Preparing for the first placement

The frst two chapters have focused very much on the preliminary skills and knowledge needed to gain a sound grounding of skills for social work practice and to prepare for the frst placement. This chapter moves the planning process forward to offer insight into the process of getting ready for beginning placement and covers the following areas: Self-auditing of skills and knowledge achieved so far and the placement application processAwareness of any additional learning and support needs prior to commencing placementDiversity of service settings available for the frst placementThe role of the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) as the regulating body for social work and ethical principles and codes of conduct for practice learningMain stakeholders within the placement structure and analysis of roles and responsibilities for the student, tutor and practice educatorThe pre-placement visit and the importance of planning and research prior to the visitStepping stones throughout the frst placement — the placement structure p]Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) domains covered in Chapter 3:Domain 1: ProfessionalismDomain 2: Values and ethicsDomain 3: DiversityDomain 4: Rights, justice and economic well-beingDomain 5: KnowledgeDomain 6: Critical refection and analysisDomain 7: Intervention and skillsDomain 8: Contexts and organisationsDomain 9: Professional leadership