Online Courses for Social Workers
Continuing professional development (CPD) is crucial for social workers who want to stay updated on best practices, emerging trends, and evolving policies. The rise of online learning platforms has made it easier than ever for social workers to access high-quality training and courses tailored to their specific needs.
Whether it’s enhancing skills in child safeguarding, understanding mental health, promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), or practising trauma-informed care, there are numerous short online courses available to support social workers in their development.
This post is part of our Social Worker Resource Toolkit and provides an overview of some key areas of training and highlights valuable online courses for social workers in the UK.
Key Areas for Online Training and Development
- Child Safeguarding
- Mental Health Awareness and Support
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
- Trauma-Informed Practice
- Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding
- Legal and Ethical Frameworks in Social Work
Online Courses and Resources for Social Workers
1. Child Safeguarding Courses
Child safeguarding is a critical area for social workers, requiring an in-depth understanding of child protection laws, risk assessment, and intervention strategies. Online courses on this topic often cover the latest legislation, signs of abuse and neglect, multi-agency working, and best practices for protecting vulnerable children.
•NSPCC Learning – Child Protection in Social Work:
The NSPCC offers various e-learning courses on child protection and safeguarding, tailored for social workers and child protection professionals. These courses cover essential topics such as recognising and responding to abuse, understanding serious case reviews, and implementing safeguarding policies.
Website: NSPCC Learning
•FutureLearn – Safeguarding Children in the Digital Age:
A short course offered by FutureLearn in partnership with the University of Kent, this course focuses on safeguarding children in the context of digital technology. It covers online risks, child exploitation, and strategies for ensuring children’s safety in digital environments.
Website: FutureLearn – Safeguarding Children in the Digital Age
2. Mental Health Awareness and Support Courses
Understanding mental health issues and providing appropriate support is vital for social workers. Online courses in this area can help social workers recognise signs of mental illness, understand treatment options, and develop effective communication and support strategies.
•MindEd for Professionals and Volunteers:
MindEd offers free e-learning modules designed for professionals working with children, young people, and adults. The courses cover various mental health topics, including anxiety, depression, self-harm, and trauma, providing valuable insights and practical tools for social workers.
Website: MindEd
•OpenLearn – Understanding Depression and Anxiety:
This free course from OpenLearn (The Open University) provides an overview of depression and anxiety disorders, exploring their causes, symptoms, and treatment options. It is a valuable resource for social workers seeking to enhance their knowledge of mental health issues.
Website: OpenLearn – Understanding Depression and Anxiety
•Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England:
MHFA England offers online training courses to help professionals become certified Mental Health First Aiders. These courses equip social workers with the skills to recognise and respond to mental health crises, provide initial support, and signpost to appropriate services.
Website: MHFA England
3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Courses
DEI is an essential focus for social workers, ensuring that practice is inclusive, equitable, and culturally competent. Online courses on DEI help social workers understand systemic inequalities, challenge discrimination, and develop strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion in practice.
•Social Work England – Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Hub:
Social Work England provides a range of resources, webinars, and e-learning modules on equality, diversity, and inclusion for social workers. These resources cover topics such as anti-racism, unconscious bias, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and disability awareness.
Website: Social Work England DEI Hub
•FutureLearn – Understanding Diversity and Inclusion:
This course explores key concepts of diversity and inclusion, including intersectionality, unconscious bias, and inclusive leadership. It is designed to help social workers develop the skills needed to create inclusive environments and challenge discrimination.
Website: FutureLearn – Understanding Diversity and Inclusion
•Race Equality Foundation – Anti-Racism Training:
The Race Equality Foundation offers online training courses that focus on anti-racism and promoting racial equality in social work and social care. These courses help social workers develop anti-oppressive practice and challenge racial inequalities within services.
Website: Race Equality Foundation
4. Trauma-Informed Practice Courses
Trauma-informed practice is about understanding the impact of trauma on individuals and incorporating this understanding into social work practice. Online courses on trauma-informed care provide valuable insights into recognising trauma, its effects, and how to support service users effectively.
•Centre for Child Protection – Trauma-Informed Practice Course:
The Centre for Child Protection at the University of Kent offers an online course on trauma-informed practice, covering the principles of trauma-informed care, recognising signs of trauma, and developing supportive interventions for children and families.
Website: Centre for Child Protection
•FutureLearn – Understanding Trauma:
This course provides an introduction to trauma and its impact on individuals and communities. It is ideal for social workers seeking to develop a trauma-informed approach to their practice. The course covers key concepts such as trauma responses, resilience, and recovery.
Website: FutureLearn – Understanding Trauma
•IRISS (Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services) – Trauma-Informed Practice Resources:
IRISS provides various resources, including webinars, e-learning modules, and practice guides, on trauma-informed practice for social workers. These resources help practitioners understand trauma and its impact and develop strategies for trauma-sensitive support.
Website: IRISS Trauma-Informed Practice
5. Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding Courses
Domestic abuse is a critical issue in social work practice, and understanding how to recognise, respond to, and safeguard victims is essential. Online courses in this area provide insights into the dynamics of domestic abuse, legal frameworks, and best practices for supporting survivors.
•Women’s Aid – Understanding Domestic Abuse Course:
Women’s Aid offers an online course for professionals, including social workers, to deepen their understanding of domestic abuse. The course covers topics such as recognising signs of abuse, understanding coercive control, and safeguarding children and adults at risk.
Website: Women’s Aid
•SafeLives – Domestic Abuse Training for Social Workers:
SafeLives provides online training courses for social workers and other professionals to develop skills in supporting victims of domestic abuse. The courses cover risk assessment, safety planning, and multi-agency working.
Website: SafeLives Training
6. Legal and Ethical Frameworks in Social Work Courses
Understanding the legal and ethical frameworks that govern social work practice is crucial for social workers. Online courses on this topic provide insights into key legislation, policies, and ethical considerations that impact practice.
•The Open University – Social Work Law:
This course provides a comprehensive overview of social work law in the UK, covering key legislation, ethical dilemmas, and decision-making frameworks. It is designed to help social workers navigate the complex legal landscape and make informed decisions.
Website: OpenLearn – Social Work Law
•Community Care Inform – Legal Learning Hub:
Community Care Inform provides an online legal learning hub with resources, articles, and e-learning modules focused on social work law, ethics, and practice. It covers topics such as mental capacity, safeguarding, and human rights.
Website: Community Care Inform
The availability of online courses provides social workers with valuable opportunities to enhance their knowledge, skills, and competencies in various critical areas. Whether focusing on child safeguarding, mental health, DEI, trauma-informed practice, or legal frameworks, these courses offer flexibility, accessibility, and relevance to social work practice in the UK. By engaging in continuous professional development through these online resources, social workers can stay updated on best practices, improve service delivery, and better support the diverse needs of their service users.