Practice Teaching Unit

EVOC Practice Teaching Unit, in conjunction with a range of agencies in the Voluntary Sector, make up the Edinburgh and Lothians Voluntary Organisations’ Practice Teaching Partnership. Together we offer practice-learning opportunities (placements), in voluntary organisations, to students on Social Work Diploma and Degree courses.

EVOC Practice Teaching Unit (PTU) has been in operation since 1978 and the partnership became an Approved Centre for Practice Teaching and Learning in 1996. The Practice Teaching Unit is funded by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and has four members of staff.

• Anna Rayne, Unit Administrator
• Marianne Hughes, Practice Learning Resource Manager
• Mike Tait, Practice Learning Resource Manager
• Sara Hitchin, Practice Teacher

Marianne, Mike and Sara all undertake direct practice teaching with students and Sessional Practice Teachers are also employed by the PTU as required.

Social Work education is currently undergoing significant changes. From 2004, a four-year degree programme in Scotland will replace the non-graduate Diploma in Social Work, whilst postgraduate programmes will continue to offer a two-year Diploma in Social Work/Masters in Social Work. Demand for practice learning opportunities will grow as the new degree incorporates forty additional days in direct practice. The Training Consortia will cease to operate from 2006 and funding arrangements for practice learning opportunities are also being restructured. These changes will have a considerable impact on practice learning in the voluntary sector.

For further information on the work of the Practice Teaching Unit, please click on your choice of the following options:

• Information for Student Social Workers
• Information for Practice Teachers / Potential Practice Teachers
• Information for Voluntary Agency Staff

To speak to someone at the Unit call Anna Rayne on 0131 555 9105, or use the contact form.