REPORT OF PERIODIC REVIEW. BA (Hons) Social Work (Wales) The Open University in Wales. 18 Custom House St Cardiff CF10 1AP

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1 REPORT OF PERIODIC REVIEW BA (Hons) Social Work The Open University in Wales Name of award: Name of programme Awarding Institution Teaching Institutions Contact: Date of Approval by Care Council for Wales: Date of Care Council for Wales Periodic Review: Care Council for Wales Lead Officers: BA (Hons) Social Work BA (Hons) Social Work (Wales) The Open University The Open University in Wales 18 Custom House St Cardiff CF10 1AP Judith Billingham Head of Social Work in Wales August 2005 July 2010 Toni Leggett Ian Thomas

2 REPORT OF PERIODIC REVIEW BA (Hons) Social Work (Wales) 1 Introduction 1.1 The Care Council for Wales (Care Council) was established in 2001 under the Care Standards Act One of the Care Council s key roles is to act as the regulator of social work training in Wales. As regulator the Care Council sets the standards for social work training, approves courses, and monitors and reviews social work programmes at both qualifying and post qualifying levels. 1.2 The Open University in Wales s (OUiW) BA (Hons) Social Work programme was first approved, with one condition, by the Care Council in June The OUiW met this condition through its response in August At approval the Care Council agreed an annual intake of 40 students. The programme has never recruited 40 students and the issue of the number the programme is approved for is discussed in the report. 1.3 The programme is a partnership between the OUiW and the local authorities of Powys, Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, Gwynedd and Merthyr Tydfil. Other social work employers sponsor students as required. 1.4 There have been two formal modifications to the programme. The first in December 2007 when Gwynedd joined as a full partner to the programme. The second in November 2008 when the course Social Care, Social Work and the Law (K269) which was credit rated at 30 CAT points was replaced with the course The Law and Social Work in England and Wales (K270) which is credit rated at 60 CAT points. 1.5 Since approval of the programme the Care Council has undertaken a monitoring exercise each year, including a visit to the programme and an annual monitoring report. Each exercise results in conditions and/or recommendations which are followed up in the subsequent year. 1.6 The first students graduated from the programme in Since then a total of 54 students have graduated and there are 95 students registered on the programme. Currently about 26 students are recruited onto the programme each year. 1.7 The programme was approved against the requirements identified within the document The Approval and Visiting of Degree Courses in Social Work

3 (Wales) Rules, 2004 contained within Raising Standards The Qualification Framework for the Degree in Social Work in Wales The purpose of the Care Council s periodic review is to assess the programme in action so as to verify that the Care Council s Rules and Requirements continue to be met. This is the first periodic review of the programme to be undertaken by the Care Council since initial approval. 1.9 The periodic review involved officers of the Care Council (the review team) considering a wide range of documentation relating to the programme and meeting with groups of stakeholders. The OU operates three social work degree programmes across the UK and a decision was taken by the three regulatory councils and the OU in February 2009 to undertake separate periodic reviews to ensure the uniqueness of each programme was captured The programme provided a range of information to assist the review team. This included a self evaluation against the eight criteria of the Schedule to the Rules and Requirements for the social work degree, and documentation to support the view taken within the self evaluation. The university also provided the review team with some limited access to the OUiW student website so a better understanding could be gained of the student experience and a set of course material for each level of the programme In addition Care Council officers met with a range of stakeholders to ensure their perspective was represented and as a way of testing some of the written evidence submitted. The groups who contributed to the Care Council Review were as follows: Service Users and Carers The review team met on the 16 th June 2010 with 6 service users and carers who were able to bring a wide range of perspectives to the discussion. Current students The review team met with 5 students on the 15 th June. As they came from across Wales this was arranged through a teleconference. Of the 5 met: 2 were from level 3 2 from level 2 1 from level 1 All were seconded by their employer 1 was from the independent sector the others were employed by local authorities 1 Raising Standards The Qualification Framework for the Degree in Social Work in Wales, Care Council for Wales & SSIW, Welsh Assembly Government, 2004 Periodic Review of BA (Hons) Social Work, The Open University in Wales. July 2010 Page 3

