I am the Programme Leader for the BA in Social Work based at the Warrington campus.
Previously, I worked in residential services with adults with learning disabilities prior to qualifying as a social worker. I progressed to working as a Senior Practitioner with adults, latterly specialising in older peoples’ services. I developed an interest in Practice Education in both statutory and Private and voluntary sectors, and moved into Local Authority training coordination, placement development, tutoring and lecturing in social work.
My role has involved continually developing a wide range of social work placements, skill based modules, Practice Educator education and management, and developing CPD modules as necessary. I currently lead the BA social work programme and work with colleagues to produce a varied and relevant professional programme to prepare students for social work practice.
I work with a fantastic team of colleagues from in and outside of the University and we are looking forward to supporting you every step of the way on your challenging but rewarding journey in social work.
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Email
h.fruin@chester.ac.uk
Teaching
I am a Senior Lecturer currently teaching modules on the BA in Social Work Programme, including law, working with adults, ethics and values and, resilience and organisations. These modules span both the practical and theoretical aspects of placement and future career preparation for students. I incorporate study skills teaching in a number of sessions to enable students, particularly in year 1, to grasp the academic standards expected of them on a degree course.
I assess students completing their MA dissertations.
I am an External Examiner for the University of Wolverhampton for the MA in Social work programme.
Research
My interests have mainly been within Practice Learning, and I enjoy researching and presenting projects to further enable students and Practice Educators.
In 2015 I jointly organised a local conference for Practice Educators and hosted workshops to give support on key areas of concern that practitioners struggled with including supporting students with specific learning needs, assessing less able students, and resilience.
I presented at an International conference in Italy in 2017 regarding why social workers become Practice Educators, and why they stay in or leave this role.
I am currently collaborating with department colleagues from both social work and nurse professions in researching the interpretation of students, Practice Educators, and tutors of placement experiences and relationships using visual methodology.
Published Work
Caffrey, B., & Fruin, H. (2019). Is the current system for assessing social work students on placement in England fundamentally flawed and a new model needed?. The Journal of Practice Teaching and Learning, 16(1).
Caffrey, B., & Fruin, H. (2018). An exploration of issues affecting the assessment of social work students on practice placement in England. Journal of Practice Teaching & Learning, 16(1).
Fruin, H. (2013) ‘Care Management’ in Worsley, A., Mann,T., Olsen, A., Mason-Whitehead, E. (eds) Key Concepts in Social Work Practice London: Sage
Fruin, H. (2011) ‘Agencies: Resources for Adults with a Palliative Care Need in the UK’ in Baldwin, M. A. and Woodhouse, J. (eds) Key Concepts in Palliative Care London: Sage
Qualifications
- MA in Work Based Learning
- PGCE
- Practice Teacher Award
- DipSW/CQSW
- BA (Hons) Modern English Studies
I am an HEA Fellow and I am registered with Social Work England (SWE)