"An active conversation each week in supervision" - Practice Educator Experiences of the Professional Capabilities Framework and Holistic Assessment

Abstract

Since the academic year 2013-14 within England, Practice Educators (PEs) have been required to assess social work students during field placements using the framework of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and according to the principles of holistic assessment. Whilst the adoption of the PCF as part of the national change agenda is currently being scrutinised and debated, there has been little research or analysis regarding the practice assessment of social work students on placement and in particular, the views and experiences of PEs charged with this responsibility. This article will discuss the implementation of the PCF in relation to PEs practice assessment, based on a small scale study of PEs (n=43) from two UK universities, University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). The article will consider some of the complexities and challenges involved in holistic assessment using the PCF and posit areas for further consideration and debate.