Referrals/Rasing concerns

The process begins when concerns about a student's professional behaviour during their social work course are sent to the Programme Director for consideration. The Programme Director will then meet with the person who raised the concerns and look at any relevant information.

The Programme Director will then decide whether:

1. There is no cause for concern as regards Suitability for Social Work
2. There is cause for concern that should be addressed by referring to the Support to Study process
3. The concerns are appropriate to invoke the Suitability for Social Work Procedure. Students can enter the process at either stage 1 or stage 2

Stage 1

The first stage of the process is about information gathering, accessing the situation, and working out the best way to move forward. It may involve a case investigation or a plan with targets that you will need to meet, this process is explained in the drop downs below.

Throughout the process the Academic Advice team are here to support you - so please contact us if you have any questions.

The Case Investigation Process

If the Programme Director decides to proceed with the Suitability for Social Work procedure, they will meet with you (the student) to discuss the situation.

While the meeting may feel daunting, remember it's your chance to share your experience, and being asked to attend the meeting doesn't mean the referral will be upheld.

The Case Investigation Meeting focuses on gathering information to help the case investigator fully understand what happened. You'll have the opportunity to explain your perspective, decision-making at the time, and how you feel about the situation now. It's also a chance to reflect on your behaviour — whether it met professional expectations or why it may have been seen as problematic.

You can raise any concerns about the accuracy of the events or issues reported and, if possible, provide evidence or additional information. This might include any steps you've taken to resolve the situation or what you've learned since.

If you want us to help you prepare for the meeting - please contact us or book a meeting with us as soon as possible.

You can have someone go to the meeting with you - that could be a friend, or a member of our team may be able to attend with you.

After the Investigation

The programme director may carry out further investigation, which could include speaking with the person who raised the concerns or others with knowledge of the situation.

If you know someone who should be included in the investigation, be sure to mention this during the meeting.

When reviewing the information, the programme director will consider whether the situation can be resolved and how quickly that can happen. If you have questions about how this might affect your studies or placement, it's best to speak with your personal tutor.

Case Investigation Outcome

After the investigation, it might be decided that:

1. The concern was unfounded and no action is needed
2. That the situation is irredeemable - in which case stage 2 would be invoked
3. Or most commonly, a student will be given a series of targets to meet and a time scale to do so. A student can request advice on how to meet the goals given to them if it's not clear how to achieve them

After the agreed time, the programme director will assess whether the targets have been met:

1. If they have been met, the student will be allowed to continue on their course
2. If the targets have not been met, they may be continued and monitored until either there is no cause for concern or there is reason to progress to Stage 2

The student will be notified of the outcome of Stage 1 in writing within 7 days of it being completed.

Stage 2

If the actions in Stage 1 were not able to resolve the situation, or if a student has failed their placement or if the placement is terminated due to the students behaviour then Stage 2 will be followed.

This involves the situation being considered by a Suitability for Social Work Panel. Learn more about the Panel process below.

The Panel

The panel usually takes place within 21 days of you being notified that 'Stage 2' has begun, with any documents shared at least 7 days beforehand, giving you at least a week to prepare.

If you're invited to attend a panel, please contact us as soon as possible or arrange a meeting. Attending the panel may feel overwhelming, but we're here to support you.

The panel will consider evidence from witnesses, you (the student), and any relevant written materials before making a recommendation. This is then reviewed by the Faculty Exam Board, which can ratify, reject, or refer the case back to the panel for further consideration.

Tips for preparing for the panel

Being on a panel can be daunting, so it’s always best to prepare. Use the drop downs below to make sure you are fully informed on what to expect and how you can be ready.

Respond to concerns

The panel will ask questions about what happened and why concerns were raised, and if relevant, why the situation was not able to be resolved through the triaging stage of the process.

How would you answer those questions? The more factual, specific, and clear you can be, the better. Outcomes are decided based on the evidence presented to the panel, so try to avoid generalisations or being vague.

Reading the bundle

Thoroughly read the bundle (a collection of related paperwork), is there anything that you disagree with or that is inaccurate? It's important to thoroughly understand what claims are being made, so that you can address them clearly and directly.

Witness Support

You can put forward witnesses to attend, ideally to give oral evidence but if that isn't possible written statements can be submitted. Is there anyone who saw what happened that you would like to request be invited? 

Can anyone corroborate the points you're wanting to raise?

Can anyone contradict the allegations made, or the points you expect to be made in the hearing?

Provide a written statement

You can put forward witnesses to attend, ideally to give oral evidence but if that isn't possible written statements can be submitted. Is there anyone who saw what happened that you would like to request be invited? 

Can anyone corroborate the points you're wanting to raise?

Can anyone contradict the allegations made, or the points you expect to be made in the hearing?

Written Submission Guidance

Use these questions below to help your written submission and think about think about what evidence or claims could be put against you, if any.

• How could you counter that evidence?
• What points against you do you think are strongest?
• What points against you are weakest?
• Are there points raised in the allegations that are factually incorrect?
• Is there any incorrect reasoning in the allegations document?
• Are things implied in the allegations document that are incorrect?
• Answer each of the concerns/allegations in turn.
• Identify any relevant evidence that has not been raised so far.
• Try to anticipate and answer points that may be put against you.
• Think about what you could do to strengthen your case in any areas you think might be weak.

Do you have any additional evidence?

You can also submit evidence that you think is relevant. For instance, this could be letters from support services, medical professionals, or therapists. If you're not sure what evidence to provide, speak to us and we can try to help.

The panel can also request access to evidence which might require your permission. This could be for something like a medical report. You do not have to give permission or share the document - but a refusal to do so could be viewed negatively and count against you in the decision making.

Appealing the Panel Decision

As the decision will be confirmed by a Faculty Exam Board, it is an appealable decision. You will have 21 days to submit the appeal, and you will have to specify which grounds you are appealing under. You can read more about the appeal process and how we can offer support with it on our appeals webpage.

If you have any questions about the Suitability for Social Work process, our Academic Advice team at Bristol SU are here to support you.