Suitable to Remain a Student Social Worker? Decision Making in Relation to Termination of Training

Abstract

Termination of training is a contentious aspect of work for social work educators. Studies in the USA, Australia and Canada have pointed to the need for clear procedures that safeguard the rights of students whilst also enabling social work staff to fulfil their role as professional gatekeepers. In England, recently introduced professional regulations require universities to have such procedures in place. The concept of professional suitability is central, but rarely defined either at a national or local level. This paper draws upon two studies. One is a comparison of procedures from 24 universities in England; the other a qualitative study of the perceptions of staff involved in the investigations of ‘fitness to practise’ conducted in our own university during the previous year. Some key themes are identified. We conclude that decision making in relation to suitability is necessarily complex and contested. Whilst clear guidelines and consistent procedures are needed, decision making in this area is best understood as an ethical judgement made by a community of practitioners. When the focus shifts from clearer definition of the concept, to regarding suitability as a judgement made in practice, it becomes important to consider who is involved in making that judgement.