4 4 graduates were met as part of the evidence gathering exercise also on 15 th June (although one of these had to leave and was contacted again later). All had graduated in December 2009 and now worked for local authority social work teams. Also on the 15 th June the team met with the then Assistant Head of Department (Curriculum) and the staff tutor who introduced the review team to the web based resources used by students. A meeting was also held with the Wales Programme Partnership on 16 th June attended by representatives of employer partners, university staff, service users and current and past students. On 6 th July the team had a teleconference with a group of 5 employer sponsors not in full partnership with the programme. This group comprised 4 local authority employers and one from the third sector. Also on 6 th July we spoke with a group of 6 practice assessors supervising students on the programme. 3 of these worked for a local authority, 1 for a third sector employer and 2 were freelance practice assessors. On 14 th July a combined face to face meeting and teleconference took place with a group of 3 programme tutors and 5 associate lecturers contributing to the programme. On 14 th July the team met with the Wales Director, the UK Director of Social Work at the OU, the social work Programme Manager for the degree across the UK, the chair of the Programme Partnership in Wales, a carer who sits on the programme partnership and the Head of the Social Work programme in Wales and the staff tutor The main body of the review report uses the information gathered by the Care Council review team from the documentation and stakeholder meetings. Sections 2 9 identify the findings of the review under the 8 headings of the Care Council s approval criteria as found in the Rules. 2 Partnership Working 2.1 The Care Council requires programmes to involve a range of people in the development and delivery of a social work degree. There must also be a written agreement with at least one employer of social workers with a commitment to provide resources to support the delivery of the degree and a partnership agreement with a local social services authority 2.2 The OUiW social work degree is managed through a Wales Programme Partnership which comprises employer partners, service user and carer representatives, student representatives, a range of staff representatives and the head of the social work programme in Wales. Periodic Review of BA (Hons) Social Work, The Open University in Wales. July 2010 Page 4

5 2.3 There is a formal partnership with 5 local authorities in Wales. Although no copy of the partnership agreement was included we have copies from the point of approval. No time period is included for the agreement but a specified period of notice is required should an employer wish to withdraw from the partnership. 2.4 The programme provided a copy of the Remit and Responsibilities of the Programme Partnership which refers to the responsibilities of the group, its objectives, membership, required attendance and links to other groups. 2.5 The Programme Partnership has sub committees with a focus on service users and carers, Welsh language and culture, Practice Assessment and Practice Working. 2.6 Members of the Programme Partnership described the arrangements in positive terms, acknowledging that different perspectives could be accommodated. The reviewers were told there is a balance of power between employer and HEI which is based on respect and that there is a sense of continuous dialogue concerning the programme. As a result members feel involved and responsible for decisions. Given the challenges of an all Wales programme the efforts that have gone into creating this working relationship and the success that has been achieved are to be commended. 2.7 The OUiW is also part of the wider UK social work degree arrangements and the Wales programme partnership is represented at UK meetings to ensure there is a cross fertilisation of ideas and a strategic approach. 2.8 In Wales there is a core group of about 15 service users and carers who are involved through the Service User and Carer Advisory Group in recruitment and selection, teaching, critical reading of course material and the Practice Assessment Panel. Others are also involved to a lesser degree in various aspects of the course. Additionally service users and carers are represented at the graduation ceremony which formally recognised their status within the programme. The service users and carers spoken with as part of the review described their feeling of being in an equitable partnership. 2.9 Members of the group were able to describe the progress that had been made in terms of their contribution to the programme but were less clear how they wished to see participation develop further. The OUiW successfully claims the Service User and Carer Participation Grant from the Care Council each year. One of the standards is that there should be a strategic and operational plan for the degree programme which includes the plan and financial arrangements for service user and carer involvement in the degree Periodic Review of BA (Hons) Social Work, The Open University in Wales. July 2010 Page 5

