Social Work England has recently approved the full-time BA (Hons) Social Work degree at Bradford College, recognizing it as meeting rigorous industry standards. This accreditation comes after a thorough inspection conducted by Social Work England from 16-19 April. Social Work England is the regulatory body responsible for monitoring and approving social work education and training programs across the country.
Bradford College is now Yorkshire’s only further education provider to achieve approved course-provider status with Social Work England. This achievement is a testament to the college’s commitment to providing high-quality education in the field of social work. The inspection process ensures that graduates from the program are well-equipped to meet professional standards in social work and can register with Social Work England to practice as qualified social workers.
During the inspection, inspectors engaged with various stakeholders, including current Bradford College students, staff members, and placement partners such as Bradford Council, Bradford Children and Families Trust, and Leeds Street Outreach Team. These interactions provided valuable insights into the student experience, course structure, delivery, and the overall quality of the program.
Following the inspection, Social Work England confirmed that the Bradford College degree, which is validated by the University of Bolton, met all standards and has been approved with minor compliance and enhancement amendments. The degree will now be listed on the Social Work England website as an approved course, further solidifying Bradford College’s reputation as a provider of high-quality social work education.
Claire Wolfenden, the Head of Department for Education & Social Care at Bradford College, expressed her delight at the approval, highlighting the hard work put in by the college’s team to meet the required standards. She emphasized the importance of this accreditation in addressing the critical skills gaps in the social work industry, especially considering the reported social worker vacancy rates in local authorities.
The Social Work degree at Bradford College is designed to combine applied academic study with practical social work placements, allowing students to develop both skills-based and academic competencies. The course includes significant placement opportunities, with 70 days in Year 2 and 100 days in Year 3. All lecturers involved in the program are qualified and experienced social workers, ensuring that students receive high-quality instruction and mentorship.
Moreover, Bradford College collaborates closely with the Bradford Teaching Partnership, which includes key stakeholders such as Bradford Council, the University of Bradford, and Bradford Children and Families Trust. This partnership, along with engagement with voluntary agencies and individuals with lived experience of social work, enriches the learning experience for students and provides valuable real-world insights into the practice of social work.
In conclusion, the approval of the BA (Hons) Social Work degree at Bradford College by Social Work England is a significant achievement that underscores the college’s commitment to excellence in social work education. By meeting rigorous industry standards and providing students with valuable placement opportunities and mentorship, Bradford College is playing a crucial role in preparing the next generation of social workers to address the challenges and opportunities in the field.