FDA4082 - Working In a Multi-agency Environment

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
distinguish the influences of legislation, policy, guidance and research, including international frameworks, on multi-agency working practices;
examine the work of a range of children’s services, their roles and responsibilities;
recognise and break down their own work place and personal practice in terms of multi-agency or team effectiveness;
question the theory and practice of teamwork in professional contexts;
identify contrasting views that inform written argument.

Content:

This module introduces students to:
• histo-social context and instigating influences, e.g. safeguarding concerns;
• relevant legislation, guidance and research;
• demands and challenges of multi-agency working with children and families;
• roles and responsibilities within multi-agency working;
• local provision for coherence in children’s services;
• strategies and policies for the workplace including the Common Assessment Framework;
• theory and practice of team-work: implications for individuals and teams;
• planning and carrying out a research interview/questionnaire underpinning the assessed report.
During this module students will demonstrate ICT skills for study.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Learning and teaching will include a range of methods such as lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, with emphasis on team experience and peer support, large and small group discussions, problem-solving activities, and individual and paired working.

Students may be expected to draw on a range of theoretical/academic, personal and work-based resources. Course documentation, support materials and web-based materials will be available on the VLE as appropriate.

Implementation of study skills will be supported and in particular teamwork, and the capacity to develop written argument, will be developed. During the course of each session there will be opportunities for tutor/student interaction to meet individual needs and help develop skills, confidence, competence, knowledge and understanding relating to the aims and objectives of the module.

Students will maintain their Personal Development Log during this module and on-going self-evaluation will be part of the students’ identification of needs.

Lectures, seminars, learning activities, workshops and tutorials, e-engagement eg. e-fora, VLE activities
Hours: 25
Intended group size: Cohort

Flexibly delivered assessment support/e-support including tutorials
Hours: 5
Intended group size: 6-10

Work-based tasks
Hours: 25
Intended group size: 1

Guided independent study
Hours: 145

Further details relating to assessment
The report includes personal reflection on professional development approx. 1,000 words.
Informal numerical marks will be recorded intra-departmentally for reference in cases of condonement and provided to the student as formative feedback.

Assessment: