Standard 3

The concept of rights, responsibility, freedom, authority and power associated with the practice of social workers as moral and statutory agents.

Social workers’ roles as statutory agents with duties and responsibilities to protect people across the lifespan, the public and uphold the law.

Up to date legislation defining the rights of people, especially measures designed to address all forms of inequality and discrimination.

The nature of risks, harm and positive risk-taking associated with intervention in the lives of vulnerable or dangerous or socially excluded individuals and groups.

Analyse the nature of risks and potential for both harm and benefits associated with the circumstances and of planned intervention.

Undertake practice in a way that tries to protect the safety of everyone involved, while promoting the wellbeing and positive risk-taking of people who receive services.

Agree plans where there is risk of harm or abuse at all stages of the lifespan.

In collaboration with others, investigate, identify, assess and record the nature of risk, its seriousness and the harm that it may cause.

Balance the rights and responsibilities of people to take positive risks with the potential harm from associated risks to them and the wider public.

Exercise professional judgement and evidence informed risk-taking in managing risk to people and the wider public over time.

Effectively manage the inherent ethical dilemmas in care and control.

The complex relationship between justice, care and control in social welfare and community justice.

The nature of risks, harm and positive risk-taking associated with intervention in the lives of vulnerable, or dangerous, or socially excluded individuals and groups.

Practise in ways that maximise safety and effectiveness especially in situations of uncertainty or if there is incomplete information.

Review actions in the light of expected and unintended consequences.

Take steps to ensure own personal safety and that of colleagues in situations where there is risk from harm.

Assess, analyse and record potential risk to self and colleagues.

Work effectively within the risk assessment and management procedures of own and other relevant organisations and professions.

Plan, monitor, review and record outcomes and actions taken, to minimise risk, stress and harm.

Factors contributing to vulnerability across the lifespan, including societal factors and social injustice.

The prime importance of the rights, wellbeing and support of children and adults in the context of safeguarding.

Understanding of the impact of trauma and loss on human development across the lifespan.

Indicators of potential harm and abuse.

Knowledge of legislation, policy, guidance and agency processes related to supporting and protecting children and adults. 

Knowledge of social workers’ responsibilities for the wellbeing, support, and protection of vulnerable children and adults, regardless of own practice setting and context. 

The importance of recording and chronologies to the recognition of the patterns of harm of abuse.

Key messages from significant case reviews/audits and links to practice.

Communicate effectively with vulnerable children and adults using language and methods that is understood.

Enable children and adults to express their emotions including fears, anxieties and concerns.

Actively support vulnerable people to express their views in informal and/or formal decision making forums

Analyse the nature and level of risk.

Demonstrate ethical decision making taking account of complexity and competing perspectives.

Present evidence-informed assessment and recommendations to decision making forums. 

Recognise and assessing the possible unintended consequences of decisions and actions.

Identify people who are vulnerable and take appropriate action to protect/safeguard them.

Effectively respond to indicators of harm and abuse within boundaries of own role.

Take responsibility for actively sharing information and concerns with other professionals.

Work with others to assess and manage risk of harm and abuse, and support the development of care planning to promote wellbeing and protection.

Work collaboratively with other professionals to develop, review and evaluate plans to ensure the wellbeing, support and protection of children and adults.

Use supervision to reflect on own practice, including potential value conflicts.

Practice ethically using evidence informed methods.

Effectively challenge decisions, actions or behaviours which are not in the best interests of people receiving services or which lead to or increase harm or risk.