As the admissions Tutor for the BA and MA Social Work programs, I was tasked with reimagining our admissions process following Social Work England’s 2024 review. This blog outlines how we reshaped our approach to make it more inclusive, collaborative, and strengths-based.
The first step was evaluating the pre-pandemic, online-only process. While functional, it lacked the depth and connection of face-to-face interactions, which is why we drew on the BU Social Work Community.
Introducing the BU Social Work Community
Central to the redesign was the concept of the BU Social Work Community. This ethos brings together lecturers, current students, the PIER Partnership (service users and carers), social workers, and local authority representatives. By embedding this community into the interview day, applicants could immediately experience the values that underpin our programme – collaboration, empathy, and shared growth.
Collaborating with Key Stakeholders
To bring the community vision to life, we engaged a wide range of participants:
- Students as Ambassadors: Current students greeted applicants, shared their experiences, and observed group activities. To make their involvement meaningful, the interview day doubled as a Skills Day, contributing to their professional development. They also provided feedback on applicants and wrote reflections, deepening their understanding of recruitment and selection.
- PIER Partnership Members: Service users and carers offered invaluable insights into applicants’ empathy and communication skills. Their involvement was carefully structured to maximize impact.
- Local Authorities: Practicing social workers joined the interviews, strengthening our partnerships and offering applicants a glimpse of real-world practice.
- Faculty and Staff: Senior academics, including professors, participated, enhancing the event’s prestige and giving applicants early access to key faculty members.
Creating a Seamless and Inclusive Process
A detailed schedule ensured efficiency and accessibility for all applicants, including those who joined remotely. The online format mirrored the in-person process to ensure fairness. Key elements included:
- Welcome Talk: Senior faculty introduced the program’s values and the BU Social Work Community concept, setting a positive tone for the day.
- Group Activity: Applicants discussed a case study observed by students, PIER members, and staff, showcasing teamwork and communication skills.
- Written Task: Designed to assess reflective and analytical thinking, this exercise encouraged applicants to articulate their learning from the group activity.
- One-on-One Interviews: These sessions delved into applicants’ motivations and experiences, evaluated through a strengths-based lens.
Information packs tailored for each group – students, PIER members, local authorities, and staff – provided clarity and streamlined the day.
Impact and Innovations
The BU Social Work Community concept has transformed the admissions process. Its created an environment where collaboration was not just talked about but actively demonstrated. Applicants left with a strong sense of belonging and an understanding of the program’s core values.
The redesigned process also strengthened partnerships with local authorities and the PIER Partnership. Feedback from applicants, staff, and stakeholders was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the event’s warmth and professionalism.
Looking Ahead
Building on this success, we aim to further embed the community ethos by introducing networking opportunities for applicants to connect with alumni and practice partners. Continuous refinement will ensure the admissions process remains inclusive, engaging, and impactful, thus laying the foundation for transformative student experiences.
By fostering collaboration and celebrating strengths, we are not just recruiting students; we are nurturing future social workers ready to make a difference.
