With the start of a new year comes the opportunity to get into new habits and improve your practice as a social worker. Our team thought we’d help inspire you on CPD ideas for the new year so you can go into 2023 feeling motivated and prepared.
Utilise peer feedback
If you’ve recently received feedback from a client or a colleague, you’re already halfway to recording a piece of CPD. Write down what you’ve learned from this feedback - regardless of whether it was positive or negative, and where you plan to go from here. Is there something you want to change about your approach to practice? What went well and why? How would you change your actions based on the feedback provided? All of this is valuable CPD and you barely have to lift a finger!
Write about your degree
First social work role? No worries! You can easily incorporate the knowledge from your degree into your CPD. We would recommend writing a reflective piece on how you’ve applied social work theories to your practice as a qualified social worker and the results you’ve seen so far.
Document trial and error
Difficult DoLS assessment? Caseload in chaos? Home visit that made you want to start a new career? Write it down! Social work in its nature, is tough. No two days are the same, and you should expect the unexpected. However, with this ambiguity comes opportunity for growth. Every time you experience something new or something that didn’t go to plan, make a note of it and reflect on how you would adapt your skills to improve the situation next time. These notes can also be used for personal gain - refer back to them anytime you need reminding of best practices and all you have achieved since.
Try independent learning
Social Work England classes the following activities as independent learning:
Reading a book, article or journal related to social work
TedTalks
Podcasts
Documentaries
Research
Self-directed learning is ideal for those with busy lifestyles, such as parents who may not have time to attend workshops etc in person.
Final thoughts
Choose CPD options that suit your routine and pique your interest the most, otherwise it will just feel like a chore!
Imperium Solutions wishes you all the best and we’ll see you in the new year! In the meantime, you can check out our project vacancies here. We are proud to offer a variety across both our adult and children's divisions.
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