North West

This region has 10 social work programmes, 22 Local Authorities and a diverse range of private, voluntary and independent organisations that provide practice learning opportunities.

By 06/07 a 75% increase in PLO is needed in the north west region.

Download the full North West Regional Map and Development Plan 2003 in pdf format.

Summary of Regional Learning Resource Network Developments

A number of key developments have now taken place in the North West Region in the development of the Learning Resource Network.

Supporting the development of Learning Resource Networks in Skills for Care North West Region - download the Executive Summary

Development Projects

In the first year, the Practice Learning Taskforce has supported a range of exciting development projects within the regions. Work undertaken has focused on the following areas:

  • Preparing for the development of new practice learning opportunities
  • Generating new practice learning opportunities with particular focus in the voluntary and independent sectors
  • Involving Service Users and Carers
  • Establishing accessible resources and training provision
  • Technical Developments

In the North West region, the following development projects were supported:

Blackburn with Darwen Social Services

Develop a database to provide management information about practice placements, practice teachers and assessors.

University of Central Lancashire

Develop inter-disciplinary placements in the region.

Liverpool Community College

Identify potential practice learning opportunities within services and organisations run by or for ethnic minority communities, in particular the Chinese, Afro-Caribbean and Asian ethnic groups.

Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust

Hold a day conference for Mental Health Providers.

Merseyside Practice Teacher Programme

Increase the number of Practice Placements and Practice Teachers in small voluntary agencies.

University of Salford

Increase practice learning opportunities, particularly amongst small organisations in the voluntary sector.