpose of gathering information form the feedbacks. It can be understood and is also evident
from the support plan which is presented and conducted to my superior for the purpose of
verification. Thus, it is important to note that the feedback which is received reveals that the
outcomes and the support plan are in accordance with the needs specified by the service user and is
also found to be consistent with the current status of the service user.
I have also developed a reflective log which is based on a work and is also associated with a
service user. The reflective log can be described as the perfect way or an approach through which
essential information and the regular entries are made for the purpose of learning. This also includes
the reference and involves the reference to the relevant theories (Goodyear, Bindal and Wall 2013). I
have also enhanced my learning with respect to the social work theories, frameworks. However, it is
important to note that my experience with the placement has raised the level of awareness, and it is
irrespective of the ethical and the theoretical frameworks. While it is vital to say that the most of the
issues can be mitigated by the eligibility threshold and the availability of resources. I have also
received a training that is based on the safeguarding and challenging behaviour and this has widened
up my knowledge in the effective decision making. Also, in the decision-making process, the
legislation and the professional values regarding the service user.

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.
As a social worker I have come across several different types of service users and clients and
analysing, communicating them has provided me with some vital learnings. I have come to know the
importance of remaining calm and interacting with the service users. I have been able to
demonstrate the good communication skills and have used the probing questions in an open-ended
way that have allowed the service users to tell their stories. This has enabled me to paint a clear
picture of the identity of the service users and has been able to clearly perceive their needs and
respect their aspirations, values and rights. All the information has been analysed from the service
user feedback. This is evident and clear from the work the first work that I did with the Age UK East
London. The Age UK East London provides a lot of projects that vary in their different delivery
methods and the outputs. I was benefitted hugely by following the project officer and to see what
are the other service that is available to older adults via the settle and the home projects and
befriending. While I was working in Age UK East London I was mindful of the power dynamics that
work between the service user and a social worker. Thus I have used the two most well-known
techniques like the person-centred approach and the solution-focused technique and this served to
empower the service user. I have used the reviews and the assessments and this has provided me
with an opportunity to gather information and at the same time offer solution based on developing a
good working relationship. When I was conducting an assessment, I followed up with the areas of
concern by asking the questions that are specifically targeted for probing.

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 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.
I used to work in Age UK East London that works for the external residents that have the learning
disabilities and this organisation helps the aged and the disabled person to lead a normal productive
life. The programme is more than just a social service and it can be said that it is a community of
people that work together for the attainment of a common goal. The project provides the members
with the opportunities that are built on resiliency through the co-production and empowerment.
There was one occasion, where I have been able to show great leadership qualities. For example, I
was tasked to organize and gain feedback on the services that are provided by the Age UK East
London. In the organization, I needed to take into consideration the different types of the disabilities
and the health conditions of the residents in the Century Court and this is the main factor that
dictate the willingness and the mood of the residents. This also enthuses the residents to participate
in the different types of the activities. I have worked with these residents for a short period and I
was able to identify strategically when and how to undertake the feedback of the residents. The
residents that feel pressurized and were happy to volunteer their opinions. I have been working with
the Age UK East London Home & Care services and I have been able to acquire the experiences via
undertaking the assessments of the older adults along with undertaking the home visits. The
organization has also offered me a wide range of the activities that are best suited for the service
user and has also allowed me to feel more involved and as a part of the organization.
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, practice-focused 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.
I have been able to make perfect usage of the supervision and have also prepared an agenda that
has enabled me to take an active part in the service user case discussion. This has played a major
role in exploring the areas of the development and the own strengths, I have taken into account the
responsibility for my own development and learning, by seeking the potential opportunities. It is
important to mention that the self-development and learning have improved my confidence and
competency either through the shadowing experiences of the seniors or through the formal training.
To comment on the leadership, I have on a number of occasions have shown the leadership
qualities. For example, I was given the task of gaining feedback and organising on the services that
are provided by the Age UK East London. Here, I needed to consider the various disabilities of the
residents of the Century Court and the various health conditions. It is, however, important to note
that the mood of the residents plays a major role in their willingness to participate in any form of the
activities. I have worked with the residents of the Century Court for a short period of time, I was able
to strategically plan and identify and when and how to identify as well as undertake the feedback.
This has been done so that the residents do not feel pressurized and will be happy to volunteer their
opinions. I have been working with the Age UK East London's Home & Care services. This has also
helped me to acquire vital experiences and at the same time undertake the assessments with the
older adults to undertake the home visits. The Age UK East London provides a number of projects
and different types of the deliveries that help in gaining experience.
Personal and Professional Development Plan
1. Reviewed at end of placement? Yes/No
2. Attached? Yes/No

References:
Goodyear, H.M., Bindal, T. and Wall, D., 2013. How useful are structured electronic Portfolio
templates to encourage reflective practice?. Medical teacher, 35(1), pp.71-73.
Humphries, B., 2017. Re-thinking social research: anti-discriminatory approaches in
research methodology. Taylor & Francis.
Thompson, N., 2016. Anti-discriminatory practice: Equality, diversity and social justice.
Palgrave Macmillan.