Custom-Written, AI & Plagiarism-Free with Passing "Guaranteed"

Money Back Guarantee

What is the relationship between personal and professional values, ethics and the legislative framework for Social Work?

Assessment Brief

Written Assignment: 3000 words in total.

Choose one of the case studies that will be provided to demonstrate your understanding of the issues raised as described in each question below.

Write 1000 words for each of the 3 questions as set out below;

  1. What are personal values, what are professional values, and what is the relationship between the two? How could these issues impact upon the chosen case study? This relates to learning outcomes 1 and 4.
  2. How do philosophical ideas and concepts help us to resolve ethical conflicts /dilemmas within Social Work Practice?  What is the link between values and ethics and the professional codes of practice? How might these debates impact upon the case study? This relates to Learning outcome 2 and 5.
  3. What is the contextual link between legislation and ethical social work practice, how do Social workers use and apply the Legislation to intervene. You may consider, where relevant, the following legislation: Human Rights Act 1998, the Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004, The Care Act 2014, and Mental Health Act 1983/2007, and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. How might legislation and ethical interventions apply to the chosen case study? This relates to learning outcomes 3 and 6.

Remember to include the powers and duties that are laid down by legislation and to consider whether legislation supports or constricts effective practice or leads to moral and ethical dilemmas.

The case studies

The Slaters

Further details on the written assignment can be found below.

Intended learning outcomes for the assessment 

Knowledge and understanding
  1. Demonstrate a clear understanding/knowledge of the importance of ethics and values to the professional activity of social workers and the judgements they make in safeguarding vulnerable people.
  2. Demonstrate a clear understanding of all the professional codes of practice (from HCPC and BASW) and the underpinning importance of philosophical concepts used in the resolution of ethical and / or legal dilemmas.

Intellectual, practical, affective and transferable skills
  1. Explain and describe the relationship between legal duties, ethics, values, and the law when undertaking a range of tasks, confidentiality and communicating with people of difference.
  2. Reflect upon how personally held values may influence or compromise professional conduct / behaviour and the legislative framework and the risks involved in doing so.
  3. Describe the relevance of ethics in resolving conflicts/tensions that   exist in social work practice especially in relation to discrimination, equality and diversity.
  4. Examine the importance of social work values/ethics and their relevance in terms of maintaining relationships, capacity and best interests of service users and carers

Sample Answer

Section 1: Personal and Professional Values and Their Impact on the Slaters` Case (LOs 1 & 4)

Introduction to Values

Values are the beliefs and principles that guide an individual’s decisions and behaviour. Personal values are shaped by one`s upbringing, culture, religion, and personal experiences. Examples may include honesty, kindness, respect, and fairness. In contrast, professional values are the shared principles and ethical standards expected in a professional role, in this case, social work. These are outlined in frameworks such as the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) Code of Ethics and the Social Work England Professional Standards.

Relationship Between Personal and Professional Values

While personal and professional values can overlap, they do not always align. Social workers must be able to recognise and separate their own values from those expected in professional practice. For example, a social worker with strong religious beliefs might personally oppose same-sex relationships, but professionally they are expected to promote anti-discriminatory practice and support LGBTQ+ clients without bias. This tension requires self-awareness and reflective practice.

The Slaters` Case

In the Slaters` case, the family is struggling with poverty, school attendance issues, and possible neglect. A social worker might personally feel angry at parents who do not ensure their children attend school or are clean and well-fed. However, the professional role requires them to respond with empathy, identify the root causes (like poverty or mental health issues), and offer support without judgement.

For example, if a social worker personally believes that good parenting involves strict discipline, but professionally is expected to promote positive behaviour support, they must choose the professional standard over personal opinion.

Impact of Personal Values on the Slaters` Case

If a social worker’s personal values are not carefully managed, they may:

  • Misinterpret poverty as neglect.

  • Blame parents without offering appropriate support.

  • Struggle to engage with the family empathetically.

On the other hand, strong professional values allow a social worker to:

  • Understand the wider social issues affecting the Slaters.

  • Apply anti-oppressive and strengths-based approaches.

  • Work collaboratively with the family to improve outcomes.

Conclusion

The relationship between personal and professional values is key in social work. Self-awareness and reflective practice are necessary to manage this relationship. In the Slaters’ case, balancing empathy and objectivity is essential to provide ethical and effective support.

Section 2: Ethical Conflicts, Philosophy, and Professional Codes of Practice (LOs 2 & 5)

Introduction to Ethics in Social Work

Ethics refer to the principles that guide right and wrong behaviour in practice. In social work, ethical dilemmas occur when two or more values or duties conflict, such as the duty to protect a child versus respecting parental autonomy.

Philosophical Approaches

Two key philosophical theories relevant to social work are:

  1. Utilitarianism – this focuses on outcomes, aiming to bring the greatest good to the greatest number. In the Slaters’ case, removing the children from a chaotic home might seem justified if it leads to their long-term wellbeing.

  2. Deontology – this focuses on the duties and rules guiding action. From this view, a social worker must uphold duties such as respecting the family`s rights and supporting them in their parenting role.

These philosophical ideas help social workers make fair decisions, especially when there is no clear “right” answer.

Continued...

100% Plagiarism Free & Custom Written,
tailored to your instructions