Ethics for Social Care

This module seeks to introduce the students to the theory and role of ethics in social care and the necessity of practitioners to understand key social care values set out in the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics. The module will attempt to provide the student with an initial understanding of ethics as a discipline and as it is applied in line with CORU Standards of Proficiencies. This sees the service user as an active participant. The student through the analysis of practical ethical dilemmas from a variety of social care settings will examine key professional practice issues such as the boundaries of confidentiality.  

1. An introductory understanding of ethics as a systematic discipline and of the main ethical frameworks used to guide decision making in practice setting (Domain 1)

2. To understand and be able to apply principles of social justice in one's work including being able to challenge negative discrimination and unjust policies and practices (Domain 1).

3. A critical understanding of the necessity of a human rights based approach where service user participation is paramount (Domain 1).

4. Have a comprehensive awareness of core recognised professional standards in social care such as professional autonomy and accountability (Domain 1).

5. To understand the practice of professional decision making and be able to make informed decisions including those relating to ethical conflicts and available resources (Domain 1).

6. A capacity to reflect on one's own practice and have the ability to evaluate the effect of their own characteristics, values and practice on interactions with service users (Domain 1).

7. An ability to explore some key ethical issues arising in practice such as confidentiality and vulnerable groups (Domain 1)

8. An active interest in and a critical awareness of current issues, practices and directions in ethics for social care