PgCert Advanced Adult Social Work and Continuing Professional Development for Frontline Staff/Managers in Adults Services
Delivery for September 2024-July 2025
Introduction
The department of Social Work, Social Care and Community Studies at SHU has worked closely with partners in practice and local employers to develop a suite of modules and workshop events – all designed to meet the CPD needs of Social Workers and Managers in the field of Adult Health & Social Care provision.
Our Social Work Practice and Development CPD Framework is designed to support frontline professionals in the development of their knowledge and skills as professionally capable, reflective and analytical practitioners. To do this, the contents are mapped to relevant professional standards such as the Knowledge and Skills Statement for Social Workers in Adult Services (Dept. of Health 2018) and the higher levels of the Professional Capabilities Framework (BASW 2021). The programme is also flexible enough to incorporate emerging new themes in practice, offering a range of half/full day Masterclass events.
Why study with Sheffield Hallam University
- Access to high quality CPD designed to support you in your chosen career pathway, delivered by Sheffield Hallam University
- Our CPD modules are accredited at level 7 and can be used to contribute towards a Post Graduate Certificate in Advanced Adult Social Work (AASW) (60 credits across 4 modules) **
- Our non-credit bearing Masterclasses can be used as evidence for continuous professional development for professional registration.
- Access to University facilities and resources including student discount card, student union.
- Library access to specialist journals and access to research.
- Peer support and networking opportunities.
- You’ll be learning from some of the best, with staff at the University delivering excellence in both research and teaching.
- Guest contributors who are experts in their field.
Teaching delivery will be a blend of in-person and online learning.
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Overview of CPD provision across the year (24-25) |
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Credit Bearing Modules |
Non-credit Bearing half & full day Masterclasses |
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October '24 |
Applied Adult Social Work - Law 1 6 days – on campus (Oct & Nov) 21st & 22nd October; 5th, 6th, 12th & 13th November 2024
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Strength Based Approaches to Supporting wellbeing: (half day – online) – Wednesday 16th October |
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November '24 |
Assessing Complexity in Complex Cases: lessons from research and practice. (full day – on campus) – Wednesday 27th November |
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December '24 |
NEW module Contemporary Approaches to Adult Social Work 6 days – on campus (Dec & Jan) 10th , 11th 17th, 18th December; 7th & 8th January 2025 |
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January '25 |
Defensible Decision Making: legal literacy in adult social care. (half day - online) – Wednesday 22nd January |
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February '25 |
Trauma Informed Practice in Organisations (half day - online) – Wednesday 26th February |
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March '25 |
Applied Adult Social Work - Law 2 (6 days – on campus) 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th March 2025 |
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April ‘25 |
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Managing transitions from child to adult services |
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May ‘25 |
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Diversity, Equalities, and Inclusion in Adult Social Care: meeting the needs of marginalised groups (half day - online) – Wednesday 21st May |
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June '25 |
NEW module (6 days – on campus) 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th June 2025 |
Executive Functioning and the Mental Capacity Act (half day - online) – Wednesday 25th June |
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July '25 |
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Working with People and Hoarding Behaviours: the interface between capacity, safeguarding and the multi-agency environment (half day - online) – Wednesday 16th July |
Credit-bearing Modules
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Applied Adult Social Work Law 1 (Care Act)
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15 credits |
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Target audience |
All practitioners who work in adults’ services using the care and support provisions of the Care Act 2014. You need to be able to work at Master’s level, though study support is built into the teaching programme. Ideally you should have a previous degree of 2.2 classification or higher, but consideration will be given to equivalent prior studies in a relevant field.
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Overview |
This is on-campus face to face teaching. The module enables practitioners to build on practice experience, develop and demonstrate critical knowledge and skills relevant to the Care Act 2014 within the context of strength-based approaches and other relevant theories and models. You will contextualise and reflect upon the statutory basis for social work and the duties and responsibilities invested upon social workers, and other lead professionals in social care, including the legal principles underpinning them. There is a focus upon the development of skills in the use and application of the Care Act 2014, and its relationship to other key legislation such as human rights, equalities, and mental capacity.
