Funded project
Service user and carer participation in social work education in a Northern Ireland context
| Project details | |
|---|---|
| Project contributor | Joe Duffy |
| Organisation | University of Ulster |
| Contact details | joe.duffy@qub.ac.uk |
| Disciplinary focus | social work |
| Completion date | 2006 |
Description
Funding for this project supported the research and publication of a good practice guide into service user and carer involvement in social work education in a Northern Ireland context. The production of this guide was based on principles of empowerment and citizenship as its process involved collaborative work with service users and carers as fellow researchers and co-authors. The Guide referred to the context of Northern Ireland as a post-conflict society and the challenges inherent within this in terms of service users and carer participation in social work training.
The Framework Specification for the degree in Social Work in Northern Ireland requires that qualifying social workers must demonstrate an understanding and awareness of issues around human rights and social justice with particular emphasis on the consequences of the Northern Ireland conflict on individuals and groups. It is therefore imperative that service users and carers are equally empowered and prepared for their contribution to social work education in a context where sensitive and controversial issues such as sectarianism, racism and discrimination need to be addressed.
Outcomes and findings
Project report: Participating and Learning. Citizen involvement in social work education in the Northern Ireland: A good practice guide (PDF, 4.5MB)