6 programme, which has been developed jointly with service users and carers. The programme staff were able to provide the review team with the advisory group s action plan from 2008 but have found reviewing it regularly difficult. Although progress towards achieving parts of the Action Plan was evident, it was recognised by programme staff and by service users and carers that the partnership has now reached the point where the strategic plan needs to be reviewed Outcome of the Care Council Review The social work programme at the OUiW has the partnership arrangements required in place. There was clear evidence that these are strong in relation to both employer and service user and carer engagement and the levels of shared responsibility are to be commended The Programme continues to meet Care Council for Wales s requirements in this area. One recommendation is made, as follows: 2.11 Recommendation That the programme works with its partners, and in particular its service user and carer partners to review the current service user and carer strategy and plan for its future development. 3 Resource Provision 3.1 The Care Council requires programmes to demonstrate they have sufficient resources to deliver a social work degree programme, in terms of staff, learning materials, opportunities to study through the medium of Welsh, the continuing professional development of contributors and the availability of practice learning resources. 3.2 The structure of the OUiW programme means that a blended learning approach is taken with students using written materials in hard copy, on line activities, discussion forums and DVD presentations. For each course within the programme students are supported by a local associate lecturer who will lead face to face workshops and tutorials as well as providing a contact point in the event of difficulty. Programme tutors support practice learning and all these staff are supported by a staff tutor. 3.3 Graduates and students commented on the quality of written and web based material, particularly the Aids to Practice Cards, reporting that the way much of the material was integrated brought it to life. For example the case studies in the DVDs enhanced the principles contained in written material. The fact that some of the case studies run through significant parts of a course further enhanced the quality of these resources. 3.4 Although much of the written material is not available in Welsh the programme does give attention to the Welsh language and culture. The fact that it is an OUiW programme specifically for Wales assists in this regard. There are Periodic Review of BA (Hons) Social Work, The Open University in Wales. July 2010 Page 6

7 examples of the course material drawing on examples from Wales and it provides evidence of being a programme relevant to Wales. There are some examples of course material becoming somewhat dated and which could make better reference to Wales (e.g. references to the Framework for the Assessment of Children) and there has been some comment from an External Examiner that as devolution becomes more established there is a requirement for more materials with an emphasis on legislation and policies which inform Wales and the other countries. The review team understand that as courses are written or reviewed a consultant from Wales is included to ensure a relevance to Wales and it is hoped this will address this matter to some extent but it will be necessary to consider whether there are some occasions where the material will need to be different to reflect the different situation in Wales. 3.5 Students and graduates also commented on the value of peer support and the encouragement given to this. 3.6 The review team met 2 students who are Welsh speakers. Both had accessed some parts of the programme through the Welsh language. In one instance the student s practice teacher was not Welsh speaking resulting in work having to be translated but it was said this did not cause undue delay or adversely affect her learning. There is a specific part of the OUiW website that includes a Health and Social Care resource page for Wales. The staff tutor and a number of associate lecturers and Programme tutors are Welsh speakers. It was reported that 2009 saw the first student to submit all tutor marked assignments through the medium of Welsh. 3.7 The programme was able to tell us that in 2009, 23% of students identified themselves as Welsh speaking to some degree. Also over 2009 the programme has piloted additional mentoring for students with Welsh language skills and this is to be extended in Programme staff are supported to undertake development activities each year and the university provides a training programme and study leave for this. For associate lecturers and programme tutors, the programme staff ensure updates are available. Service Users and Carers attend development days to prepare for their involvement and receive an induction pack. 3.9 Practice Learning Opportunities are in most cases organised regionally and are included in Regional and Local Social Care partnerships arrangements. As the provision of PLOs to OUiW students was falling outside of existing partnership arrangements they were sometimes seen as in addition to the level of PLOs agreed locally. This led to some difficulties in ensuring an adequate and timely supply of PLOs although there is no evidence of significant delay in students starting PLOs. In response to this situation the programme negotiated with local employers and practice partnerships to ensure OUiW students were included in the overall allocation of PLOs and the problem appears to be resolved The intake onto the programme is determined by employer partners and sponsors. The provision of PLOs and an adequate number of Associate Periodic Review of BA (Hons) Social Work, The Open University in Wales. July 2010 Page 7

