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An evaluation of the social work Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) led by Professor Jermaine Ravalier, Head of School for Health and Social Care Professions at BNU, has been welcomed by the British Association of Social Workers (BASF). 

In 2023, BASW England commissioned an external, independent rapid review and evaluation of the PCF as a starting point to understand how it is being used and valued contemporarily, with no influence from BASW England upon the research analysis, findings and recommendations. 

Professor Jermaine Ravalier and his team of researchers were selected to lead the project, which compared the PCF to frameworks in other professions. It asked social workers their perceptions on whether the PCF is still fit for purpose and, if so, whether it needs to be changed or improved in any way.

The BASW panel said: “Working with a steering group of sector representatives from social work and Experts by Experience of social work services, BASW has accepted and responded to the evaluation’s recommendations. The response outlines what further work we will do to deepen understanding of the relevance and value of the PCF within our sector, what developments are needed and how it relates to the other regulatory and non-regulatory standards and educational drivers within the English social work landscape.”

BASW Chief Executive Dr Ruth Allen said: “This is the first independent evaluation of the value and use of the PCF, and the results have been encouraging. The evaluation found a large majority of diverse respondents valued the PCF and what it has achieved. It also contains proposals for changes and developments in the framework and reflects helpful critiques and areas of less satisfaction.

“One of our Experts by Experience encouraged the evaluation in its early stages by saying ‘The PCF is the moral compass of social work’ and we hope to bring that even more to life, ensuring its role in shaping practice, leadership and social justice across social work as one profession is even clearer in its next iteration.

“We will now take forward ‘phase two’ of this PCF project and provide further opportunities for wide engagement, ensuring we shape a PCF fit for the future.”