7 Course summary

This free course, Introducing social care and social work, has introduced you to different social care and social work practitioner roles. You have been able to explore the context of social care and social work and the diverse services that have an important role in supporting and protecting people in the UK. You have considered the ways that people’s identities shape and develop, and why this matters in social care and social work.

We are all unique, with individual needs and preferences and it is important that this is considered in providing and receiving social care services. You considered the importance of care and protection in social care and social work before exploring how the law informs this practice. Social work and social care practitioners have a vital role in supporting and protecting people in society. Learning to work in these roles is rewarding for people who are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

This OpenLearn course is an adapted extract from the Open University course K123 Foundations for Social Care and Social Work Practice.