EPISODE · Jul 1, 2026 · 35 MIN
Episode 2: Practice Learning Opportunity
from So What Social Work · host Abigail and Josh
This episode explores student social workers’ Practice Learning Opportunities (PLOs), more commonly known as placements. Our hosts reflect on their own experiences of undertaking PLOs during social work training, discussing expectations, different placement settings, commonly used acronyms, and the differences they have encountered both as students and as Practice Educators. The episode also features questions submitted by three social work students, which are discussed and answered throughout the conversation.To support clarity throughout the podcast, some professional terms referenced in the discussion are explained below.Statutory Social WorkStatutory social work refers to social work carried out under the legal duties and powers of local authorities. This includes protecting and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children, adults at risk, and communities, often involving complex decisions that balance rights, risks, and needs. Accountability for these statutory interventions rests with registered social workers.Source: Scottish Government, The Role of the Registered Social Worker in Statutory Interventionshttps://www.gov.scot/publications/role-registered-social-worker-statutory-interventions-guidance-local-authorities/pages/2/Practice LearningPractice learning describes the experience students gain through practical placements, where they develop and apply the skills, knowledge, and values required of professional social workers.Source: Social Care Wales, Practice Education Guidance (2019)https://socialcare.wales/cms-assets/documents/Practice-education-guidance-2019-English.pdfGot a question or topic you'd like us to discuss? We'd love to hear from you. Send your questions and feedback to [email protected] What: Social Work with Abigail & Josh. Real conversations about adult social work, from people who've lived it.Find us on social media @SoWhatSocialWork
What this episode covers
This episode explores student social workers’ Practice Learning Opportunities (PLOs), more commonly known as placements. Our hosts reflect on their own experiences of undertaking PLOs during social work training, discussing expectations, different placement settings, commonly used acronyms, and the differences they have encountered both as students and as Practice Educators. The episode also features questions submitted by three social work students, which are discussed and answered throughout the conversation.To support clarity throughout the podcast, some professional terms referenced in the discussion are explained below.Statutory Social WorkStatutory social work refers to social work carried out under the legal duties and powers of local authorities. This includes protecting and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children, adults at risk, and communities, often involving complex decisions that balance rights, risks, and needs. Accountability for these statutory interventions rests with registered social workers.Source: Scottish Government, The Role of the Registered Social Worker in Statutory Interventionshttps://www.gov.scot/publications/role-registered-social-worker-statutory-interventions-guidance-local-authorities/pages/2/Practice LearningPractice learning describes the experience students gain through practical placements, where they develop and apply the skills, knowledge, and values required of professional social workers.Source: Social Care Wales, Practice Education Guidance (2019)https://socialcare.wales/cms-assets/documents/Practice-education-guidance-2019-English.pdfGot a question or topic you'd like us to discuss? We'd love to hear from you. Send your questions and feedback to [email protected] What: Social Work with Abigail & Josh. Real conversations about adult social work, from people who've lived it.Find us on social media @SoWhatSocialWork
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Episode 2: Practice Learning Opportunity
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