All students on the Open University social work degree must be sponsored by their employers and employed in a social care setting. They have to take
part in a selection process, part of which involves service users and carers. There are several different ways for you as a service user or carer to be
involved in student selection. For example:
- You might take part in an informal discussion session with shortlisted students. You would work in pairs with another carer or service user, meet with a small group of students and discuss your experiences of social work services. You then give your views and opinions to a member of the agency training team.
- You could be paired with a member of the agency staff development team, observe students during group exercises and make notes for feedback.
- An agency might ask you to read and comment on the written part of the student’s application which is based around a case study. You are asked if you would accept the student as your social worker, or if you have any concerns. You then give detailed written feedback on each student’s application. The agency would not go on to interview any potential student that you had concerns about. Your comments will be included in feedback to both successful and unsuccessful students.
- Some agencies might involve you in student selection interviews. You would play a full part in the interview process including drawing up questions and the final decision making.
In all of these examples you will be properly briefed and supported by the agency.
Person Specification
You might like to think about being part of the student selection process if you:
- Have an understanding of what you think makes a good social worker
- Can work to timescales set by other people
- Are able to offer constructive feedback about a student’s written work
- Are able to offer constructive feedback about a student’s performance in a group discussion
- Would feel confident to play a full part in an interview panel
- Would be prepared to be briefed and trained to carry out the particular student selection role
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