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Assessment |
The assignment is a case study-based essay focusing on an aspect of your own practice.
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Dates |
21st & 22nd October 5th, 6th, 12th & 13th November |
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Cost |
SYTP members - £780 pp (up to 7 places) / non-SYTP members - £860 pp
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Applied Adult Social Work Law 2 (Mental Capacity Legislation)
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15 credits |
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Target audience |
All practitioners who work in adults’ services (n.b. you do not have to complete Applied Adult Social Work Law 1 before enrolling onto this module). You need to be able to work at Masters level, though study support is built into the teaching programme. Ideally you should have a previous degree of 2.2 classification or higher, but consideration will be given to equivalent prior studies in a relevant field.
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Overview |
This is on-campus face to face teaching. This module enables you to build upon practice knowledge & skills key in developing emancipatory practice within Adult Social Work assessments with people who lack mental capacity. The Mental Capacity Act 2005, and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (and its successor LPS) are the focus. You will also examine the inter-play between the contextual legislative processes such as the Care Act 2014 (in terms of both safeguarding and care/support), Human Rights Act 1998, Equality Act 2010 and the interface with the Mental Health Act 1983. It is a suitable precursor to undertaking Best Interest Assessor training and as a refresher for existing BIA’s.
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Assessment |
Viva discussion; a presentation of a complex practice issue, taking 20 minutes with discussion/Q&A afterwards.
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Dates |
11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th March 2025
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Cost |
SYTP members - £780 pp (up to 7 places) / non-SYTP members - £860 pp
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NEW for 24-25 – Risks, Safeguarding and Defensible Decision Making in Practice with Adults
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15 credits |
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Target audience |
All practitioners who work in adults’ services. You need to be able to work at Masters level, though study support is built into the teaching programme. Ideally you should have a previous degree of 2.2 classification or higher, but consideration will be given to equivalent prior studies in a relevant field.
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Overview |
This is on-campus face to face teaching. This module enables you to build upon practice knowledge & skills key in considering the origins and principles of in assessing risk in social care practice with adults. Teaching content will demonstrate links between theory, practice, and current policy – exploring a range of rights based and ethical dimensions in relation to defensible decision making. You will explore the use of professional power and authority, particularly within a multi-agency decision-making environment. Reflecting on your own practice you will explore self-awareness of your decision-making processes.
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Assessment |
Essay based assessment.
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Dates |
10th, 11th 17th, 18th December 7th & 8th January 2025 |
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Cost |
SYTP members - £780 pp (up to 7 places) / non-SYTP members - £860 pp
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NEW for 24-25 – Contemporary Approaches to Adult Social Work
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15 credits |
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Target audience |
All practitioners who work in adults’ services. You need to be able to work at Masters level, though study support is built into the teaching programme. Ideally you should have a previous degree of 2.2 classification or higher, but consideration will be given to equivalent prior studies in a relevant field.
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Overview |
This is on-campus face to face teaching. The module helps you critically evaluate the relevance of contemporary theories and perspectives for working with adults; advance your knowledge and abilities in interpreting person centred, strengths based and compassionate perspectives into practice. You will explore how to create empowering and ethically justifiable approaches in the context of the challenges of multiagency practice and reflect critically on your own professional development. Through group discussion you will be informed by messages from research including key stakeholders, particularly service users, carers, groups and communities.
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Assessment |
Essay based assessment.
