Solent University Service User Network Resources
Section outline
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We would like to welcome to the Solent University Service User Network (SUSUN) project, designed to contribute to the professional development of social work students at Southampton Solent University.
Social work is a profession built upon supporting people. Fundamental skills which need to be developed by social work students include developing skills in communication and an ability to empower those they will go on to work with. Central to this, is learning first-hand from those with lived experience social work and using this newly gained knowledge to improve student’s development of professional practice.
We have a dedicated SUSUN LinkedIn group, which we would encourage you to join for regular updates: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12437142/
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SUSUN greatly values the expertise of people who are experts by lived experience and the contribution you can make to social work education, professional practice, our social work programmes and research activity. Guided by the requirements of the social work regulator in England (Social Work England), SUSUN views the involvement of those with lived experience of social work as vital. We know the importance of including people; service users and carers, sharing their lived experience which enables students and academics to think critically and reflect on their personal and professional development.
We envisage however that your involvement will go beyond the sharing of experience and that you will engage with us as consultants, reviewers, researchers, facilitators, educators and assessors.
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How SUSUN members engage with the social work programmes at Southampton Solent University
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This paper outlines the modules which our students study and may be useful in evaluating where your skills can have effective input into their curriculum
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These are the forms you will need to complete and return concerning your registration with SUSUN prior to any work you do with us:
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This document outlines what you're consenting to when involved with the SUSUN project
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You will need to agree to maintain the confidentiality of others during your work with SUSUN
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This is the form you will need to complete should you wish to be paid for your involvement with SUSUN
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The following elements are included in our admission process:
- An application form which asks for details of any disclosures candidates need to make.
- A personal statement that applicants complete before coming for interview. This is used to assess applicants’ ability to analyse and present written information, motivation to become a social worker, knowledge of the social work profession and relevant policies and legislation.
- A 'values-based' interview with a panel. This assesses applicants’ communication skills, experience of working or volunteering in social care fields, motivation to become a social worker, knowledge of the social work profession and relevant policies and legislation, and the values and behaviours expected of social workers. The panel may include teaching staff, social workers, practice educators, employers and SUSUN members.
- A written task that applicants complete during the selection process. These assess applicants’ command of English, ability to analyse and present written information, and ICT skills.
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- The application form
- Interview questions
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We are required to include SUSUN members in our processes for the monitoring, evaluation and improvement of social work courses. This could include, for example:
- Obtaining the views of and feedback from SUSUN members who have been involved in our social work courses.
- Involving SUSUN members in module or course reviews, or in developing new modules or courses.
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In order to effectively involve SUSUN members, we need to go beyond just seeking your feedback. We will work collaboratively with SUSUN members to ensure that the course is shaped by their views, needs and insights. This could involve working collaboratively with individuals, or with groups such as advocacy or support groups. The principles of 'co-production' may help thinking about ways in which we work effectively with SUSUN members. Co-production can be defined as working together with people as equal partners in the design, delivery and review of social work education. This can include, for example:
• Planning and development of courses, by giving your perspective and feedback on the content of curricula and the methods of teaching, which could include formal membership of curriculum development and governance groups.
• Teaching and learning activities, for example by giving presentations, facilitating seminars, contributing to small group work with students and mentoring students.
• Feedback and assessment, for example by providing feedback directly after interactions with students during placements or contributing to the development of feedback and assessment processes which could include formal membership of assessment development and governance groups.
• Quality assurance, monitoring and evaluation, for example by being part of provider quality management visits to placement providers or committee membership.
