Delivering tangible and measurable results in our courses is rooted in all that we do. We believe that by improving the quality of social work practice with individuals and through partnering with organisations we make a vital contribution to society in general and vulnerable people in particular.

The Centre’s research programme is designed to improve the effectiveness of social work practice in order to protect the most vulnerable members of our society. Empirical research demonstrates impact in the efficacy of the practice of social work practitioners, to improvements in the effectiveness of social work practice in general.

Typical examples of our evaluation methods include;

• Pre and post questionnaire comparison (including specific performance targets and objectives)
• Telephone surveys
• An evaulation of completed assignments
• Line manager, peer and team observations
• Service user observations (where appropriate)
• Testimonial and case study review
• Focus groups

These are just some examples of the potential focus and available approaches. Organisations can work jointly to take advantage of collaborative working to share both the learning benefits and the costs. In addition, employers can be supported to carry out their own evaluation if this is deemed part of your organisation’s learning and key skills development.

If you would like to discuss your evaluation needs, please contact us.

• Emily Rosenorn-Lanng Research Projects Officer