8 Lecturers and Programme tutors is also dependent upon this number. So far the programme has had sufficient flexibility to be able to cater to employer requirements. Ordinarily the Care Council would want the number of places the programme is approved for to be similar to the intake number, however reducing the OUiW approved number to the current intake of 26 would stifle this flexibility. In view of this the Care Council will agree to the number of places the programme is approved for to remain at 40. The Care Council will however keep the intake onto the programme under review and may ask for further information on resource provision should circumstances suggest this to be necessary Outcome of Review The programme is well resourced especially in terms of the availability of learning materials. Staff are accessible to students via and telephone and usually meet at least once a month. Considerable progress appears to have been made in relation to opportunities for students to learn and be assessed through the Welsh language The programme is meeting the requirements of the Care Council in relation to Resource provision. One recommendation is made Recommendation The programme continues to review course material and identifies opportunities to strengthen the Welsh perspective in learning materials and essential and recommended reading. 4 Selection of Students 4.1 The selection requirements of the Care Council include matters relating to an assessment of the applicant and the process of selection. As currently all students are supported by their employer and there are therefore no direct entry students the arrangements for selection and interviews are somewhat different to other universities. 4.2 At approval it was agreed that the programme would employ a standard selection procedure implemented by employers. This process is still in place and uses interview questions designed by service users and carers. Interviews are usually conducted by the sponsoring employer but assistance from the university is available should the employer so wish. This offer is frequently taken up by third sector organisations supporting applicants and by local authority employers not having used the system previously. 4.3 The system always involves an individual interview with the prospective student and provides for an additional test should the candidate not have evidence of the pre-requisite number skills. 4.4 The selection packs are comprehensive and appear very helpful to employers and students and the university could consider making these available to other programmes as a model of good practise to inform their own processes. The review team was however surprised that in neither pack was there any mention of equality or anti-discrimination. This seems particularly relevant in Periodic Review of BA (Hons) Social Work, The Open University in Wales. July 2010 Page 8

9 the employers pack as the university is asking others to operate its selection policy on its behalf. 4.5 There is a however strong emphasis placed on values through the questions devised by the service users, and the public information about the programme provides clear information on the need of students to be registered with the Care Council. This is helpful as there have been occasions in the past when students have been late in registering as student social workers resulting in the involvement of the Care Council. It may be additionally helpful if reference were made in this publicity to the Code of Practice for social care workers. Familiarity with this is a clear requirement of the Care Council but no reference could be found to it in course publicity. There is however reference in the selection pack and the written statement required of candidates requires them to outline their understanding of the Code. 4.6 Students referred to the selection process in a way that corresponded with the process outlined above and were variously interviewed by service managers, training managers and others. There appeared to be less involvement of service users and carers in the interviews undertaken by those the review team spoke to but they know of situations where this had been included. 4.7 Likewise the service users and carers consulted had little experience of involvement in interviews. It may be that it is more difficult to provide the support to service users and carers in undertaking selection when the process is delegated out to employers but it is hoped that as the group strengthens and becomes more confident service users and carers could get more involved in this aspect of the programme. Whilst it is acknowledged that service users and carers are involved in the selection process overall, as outlined above, there may be a case for their more direct involvement as this would give students a more direct indication of the role service users can play in student s future training than simply knowing the questions have been developed with service users. 4.8 Outcome of the Care Council Review The programme continues to meet the Care Council requirements in relation to selection. Two recommendations are made in this area. 4.9 Recommendations That issues of equality are included in the selection pack for employers and students That in reviewing the strategy for service user and carer participation further opportunities are identified for involvement in the selection processes. 5 Equal Opportunities, Anti Discriminatory Practice and the Welsh Language 5.1 The Care Council requires all programmes to promote and respect equal opportunities in all aspects of the programme. This includes ensuring compliance with the Welsh Language Act. The Welsh Language scheme of the university was approved by the Welsh Language Board in Periodic Review of BA (Hons) Social Work, The Open University in Wales. July 2010 Page 9

10 5.2 It is noted that the programme audits students Welsh language skills at the point of registration onto the programme and that there is currently an audit of their experience of using Welsh on the programme with the results due in autumn The Care Council would be most interested to see the results of this audit included in the next round of annual monitoring. 5.3 The programme was able to evidence it had all the necessary policies and schemes. It was not clear how students are made aware of these policies once engaged on the programme; however some information does appear in the individual course guides. 5.4 Outcome of the Care Council Review The OUiW meets the Care Council requirements in respect of Equal opportunities, Anti-Discriminatory Practice and the Welsh Language. One recommendation is made. 5.5 Recommendation It is recommended that in the next round of annual monitoring information the programme includes the results of its audit of student experiences of using Welsh on the social work degree programme as evidence of its continued commitment to promoting the Welsh language. 6 Required Procedures 6.1 Care Council Rules require programmes to set up, follow and publicise a number of procedures. The OUiW was able to provide the policies required and these were clear and well described. There are separate policies for dealing with concerns of suitability, conduct of others (whistleblowing), complaints and appeals. The descriptions included in the course guidance are exemplary providing clear and concise explanation of what to do in a range of different circumstances. 6.2 Many programmes have found the suitability policy particularly challenging. There have been fewer referrals under this procedure from the OUiW. This may be because of the particular nature of this programme, which takes students already employed in the sector so the difficulties experienced by others appear not to have emerged in this programme. The procedure however reflects the Care Council guidance and is well laid out. 6.3 Outcome of Care Council Review The social work degree programme at the OUiW meets all the requirements in relation to required procedures. 7 Learning Criteria 7.1 The programme comprises three levels each of 120 credits as follows: Level 1: Two courses one of which includes the PLO Level 2: Two courses one of which includes the PLO Level 3: One mandatory course which includes the PLO plus one option from a range of four possible courses. Periodic Review of BA (Hons) Social Work, The Open University in Wales. July 2010Page 10