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Dates |
3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th June 2025 |
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Cost |
SYTP members - £780 pp (up to 7 places) / non-SYTP members - £860 pp
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Non-Credit bearing Masterclasses
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Strengths based approaches to supporting wellbeing: co-production, technology enhanced care and the duty to prevent needs. Half day online seminar. |
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Target audience |
Frontline adult social care staff in first contact settings. Adult social care assessors. Adult social care providers. |
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Overview |
This online session will explore strengths-based ways of working with local communities, drawing on learning from co-production as a way of doing things. Exploring the challenges of fulfilling the duty to prevent needs in the context of shrinking resources, we will explore examples of innovative practice (including technology enhanced care) and create opportunities to explore practice issues with peers too. |
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Date |
Wednesday 16th October |
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Cost |
SYTP members - £60 pp (for up to 10 places) / non-SYTP members - £70pp |
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Assessing Complexity in Complex Cases: lessons from research and practice Full day On Campus Workshop. |
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Target audience |
Frontline adult social care staff in first contact settings. Adult social care assessors. Adult social care providers. |
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Overview |
This on campus master class will revisit the core elements of the MCA and assessing capacity. We will be exploring the impact of caselaw and developments in practice such as the discussions around executive and functional capacity and when the diagnostic test does and doesn't apply. We will do this using case studies where more detailed considerations need to take place either due to the complexity of the decision i.e. sexual relationships and the internet or difficulties arising from diagnosis such as frontal lobe paradox. |
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Date |
Wednesday 27th November |
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Cost |
SYTP members - £125 pp (for up to 10 places) / non-SYTP members - £105pp |
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Defensible decision making; legal literacy in adult social care. Half day online seminar. |
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Target audience |
Assessors and decision makers in adult social care settings. |
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Overview |
This is a half day online seminar. Legal, ethical and evidential reasoning will be the focus. Drawing from the work of a range of academics and legal experts (such as Michael Preston-Shoot, Suzy Braye and Alex Ruck Keane), we will explore the dimensions that make up legally, ethically defensible decisions in practice with adults. Facilitated by specialist staff from SHU, this will be an opportunity to draw together the learning from recent case law and safeguarding adults reviews and reflect on the implications for decision making in adult social care. |
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Date |
Wednesday 22nd January |
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Cost |
SYTP members - £60 pp (for up to 10 places) / non-SYTP members - £70pp |
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NEW - Trauma Informed Practice in Organisations Half day online seminar. |
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Target audience |
All staff with roles in adult social care settings (assessors, service providers) |
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Overview |
Join us for an enlightening teaching session tailored for social workers on trauma-informed practice. In this session, you will gain invaluable insights into understanding and effectively responding to trauma within your practice. Learn evidence-based strategies, compassionate approaches, and practical techniques to create safe and empowering environments for individuals impacted by trauma. Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the field, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance your practice and make a meaningful difference in practice. |
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Date |
Wednesday 26th February |
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Cost |
SYTP members - £60 pp (for up to 10 places) / non-SYTP members - £70pp |
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NEW - Managing Transitions from Child to Adult Services Half day online seminar. |
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Target audience |
All staff with roles in adult social care settings (assessors, service providers) |
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Overview |
Are you a social care professional navigating the complexities of transitioning individuals from child to adult services? Join us for a session focused on social care transitions. You will explore best practices, effective strategies and practical approaches to support young people as they transition into adult services. Gain insights into the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in this process and learn how to foster continuity of care while promoting independence and empowerment. This session will provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to facilitate smooth transitions and ensure the holistic well-being of the individuals you serve. |
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Date |
Wednesday 30th April |
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Cost |
SYTP members - £60 pp (for up to 10 places) / non-SYTP members - £70pp
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Diversity, Equalities and Inclusion in Adult Social Care: meeting the needs of marginalised groups. Half day online seminar. |
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Target audience |
All staff with roles in adult social care settings (assessors, service providers)
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Overview |
