PCF – BASW

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PCF

Professional
Capabilities

Framework

Readiness for direct practice

1. PROFESSIONALISM – Identify and behave as a professional
social worker, committed to professional development

Social workers are members of an internationally recognised profession. Our
title is protected in UK law. We demonstrate professional commitment by
taking responsibility for our conduct, practice, self-care and development.
We seek and use supervision and other professional support. We promote
excellent practice and challenge circumstances that compromise this. As
representatives of the profession, we safeguard its reputation. We are
accountable to people using services, the public, employers and the
regulator. We take ethical decisions in the context of multiple
accountabilities.

I…

can describe the role of the social worker

can describe the mutual roles and responsibilities of supervision

can describe the importance of professional behaviour in all
contexts and across all media

can describe the importance of personal and professional boundaries

demonstrate motivation and ability to learn, using a range
of approaches

can describe the importance of self-care and emotional resilience
in social work.

Updated August 2018

1

Readiness for direct practice 2. VALUES AND ETHICS – Apply social work ethical principles
and value to guide professional practices

Social workers have an obligation to conduct themselves and make
decisions in accordance with our Code of Ethics. This includes working in
partnership with people who use our services. We promote human rights
and social justice. We develop and maintain our understanding of the value
base of our profession throughout our career, its ethical standards and
relevant law.

I…

understand the profession’s ethical principles as described in our
Code of Ethics and their relevance to practice

demonstrate awareness of my own personal values and how these
can impact on practice.

Updated August 2018

2

Readiness for direct practice 3. DIVERSITY AND EQUALITY – 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 multi-
dimensional and includes race, disability, class, economic status, age,
sexuality, gender (including transgender), faith and belief, and the
intersection of these and other characteristics. We understand that because
of difference, and perception of difference, a person’s life experience may
include oppression, marginalisation and alienation as well as privilege,
power and acclaim. We identify this and promote equality.

I…

recognise the importance of diversity in human identity and
experience, and the application of anti-discriminatory and anti-
oppressive principles in social work practice.

Updated August 2018

3

Readiness for direct practice 4. RIGHTS, JUSTICE AND ECONOMIC WELLBEING – Advance
human rights and promote social justice and economic
wellbeing

Social workers recognise and promote the fundamental principles of human
rights, social justice and economic wellbeing enshrined in national and
international laws, conventions and policies. These principles underpin our
practice and we use statutory and case law effectively in our work. We
understand and address the effects of oppression, discrimination and
poverty. Wherever possible, we work in partnership with people using
services, their carers and families, to challenge inequality and injustice, and
promote strengths, agency, hope and self-determination.

I…

understand the principles of rights, justice and economic
wellbeing, and their significance for social work practice

understand the principle of working in partnership with service
users and carers wherever possible, to promote their rights and
self-determination.

Updated August 2018

4

Readiness for direct practice 5. KNOWLEDGE – Develop and apply relevant knowledge from
social work practice and research, social sciences, law, other
professional and relevant fields, and from the experience of
people who use services

We develop our professional knowledge throughout our careers and sustain
our curiosity. As a unified profession, we develop core knowledge that
relates to our purpose, values and ethics. We also develop specific
knowledge needed for fields of practice and roles. Our knowledge comes
from social work practice, theory, law, research, expertise by experience, and
from other relevant fields and disciplines. All social workers contribute to
creating as well as using professional knowledge. We understand our
distinctive knowledge complements that of other disciplines to provide
effective services.

I…

demonstrate an initial understanding of the application of research,
theory, evidence and knowledge from social work and other relevant
fields (e.g. sociology, social policy, psychology, health, human growth
and development and from the experience of people who use
services)

demonstrate an initial understanding of the legal and policy
frameworks and guidance that inform and mandate social work
practice

demonstrate an initial understanding of a range of theories and
models for social work intervention, including the knowledge needed
for the particular field of practice on placement/in work-based
learning.

Updated August 2018

5

Readiness for direct practice 6. CRITICAL REFLECTION AND ANALYSIS – Apply critical
reflection and analysis to inform and provide a rationale for
professional decision-making

Social workers critically reflect on their practice, use analysis, apply
professional judgement and reasoned discernment. We identify, evaluate
and integrate multiple sources of knowledge and evidence. We continuously
evaluate our impact and benefit to service users. We use supervision and
other support to reflect on our work and sustain our practice and wellbeing.
We apply our critical reflective skills to the context and conditions under
which we practise. Our reflection enables us to challenge ourselves and
others, and maintain our professional curiosity, creativity and self-awareness.

I…

understand the role of reflective practice and demonstrate basic skills
of reflection

understand the need to construct and apply hypotheses in social work
practice

recognise and can describe why evidence is important and how it can
be used in social work practice.

Updated August 2018

6

Readiness for direct practice 7. SKILLS AND INTERVENTIONS – Use judgement, knowledge
and authority to intervene with individuals, families and
communities to promote independence, provide support,
prevent harm and enable progress

Social workers engage with individuals, families, and communities, working
alongside people to determine their needs and wishes, and what action may
be helpful. We build productive working relationships and communicate
effectively. Using our professional judgement, we employ appropriate
interventions, promoting self-determination, support, protection and positive
change. We develop and maintain skills relevant to our roles. We understand
and take account of power differentials and use our authority appropriately.
We evaluate our own practice and its impact, and how we improve
outcomes for those we work with.

I…

demonstrate core communication skills and the capacity to develop
them further

demonstrate the ability to engage with people and the potential to
build compassionate, effective relationships

demonstrate awareness of a range of frameworks to assess and plan
intervention

demonstrate the ability to produce written documents relevant for
practice

demonstrate initial awareness of risk and safeguarding.

Updated August 2018

7

Readiness for direct practice