11 7.2 This option at level three allows students to direct final year of studies towards a specific area of practice. 7.3 There have been three significant changes since approval. The first being the replacement of Understanding Health and Social Care with An Introduction to Health and Social Care. Secondly, KZW113 Foundations for Social Work Practice was opened for students outside the social work degree. This provides a flexible route onto the degree as students can study this independently and then apply for selection for the social work degree. 7.4 The third change is the development of the Social work Law module to now carry 60 credits. 7.5 Students and graduates have been consistent in praising the quality of learning material and teaching. There was also a unanimous view that the programme demanded very effective time management skills and very high levels of commitment from students. When unanticipated interruptions to study occur such as sickness, students found themselves quickly getting behind with their studies. Whilst programme staff were always supportive the constant pressure could easily build up. Given that all students and graduates spoken to shared this view it is surprising and commendable that there is such a low attrition rate (thought to be 0% in 2008). It perhaps also reflects well on the recruitment process that students are made aware of the challenge the course presents. 7.6 The blended learning approach seemed to be valued by most students and graduates. There was one example of where a student had had no face to face tutorials in one course which they then struggled with but we were assured this was highly unusual and possibly as a result of sickness of an associate lecturer. 7.7 Service user and carer input into teaching occurred and students and graduates commented positively on this. In our meeting with service users and carers we were shown a number of short video clips that they had put together to explain the value of their input and these can form part of the teaching as well as being used for publicity purposes. 7.8 Practice Learning Opportunities (PLOs) take place at each level as required. There is however an option at level 1 to complete a portfolio as an Alternative to Practice. As many of the students were experienced social services staff there was some comment that the level 1 PLO was of limited value to them. The Alternative to Practice was therefore seen as a positive development. 7.9 Most students had at least one PLO in their employing authority but none had a PLO within their own team setting. Some students and graduates commented that some practice assessors worked with different social work programmes and sometimes had limited familiarity with the OUiW programme. The review team however heard from sponsors that all practice assessors are invited to attend an induction day either in North Wales or South Wales. Their Periodic Review of BA (Hons) Social Work, The Open University in Wales. July 2010Page 11

12 view was that the guidance to practice assessors was specific and that assessors enjoyed the conciseness of OUiW requirements of them The role of programme tutor is also partially designed to build quality and consistency into practice learning. The course guidance describes their role in making and monitoring practice learning agreements and arrangements. In meeting programme tutors they confirmed this to be a significant part of their role The Information Technology requirement continues to be met in the OUiW programme through the assessment of IT skills included in the three practice courses. Some students expressed regret that they did not receive any specific recognition of this as students on other programme do through the completion of the ECDL Outcome of the Care Council Review 7.13 The programme continues to meet the Care Council requirements in this area, with all evidence indicating the achievement of a high standard of teaching and learning. 8 Assessment Criteria 8.1 The programme has systems in place to assess student work in Wales. It has a Practice Assessment Panel which moderates practice assessor recommendations, reviews and evaluates the quality of practice learning and reports to the appropriate Examinations and Assessment Board (EAB). The EAB moderates academic and practice learning on both practice and academic courses. The Progression Board confirms the award. 8.2 The Terms of Reference of the PAP were seen by the review team and we were able to talk to a range of people about its work. Service users are members of the PAP and it has responded to concerns over confidentiality by removing candidate names. Consequently no member of the panel need be excluded from any discussions. 8.3 Service users and carers did however have some uncertainty as to how to use their individual experience and expertise in PAP as they did not feel they had the qualifications to assess student work. Some consideration needs to be given to clarifying their current and potential role if they are to be able to contribute to greatest effect. 8.4 Students and graduates commented positively on the quality of feedback received on written assignments they have submitted. This is usually timely and of good quality providing appropriate levels of detail. It was considered unfortunate that records of practice did not receive feedback either to the student or the practice assessor and that the end of course assignments (at the end of the practice module) received no feedback. 8.5 All students were assigned to a practice assessor who held or was working towards a qualification in assessment. Students also confirmed they received a mid point review. Periodic Review of BA (Hons) Social Work, The Open University in Wales. July 2010Page 12

