Some academic appointments have been made jointly with regional social work providers, and some local agency staff contribute to curriculum development and teaching, with benefit to the curriculum and its delivery. Six lecturers are on permanent contracts, but the rest are temporary and do not receive an annual appraisal unless they volunteer. Social work staff have engaged in various staff development activities, but the subject could benefit from a curriculum-led staff development policy, giving particular attention to teaching and research. Clerical and administrative staff give very good support and are well integrated into the work of the Group. The curriculum is designed and its delivery managed by the Social Work and Social Policy Group through a programme director.
Tutors meet frequently and keep minutes of their meetings.
Student opinion is sought both formally and informally and is taken seriously. The annual reports are commendably self-critical, realistic and frank, with clear evidence of the monitoring of how far set targets are achieved. Joint meetings with social work providers are a valuable recent initiative, but there is scope for more systematic co-operation, for example in the development of joint grievance procedures to cover agency situations and joint monitoring of the provision. The students are academically able, with good relevant first degrees. The process of admission by interview ensures the admission of hard-working and committed students, who are well suited to both the academic and professional sides of the course.