Stuart Chapman

Practical placement within the Whole Systems Team

I completed a four-month practical placement with the Whole Systems Approach (WSA) Team, a specialist service supporting young people involved in or at risk of entering the criminal justice system. This placement provided extensive experience in early intervention, diversion from prosecution, harm reduction, and multi-agency collaboration aimed at promoting positive outcomes and reducing reoffending among young people.

During this placement, I managed a small caseload and engaged directly with young people to assess their needs and develop tailored intervention plans. I successfully managed a Diversion from Prosecution case from start to finish, which involved conducting assessments, designing and delivering an intervention plan focused on restorative justice, and completing final outcome reporting. I also completed a Harm Reduction case from start to finish, providing targeted interventions to reduce risky behaviours and improve overall wellbeing. In addition, I managed an SCRA (Scottish Children's Reporter Administration) report case from start to finish, undertaking assessments, preparing a formal report for the Children's Reporter, and contributing to decisions regarding compulsory supervision measures.

Throughout the placement, I conducted assessments using the Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) framework and the My World Triangle, ensuring a holistic understanding of each young person's circumstances. I provided professional recommendations to support behavioural change and reduce offending risks, advocating for appropriate diversionary supports where necessary. I also attended and contributed to multi-agency meetings, including Children's Hearings and Youth Justice Panels, gaining valuable experience in collaborative risk management and support planning.

When required, I covered duty responsibilities, responding to urgent referrals and providing immediate support to young people and their families. I regularly conducted case reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention plans and made informed adjustments to improve outcomes. I also participated in in-service training focused on trauma-informed practice, youth engagement strategies, and the Scottish Government's Whole Systems Approach to youth justice.

As part of my professional development, I maintained a reflective log and completed Critical Incident Analyses (CIAs) to critically evaluate my practice and identify areas for growth. This placement significantly strengthened my knowledge of youth justice practice, early intervention strategies, and the application of relationship-based, trauma-informed approaches. It also enhanced my skills in case management, formal report writing, and multi-agency working to achieve positive, sustainable outcomes for young people at risk of offending.promoting personal growth.

Part time role to cover summer holidays, which extended to weekends during university placement

Observational placement within the Adults Social work Team in Helensburgh

As part of my social work degree, I completed a four-month practical placement with the Adults Social Work Team in Helensburgh, working under the supervision of experienced practitioners. This placement provided extensive hands-on experience supporting adults with complex needs, including physical disabilities, mental health challenges, learning disabilities, and older adults requiring social care interventions.

Key Responsibilities:

+ Managed a small caseload, conducting client interviews to assess needs and develop appropriate support plans.

+ Provided professional recommendations to improve outcomes for individuals, promoting independence and wellbeing.

+ Conducted case reviews to assess the effectiveness of care packages and ensure they met service user needs.

+ Completed supervised assessments using statutory frameworks, including the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 and the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007.

+ Covered duty desk responsibilities when required, responding to new referrals and urgent concerns.

+ Attended multi-disciplinary case conferences and Adult Protection meetings, gaining valuable experience in inter-agency collaboration.

+ Supported service users and families to explore care options, including community supports, residential placements, and self-directed support packages.

+ Shadowed social workers in capacity assessments and risk management planning for vulnerable adults.

+ Participated in in-service training events to enhance professional knowledge and skills.

+ Engaged in regular reflective practice by maintaining a reflective log and completing Critical Incident Analyses (CIAs) to evaluate and improve professional development.

This placement significantly enhanced my understanding of statutory social work responsibilities, developed my skills in case management, assessment, and professional report writing, and strengthened my commitment to person-centred and outcomes-focused practice.

I provided support to both adults and young adults with learning disabilities and complex medical needs within a residential care setting. My responsibilities were wide-ranging, including assistance with daily living tasks, liaising with social workers, and maintaining effective communication with various external agencies and services. I was also actively involved in the administration of medication and the auditing of medication records to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

During my time at Cornerstones, I completed several professional development courses, including Epilepsy Awareness and Medication Administration, Moving and Handling, Vulnerability Awareness, and Health and Safety. These have strengthened my knowledge and enabled me to deliver safe and effective care tailored to individual needs.

Observational Placement within the Older Adults Team in Dumbarton.

During this two-week placement, I gained valuable insight into the role of statutory social work services for adults and older adults. I shadowed qualified social workers and contributed to a range of casework activities, deepening my understanding of the assessment, planning, and delivery of care under relevant legislation, including the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 and the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.

Key Responsibilities:

* Observed and supported the completion of assessments, including the use of the My World Triangle and other adult care frameworks.

* Attended multi-agency meetings to understand collaborative approaches to care planning and risk management.

* Gained experience in safeguarding adults at risk and explored the application of Adult Support and Protection procedures.

* Assisted in reviewing care packages and support plans to promote service user wellbeing and independence.

* Developed awareness of the financial assessment process and the allocation of community-based support services.

This placement strengthened my knowledge of statutory responsibilities, inter-agency working, and person-centred approaches in adult social work practice.

My day-to-day responsibilities involve providing compassionate care to individuals living with dementia, Parkinson's disease, and those recovering from strokes. I also deliver specialist support in areas such as stoma care, catheter care, medication administration and reviews, and personal hygiene assistance. Additionally, I support individuals receiving palliative care by preparing meals, maintaining a clean and safe living environment, and regularly monitoring their overall health and wellbeing.

During the coronavirus pandemic, I took on a courier role with Hermes to support essential delivery services. My responsibilities included scanning and processing parcels at the distribution depot, planning and organising efficient delivery routes, and ensuring timely and professional delivery of items to customers.

• Identified potential leads, resulting in improved sales performance.
• Regularly updated professional knowledge through workshops and seminars for enhanced performance.
• Optimised sales presentations using persuasive communication techniques.
• Expanded client base through targeted outreach initiatives.

• I managed the restaurant, bar and events teams, consisting of around 50 people on busy shifts. I also created the working schedules, liaised with clients and managed customer experiences. When the General Manager wasn't on shift, I was solely responsible for the running of the hotel.
• Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste whilst maximising profit margins.
• Liaised with suppliers for timely delivery of fresh ingredients, ensuring optimal stock levels at all times.
• Oversaw all operations for smooth service during peak hours.
• Ensured adherence to legal regulations regarding alcohol consumption within premises, upholding brand integrity at all times.
• Participated in recruitment processes to add valuable additions to the team who shared the company's commitment towards excellent service provision.
• Coordinated daily briefings with service team members to discuss special requirements or reservations for the day.
• Mediated customer complaints with tact and professionalism, preserving the establishment's reputation.

• After 25 years in the hospitality industry I decided I wanted to move out of the sector to pursue a more meaningful and rewarding line of work.