Ethics and Values
SW1005N
Professional Ethics, Values and Legal Context.
“Consciously or unconsciously, social work thinking is, for the most part, sympathetic with the utilitarian modes of thought in that the work of a policy or action is measured against its tendency to produce ‘good’ results.” (Wilkes 1981, p.63)
In this essay I will be discussing the ethical dilemmas that may occur in a social work setting, as a student social worker. I will look at the implications they may hold with regards to deliverance of services, and co-working relationships. Social work is about direction it’s based on social care professionals being advocates for individuals or groups of whom they work with in society, whilst providing services and promoting independence. As with any job social work has strict policies, protocols, guidelines, and procedures that the worker has to adhere to. In theory this is a logical investment for ensuring good working practice, however in reality these procedures often go against the views, opinions and rights of the service user. This can cause conflict between the worker’s personal values and professional commitment, as a worker you are bound to your work by legal duties failure to comply with legal frameworks can have severe implications that can affect the service being provided. Whereas personally you will address duties on a morality level dictating or altering your decision because of reasons such as common ground furthermore creating restrictions or barriers for the service user and organisation.
During research for this case study I have identified numerous legislative documents that can be used within this scenario however I will mainly be referring to the Human Rights Act 1998 as this act it states that there should be no discrimination with regards to obtaining access to services on grounds of disability, the right to marry or have a family, and that cultural and linguistic differences should be taken into account in the provision and delivery
Professional Ethics, Values and Legal Context.
“Consciously or unconsciously, social work thinking is, for the most part, sympathetic with the utilitarian modes of thought in that the work of a policy or action is measured against its tendency to produce ‘good’ results.” (Wilkes 1981, p.63)
In this essay I will be discussing the ethical dilemmas that may occur in a social work setting, as a student social worker. I will look at the implications they may hold with regards to deliverance of services, and co-working relationships. Social work is about direction it’s based on social care professionals being advocates for individuals or groups of whom they work with in society, whilst providing services and promoting independence. As with any job social work has strict policies, protocols, guidelines, and procedures that the worker has to adhere to. In theory this is a logical investment for ensuring good working practice, however in reality these procedures often go against the views, opinions and rights of the service user. This can cause conflict between the worker’s personal values and professional commitment, as a worker you are bound to your work by legal duties failure to comply with legal frameworks can have severe implications that can affect the service being provided. Whereas personally you will address duties on a morality level dictating or altering your decision because of reasons such as common ground furthermore creating restrictions or barriers for the service user and organisation.
During research for this case study I have identified numerous legislative documents that can be used within this scenario however I will mainly be referring to the Human Rights Act 1998 as this act it states that there should be no discrimination with regards to obtaining access to services on grounds of disability, the right to marry or have a family, and that cultural and linguistic differences should be taken into account in the provision and delivery