Open learning culture
You can tell us about how you have contributed to an open learning culture to evidence that you have met standard 4.5
Open learning culture
4.5: Contribute to an open and creative learning culture in the workplace to discuss, reflect on and share best practice.
Why contributing to an open learning culture is important
It’s important to make sure you’re working in an environment that allows you to learn, develop and practice safely. An open learning culture is an environment where learning is encouraged and shared on an ongoing basis.
Sharing knowledge and experience is an important part of learning.
By discussing what you’ve learned with your peers (whether that’s feedback from someone you support, an interesting article, or sharing good practice) you help others to learn as well.
You should also learn from others and their experiences, including from people with lived experience if it’s possible and appropriate to do so. You could also take part in group reflection or peer reflection and feed back to your peers after your own learning activities.
What you could do
Contribute to an open learning culture in your own practice setting. It may be something you do in a large group, or one-on-one, depending on your working environment. Help create an environment that encourages the cycle of experience, reflection, learning and change.
Discuss what you learn with peers, share your learning with others, and inspire them to do the same. For example, this could be discussing a particular topic in a team meeting, or asking a colleague to observe your practices or offer to observe someone else’s practice.
If you’re an independent social worker, or don’t work as part of a team, you can still contribute to an open learning culture. For example, you could share knowledge at seminars, conferences, or training sessions.
Think about the times you come into contact with social workers, or other professionals, through your work. Seek out opportunities to share, reflect and discuss with them, perhaps in a more informal setting. This could be you sharing your practice experience, or your knowledge of a piece of legislation, case law, or guidance.
Alternatively, consider what you learn from other professionals you come into contact with. For example, if you work in a hospital or care home, you are involved in multi-disciplinary working. You could reflect on your role in this, and the importance of promoting your social work identity.
How to record contributing to an open learning culture in your online account
Record what you’ve learned as CPD on your online account. Make sure you include personal reflection, explaining how you’ve shared what you’ve learned with others, or what you have learned from them.
Consider how you’ve helped create an environment that encourages the cycle of experience, reflection, learning and change.