This is a half day online seminar. Messages from research and from safeguarding adults’ reviews reveal a number of issues that impact upon access to help for members of several different and intersecting marginalised groups. This includes LGBTQ people, asylum seekers, and people who identify as neurodiverse. This seminar will bring together some key messages from research, case law and SARs along with some expert speakers to explore distinctive experiences and lessons to be learned for assessors and providers. |
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Date |
Wednesday 21st May |
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Cost |
SYTP members - £60 pp (for up to 10 places) / non-SYTP members - £70pp
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NEW - Executive Functioning and the Mental Capacity Act Half day online seminar. |
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Target audience |
All staff with roles in adult social care settings (assessors, service providers) |
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Overview |
Discover the intricate interplay between executive function in adults and the Mental Capacity Act in our upcoming teaching session. Designed for professionals in social care, this session delves into the complexities of decision-making, planning, and cognitive control in adults. Explore how executive function impacts an individual’s ability to make informed choices and understand the legal frameworks outlined in the Mental Capacity Act. Gain practical insights into assessing and supporting individuals with diverse cognitive abilities, while navigating ethical dilemmas and legal obligations. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to the field, this session offers valuable tools and strategies to enhance your practice and ensure the autonomy and well-being of people you work with. |
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Date |
Wednesday 25th June |
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Cost |
SYTP members - £60 pp (for up to 10 places) / non-SYTP members - £70pp |
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Working with people with Hoarding Behaviour: the interface between capacity, safeguarding and the multi-agency context. Half day online seminar |
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Target audience |
Local Authority Adult Social Care, Housing, Clinical Commissioning group, NHS and third sector agencies/ staff. |
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Overview |
This half day masterclass will explore importance of recognising and exploring the complexity of engaging with and supporting people with hoarding behaviours. Discussing the legal issues regarding consent, decisional and executive capacity, and the interface with safeguarding the session will explore the support for practitioners when engaging with supporting people with hoarding behaviours. Learning from safeguarding adult reviews the focus will be on sharing good practice, identifying some of the challenges and sharing ideas for taking practice forwards. |
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Dates |
Wednesday 16th July |
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Cost |
SYTP members - £60 pp (for up to 10 places) / non-SYTP members - £70pp
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Costs and funding
The standard cost for SHU credit-bearing modules is £860 per student for 15 credits at Masters level (in the 24/25 academic year). A discounted rate is available as follows for staff members employed within local authorities within the SYTP.
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Activity |
Standard Cost |
SYTP discount |
Minimum enrolled attendees (fewer than the required attendees may result in the programme ceasing to run) |
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15 Credit Module |
£860 |
£780 |
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Half- day masterclass |
£70 |
£60 |
15 |
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Full-day masterclass |
£125 |
£105 (discount for 15 places across SYTP) |
15 |
Fees and Funding for 2023/24
| Indicative price for stand-alone module |
Home / EU student: Please see full pricing information above in "Costs and funding" |
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| Funding |
To book your place on the Masterclasses, please visit the Online store: https://store.shu.ac.uk/conferences-and-events/health-wellbeing-life-sciences/masterclasses
To apply for a CPD funded place on one or both of the credit-bearing modules, please complete and return the application form below: |
| How to apply |
Further information and Workforce Development Funding / CPD Funding online application form |
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Entry requirements
*Please note, entry requirements only apply to the three credit-bearing modules*
First degree of 2.2 or above. You need to be able to work at Masters level, though study support is built into the teaching programme. Consideration will be given to equivalent prior studies in a relevant field.
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Attendance
Delivery Method:
Blended Learning this module will involve a limited number of face-to-face study days supported by online distance learning activities
View our statement on notional study hours »
Provisional timetable
A full list of dates can be found in the individual module descriptions above.
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Assessment
Please note, this only applies to the modules. The masterclasses are non-credit bearing, but are a valuable addition to CPD evidence (included that required for SWE re-registration)
Applied Adult Social Work Law 1 will be assessed by a case study-based essay focusing on an aspect of your own practice.
Applied Adult Social Work Law 2 will be assessed by:
- A viva discussion; and
- A presentation of a complex practice issue, taking 20 minutes discussion/Q&A afterwards
Risks, Safeguarding and Defensible Decision Making in Practice with Adults will be assessed by an essay.
Contemporary Approaches to Adult Safeguarding will be assessed by an essay.
Successful completion of each credit-bearing module will earn you 15 (modules only) level 7 credits
Further details
For further information please contact the module leader Paula Green - p.green@shu.ac.uk or contact the student experience team: