This course is for graduates with relevant experience, particularly in working with young people. It provides students with substantial practical experience supported by links to current thinking and theory in the field. Drawing systematically and appropriately on theories of collaborative working, policy frameworks and relevant up to date research, students will creatively explore ways of working in collaboration across organisational, sectoral and professional boundaries.

Six online seminars (2hrs, evening)

One intensive on-campus day (10am-5pm)

Online asynchronous support materials

None

None

Assessment

1. Completing a report based on an issues-based case-study 2000 words (50%). ILOs 1, 4

2. Production of one 2000-word essay (50%). Participants will be required to think about an area of their professional practice / workplace where they have / would like to develop multi-agency working. The remit of the 2000-word essay will require participants to identify a professional (or personal) concern or challenge they would like to explore, and to write critically and reflectively about the way they have used knowledge, skills and values in their multi-agency work with a particular focus on the perspective of other professionals. ILOs 2, 3

The course aims to

1. explore ways of working in collaboration across organisational, sectorial and professional boundaries by developing knowledge and skills for improved practice in assessing and meeting the needs of vulnerable and young people.

2. develop in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of the legal and policy context of multi-agency services, including the roles and relationships between the different organisations and staff involved

3. critically evaluate the roles different organizations, institutions and sectors play in defining 'best' outcomes and how these can be aligned to support integrated service delivery

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Apply critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis to issues at the forefront of providing and /or co-ordinating services in a multi-agency context, to meet complex needs.

2. Undertake lead professional roles and use effective ways of working in networks (across organisational, sectoral and professional boundaries) which promote inter-professional working and the delivery of integrated and person-centred services. 

3. Solve complex issues and make informed judgements in situations where outcomes are disputed, and where effective responses to challenges and counter argument are needed.

4. Make an identifiable contribution in their own work by using initiative to identify and explore issues to improve their own and others' practice.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.