National Practice Teaching in Social Work Initiative; a rare opportunity to shape the development of social work student placements and practice teaching in Ireland

Abstract

This article reflects upon the work of the National Practice Teaching in Social Work Initiative (NPTSWI), established following collaboration between the six universities in Ireland that deliver social work education. Working in partnership with social work employers and practitioners, NPTSWI aims to enhance the profile of Practice Teaching within the Social Work profession in Ireland, provide ongoing supports for practice teaches and potentially increase the supply of placements. As a multi-stakeholder collaboration and in the context of the Irish Government’s commitment to increase the number of Social Work graduates, NPTSWI represents a significant innovation in the development of social work practice education in Ireland. This paper reflects on the achievements of the initiative and barriers to building a culture and context for practice teaching and learning within social work services are considered and strategies to address these challenges explored.