Guidance for Social Work lecturers and tutors when working with service users and carers in teaching

York staff: Before working with a SUPA Group member, please contact edward.robson@york.ac.uk as Academic Lead for the Group. 

Advice for all:

  • Discuss and agree aims for each session and the role of the service user/carer (and their PA’s role) and the extent of their involvement.
  • Make sure that, if necessary, you have met with service user/carer educators ahead of session to discuss with them what their contribution will be.
  • Agree number of hours and rate of pay and inform your Department contact in advance to help with budgeting. If sessions are shortened, the full amount previously agreed must be paid. Any time additional to that agreed must also be paid.
  • Leave sufficient time to welcome service user/carer educators before the session starts. Please note that if sessions involving service users are cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice, the service users and carers will need to be paid in full. Notification should be by telephone. Email alone will not be sufficient.
  • Build in sufficient time for breaks, for example 10 mins in each hour.
  • Be aware that service users/carers and students may know each other socially or professionally. Be prepared to take steps to ensure confidentiality, for example by avoiding close working contact.
  • Ensure venue is wheelchair-accessible and that you have let service user/carer educators know about stairs, lifts, audio loops, toilets etc.
  • Ensure that materials are available in appropriate formats. For example, plain English, audio tapes and BSL interpreter available
  • Leave time for debrief after the session has finished.
  • Seek and give feedback to service user/carer educators after each session, using a standard format that the SUPA Group is putting together.

Online resources