National Practice Teaching in Social Work Initiative; a rare opportunity to shape the development of social work student placements and practice teaching in Ireland

Sinead Whiting; Lyn Dorney; Joanne Rose; Erna O'Connor; Paula Slavin; Brian Melaugh; Brenda Feeney; Eleanor Kelly

doi:10.1921/jpts.v20i2.2064

Authors

Sinead Whiting Trinity College, Dublin https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3217-688X
Lyn Dorney University College Cork https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0973-5260
Joanne Rose https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1922-3621
Erna O'Connor https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4175-8550
Paula Slavin University College Dublin https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9478-7059
Brian Melaugh Maynooth University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3333-1159
Brenda Feeney Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Sligo https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0115-5924
Eleanor Kelly University of Galway https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8743-6998

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/jpts.v20i2.2064

Keywords:

Practice Education; Learning Organisations.; Innovative Practice

Abstract

This article reflects upon the work of the National Practice Teaching in Social Work Initiative (NPTSWI), established following collaboration between the six universities in Ireland that deliver social work education. Working in partnership with social work employers and practitioners, NPTSWI aims to enhance the profile of Practice Teaching within the Social Work profession in Ireland, provide ongoing supports for practice teaches and potentially increase the supply of placements. As a multi-stakeholder collaboration and in the context of the Irish Government’s commitment to increase the number of Social Work graduates, NPTSWI represents a significant innovation in the development of social work practice education in Ireland. This paper reflects on the achievements of the initiative and barriers to building a culture and context for practice teaching and learning within social work services are considered and strategies to address these challenges explored.

Author Biographies

Sinead Whiting, Trinity College, Dublin

Sinéad Whiting is an Assistant Professor in Social Work and Practice Education Co-Ordinator in the School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin.

Lyn Dorney, University College Cork

Lyn Dorney is Project Coordinator of the National Practice Teaching in Social Work Initiative and a part-time member of the Batchelor of Social work, UCC.

Joanne Rose

Joanne is a CORU-registered social worker responsible for coordinating placements for social work programmes, and CPD for social work practice teachers at University College Cork

Erna O'Connor

Dr Erna O’Connor is Assistant Professor of Social Work and Practice Education Co-ordinator at the School of Social Work and Social Policy. Her teaching and research interests include practice education, health-related social work, bereavement and reflective and relationship-based practice.

Paula Slavin, University College Dublin

Paula Slavin is the Placements Allocations Manager on the Masters in Social Work Programme at University College Dublin. She is also a founding member of NPTSWI.

Brian Melaugh, Maynooth University

Dr Brian Melaugh is a lecturer in the Department of Applied Social Studies Maynooth University.

Brenda Feeney, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Sligo

Brenda Feeney, is the Programme Director of the MA in Social Work and Lecturer in Social Work. Brenda is a registered Social Worker with extensive experience in the sector.

Eleanor Kelly, University of Galway

Eleanor Kelly is the Practice Learning Co-ordinator for the MSW Programme within the School of Political Science & Sociology.

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