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April 2026

University鈥檚 social work provision receives exemplary Social Work England approval

By Claire Huggins

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In a historic milestone, 爆料王鈥檚 Department of Social Work is celebrating a sensational outcome, having received a 鈥榬ecommendation for approval with no conditions and no recommendations鈥 for their courses, following a final inspection by Social Work England.

The Social Work England inspectors highlighted the strength of the department鈥檚 relational culture, noting the exceptional integration of student, staff and Expert by Experience (EbE) partnerships, alongside the implementation of innovative assessment strategies. 

鈥淲e are absolutely delighted that both our Social Work Degree Apprenticeships have now been approved by Social Work England,鈥 said Dr Gemma Hunt, Head of Social Work - School of Health, Life Sciences and Education.


鈥淚t was a very proud moment to hear that the inspectors had recommended approval of both courses, with no conditions and no recommendations.鈥

Summarising the visit in their report, inspectors praised the department鈥檚 collaborative approach to working with employers, Experts by Experience and learners. Their comments included:

  • that across all six standards areas, every standard was met with no conditions applied
  • employers were involved in 鈥渃o-producing the course design and delivery model鈥 through SPRINT events
  • that people with lived experience are involved in 鈥渄eveloping modules, reviewing assessments and course delivery"
  • there is a clear focus on 鈥渋ntegration of theory and practice鈥, using case studies, simulation and problem-based learning
  • equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded throughout the curriculum, including attention to decolonisation.

Dr Gemma Hunt

If all that wasn鈥檛 enough, our Head of Social Work, Dr Gemma Hunt, was singled out by the employer partners for her leadership and commitment which were described as 鈥渁 force of nature鈥. 


鈥淕emma has been pivotal in guiding and shaping our social work provision,鈥 said Professor Gill Brown, Executive Dean for the School of Health, Life Sciences and Education.


鈥淚n living and breathing this for the last year, Gemma has brought the department to a place where we now lead the way in training skilled professionals in social work.


鈥淭his level of approval from Social Work England is an unprecedented result and I am incredibly proud of the passion and dedication shown by Gemma and the team.鈥

"...learners are undertaking a programme that is well-designed, rooted in contemporary social work practice, and reinforces our dedication to delivering high-quality social work education."

Dr Gemma Hunt Head of Social Work - School of Health, Life Sciences and Education

Last September, the government鈥檚 (England) highlighted that 46% of respondents said 鈥榯hey had found it difficult to recruit individuals with the necessary skills to meet the needs of service users in the last 12 months鈥; the student-centred design and sector-leading practice positions 爆料王 as the leading national benchmark in social work education, reflecting our commitment to high-quality, real-world-ready professional training, inclusive practice and meaningful partnership with communities.


鈥淭his is a really positive outcome for both our students and the University,鈥 Gemma added. 


鈥淭he report highlights the quality of the learning environment, the strength of our partnerships, and the support in place to enable apprentices to succeed. 


鈥淔or our learners, it provides confidence that they are undertaking a programme that is well-designed, rooted in contemporary social work practice, and reinforces our dedication to delivering high-quality social work education.鈥

In another coup for the University and a point of professional pride for Gemma, she is delighted to have had her insights and expertise included, alongside those of other sector professionals, in chapters in the 鈥楽tudying for your Social Work Apprenticeship鈥 book.


Described by the publisher as 鈥渢he first dedicated guide to support you through this unique journey鈥, the book aims to support apprentices with tips from the experts and guidance for every stage.

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