13 8.6 The regulations of the university require that students must pass all aspects of the degree in order to progress to the next level and there are clear arrangements in place for those who pass practice based modules but not the academic courses or vice versa. 8.7 With the Alternative to Practice option for Course KWZ113 there is a system in place for the accreditation of prior learning that conforms to the Assessment Framework as required by Care Council rules. 8.8 Outcome of the Care Council Review The Programme continues to meet the Care Council for Wales s requirements in its Assessment. One recommendation is made. 8.9 Recommendation That the role of service users and carers at the Practice Assessment Panel is clarified in order that they are to be able to contribute to greatest effect. 9 Quality Assurance 9.1 The Care Council requires programmes to set up and comply with quality assurance processes. These include the provision of information and arrangements for the monitoring and review of the course. 9.2 The OUiW programme provides a correspondent who over the past five years has been in regular contact with the Care Council and has on behalf of the programme provided the Care Council with information requested in a timely and comprehensive way. This has included information relevant to the annual monitoring including statistical information as required by the Council. They have also been constructive and pro-active in the planning of this periodic review. 9.3 In addition the programme has a number of QA mechanisms at programme and institutional levels. The Wales Programme Partnership meets four times per year and one of these meetings takes the form of a monitoring, evaluation and planning day to review and plan for the future. 9.4 The PAP also has a specific QA role as described above to review and evaluate the quality of practice learning. 9.5 Each course is subject to an annual review by the course team and has a limited life before it has to be rewritten. This ensures materials remain up to date. 9.6 The programme meets the requirement to appoint External Examiners and there is evidence of them responding positively to recommendations made. 9.7 The programme also responds to recommendations made by the Care Council as part of the annual monitoring process. Periodic Review of BA (Hons) Social Work, The Open University in Wales. July 2010Page 13

14 9.8 Outcome of Review 9.9 The programme takes a positive approach to quality assurance and comments from employer partners confirm this where they have reported a continual dialogue about the programme The programme therefore has demonstrated that it continues to meet this requirement of approval. 10 Conclusions and Summary 10.1 The BA (Hons) Social Work delivered through the Open University in Wales is a strong partnership characterised by the commitment of all parties. It has been said to be based on mutual trust and the positive contribution made by all parties in the review is testament to the success of the partnership arrangements There is a commitment to the positive engagement of service users and carers in the programme which is supported through the human and financial resources of the programme The effectiveness of these arrangements have meant that where problems are encountered such as over hosting arrangements there is a solid foundation upon which to negotiate The quality of teaching, learning and assessment is high and the continued use of the programme is a strong indication of employers satisfaction with the competence of qualifying social workers The Care Council can therefore confirm that the BA (Hons) Social Work delivered through the OU in Wales continues to meet the requirements of the Care Council for Wales. In order to assist the programme in its continued improvement 6 recommendations are made. 11 Recommendations That the programme works with its partners, and in particular its service user and carer partners to review the current service user and carer strategy and plan for its future development The programme continues to review course material and identifies opportunities to strengthen the Welsh perspective in learning materials and essential and recommended reading That issues of equality are included in the selection pack for employers and students That in reviewing the strategy for service user and carer participation further opportunities are identified for involvement in the selection processes. Periodic Review of BA (Hons) Social Work, The Open University in Wales. July 2010Page 14

15 It is recommended that in the next round of annual monitoring information the programme includes the results of its audit of student experiences of using Welsh on the social work degree programme as evidence of its continual commitment to promoting the Welsh language That the role of service users and carers at the Practice Assessment Panel is clarified in order that they are to be able to contribute to greatest effect. 12 Final remarks 12.1 A periodic review of social work degree programme involves a significant number of people in providing information, meeting with Care Council staff and in following up requests for further information. Thanks are due to all academic and support staff, employer partners, service users and carers, graduates and students who have assisted in this process The institution/programme should write to the Care Council with a report showing how it has addressed the recommendations as part of its next annual monitoring in spring Periodic Review of BA (Hons) Social Work, The Open University in Wales. July 2010Page 15