Yorkshire & Humber

There are eleven social work programmes in the Yorkshire and Humber region. There are fifteen local authorities in the region. Social Services provided 62% of the practice learning days in 2002/03. Other agencies contributing to practice learning in the region include a wide range of national and locally based voluntary organisations. In addition there are plans to expand practice learning in the private, independent, criminal justice and health sectors.

Download the full Yorkshire and Humber Regional Map and Development Plan 2003 in pdf format.

Learning Resource Network - Yorkshire & Humber

The Learning Resource Network (LRN) initiative is a Department of Health funded project, which is being delivered by?Skills for Care. It is intended to support the establishment of LRNs in each region, during the period up to April 2006. During this time work will be undertaken to identify sources of funding which will sustain the work of the LRNs in the longer term.

LRNs will benefit people who work in social care services for adults, children, young people and families; as well as related services such as health, housing, education and criminal justice. They are being developed under the auspices of the nine Skills for Care Regional Committees, supported by national project management activity.

LRNs will play an important part in the establishment of a co-ordinated approach to the development of the social care workforce in each region. They will focus on making connections rather than developing fixed centres. They will enable people within the social care workforce to find the resources they need in order to meet their learning needs and secure relevant qualifications. (National Project Plan for LRNs 2004)

Yorkshire & Humber LRN Steering Group

The LRN Steering Group was formed in January 2004. This is a decision-making sub-group of the Yorkshire & Humber Regional Training Committee of Skills for Care and is chaired by Diane Whitlock, Operational Programme Manager, Sheffield Social Services.

The membership of the Steering Group reflects the interests of a broad range of stakeholders in the development of Learning Resource Networks. Each member represents a sector, organisation and/or geographical area, and will provide a line of communication between his or her own network and the Steering Group. Individuals and networks in the Yorkshire & Humber region can put forward ideas and opinions through contacting appropriate members of the Steering Group.

LRN Steering Group Terms of Reference

LRN Scoping Study for Yorkshire & the Humber

The LRN Steering Group commissioned independent consultants to undertake a Scoping Study to assist in the planning process for the Learning Resource Networks. The report was published in October 2004.

View Y & H LRN Scoping Study Executive Summary in pdf format

View the full version of the Y & H Scoping Study in pdf format

Regional Development Projects

In the first year the Practice Learning Taskorce supported a range of exciting development projects within the regions. Work undertaken 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 Yorkshire & Humber region, the following development projects were supported:

University of Bradford

Identify new sub regional placement opportunities within statutory, voluntary or private health care settings.

 

University of Hull and University of Lincoln

Developing a standard approach to the assessment of practice learning.

 

Leeds Metropolitan University

Identify obstacles to widening practice learning opportunities.

 

Open University

Find and support placements in non-traditional settings.

 

Sheffield Hallam University

Create new practice learning opportunities in education, primary care, health settings, criminal justice and housing.

 

University of Sheffield

Develop an approved employment scheme.

 

University of York

Develop a strategic plan for developing practice learning opportunities through joint management by stakeholders.