Unit information: Inter-Professional Working and Integrated Services in 2015/16

Unit name	Inter-Professional Working and Integrated Services
Unit code	SPOLM0028
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Dugdale
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	N/A
Co-requisites	N/A
School/department	School for Policy Studies
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit provides a critical overview of policy and practice in relation to inter-professional working, the moves to integrate services for children and families, and the challenges associated with implementation. It aims to:

• Critically examine legislation, policy and guidance relating to inter-professional working
• Understand and evaluate different theoretical models of and approaches to inter-professional working
• Develop students’ understanding of the changing context of service provision
• Explore key issues associated with the monitoring, evaluation and governance of inter-professional working
• Reflect on the personal, professional and organisational implications of managing change in the context of inter-professional working

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the Unit, students should be able to:

• Critically evaluate the policy context for inter-professional working and integrated services for children and families
• Describe and evaluate different models of inter-professional working between children’s social care services and health, education and other services, and demonstrate critical understanding of their implications at the operational, strategic, and commissioning levels
• Evaluate the evidence of effectiveness of inter-professional working
• Critically analyse the factors promoting and hindering effective inter-professional working
• Demonstrate critical application of core professional values, including anti-oppressive practice, child-centred practice, and service user and carer perspectives.

Teaching Information

Teaching will take place in 1.5 hour sessions, normally over a 3 day block with a further re-call day. The unit will combine lectures, seminar discussion and practical exercises

Assessment Information

Assessment of the Unit will take place through:

• A critical and reflective assignment (3500-4000 words) that requires the student to apply their knowledge and understanding of inter-professional working to a relevant practice context. The assignment will be supported by appropriate practice evidence.
• Assessment through observation by an appropriate practice assessor of a relevant aspect of the student’s practice; this assessment will be, based on criteria linked to the Professional Capabilities Framework.

The assignment will be marked and graded. The observation of practice will be assessed on a Pass/Fail basis; all practice-based elements of the assessment are must-pass but zero-weighted. Both pieces of work must be passed to gain the credit points for the Unit.

Reading and References

Anning, A., Cottrell, D., Frost, N., Green, J. & Robinson, M. (eds) (2006) Developing Multiprofessional Teamwork for Integrated Children’s Services. OUP

Cameron, A., Lart, R., Bostock, L., and Coomber, C. (2012) SCIE Research briefing 41: factors that promote and hinder joint and integrated working between health and social care services. London SCIE.

Foley, P. and Rixon, A. (eds) (2008) Changing Children’s Services: Working and learning together. Bristol: The Policy Press, in association with The Open University.

Frost, N. (2005) Professionalism, Partnership and Joined-up Thinking: a research review of front-line working with children and families. Dartington: Research in Practice.

HM Government (2010) Working Together to Safeguard Children. A Guide to Interagency Working to Safeguard and Promote the Welfare of Children. London: DCSF.

Morris, K. (ed) (2008) Social Work and Multi-Agency Working: Making a difference. Bristol: Policy Press.