Discretion or prescription? Exploring confidence in qualifying social work education

摘要: In England and the USA, social work education is undergoing major change with aim of improving transparency, accountability quality practice. To achieve in England, Social Work Task Force subsequent Reform Board, established to review profession, addressed curricula inputs qualifying degree. This author used thematic template analysis two sets evidence: government policy documents designed support reform process; findings from synthesised Knowledge Reviews commissioned by Care Institute for Excellence into how requirements were applied following introduction new degree England. Synthesis these practice knowledges allows insights hold up a critical lens reform. The argument made that prescription does not result consistency, increased risks unintended consequences, particular erosion professional judgement undermining confidence. Ways forward are proposed which include: taking lead education; programme partnerships containing competing views stakeholders; stakeholders refocusing preoccupation prioritising outcomes education.