Practice Education in Social Work

Paula Beesley is a registered social worker with a background in working within children services, particularly with parents with a learning disability. She is a qualified practice educator and has supported numerous students, both in her role in local authority teams and as an independent off-site practice educator (OSPE). She now works at Leeds Beckett University as a senior lecturer in social work, specialising in skill development and placement preparation and support. Her research focus is in enhancing social work education experiences, particularly placements.

Sue Taplin is a registered Social Worker with over 20 years' experience as a social work researcher and university lecturer. Prior to embarking on an academic career, Sue practised in the voluntary sector as a palliative care social worker and practice educator. She currently works at the University of Winchester, where she brings her passion for practice and interprofessional learning and teaching to the undergraduate and postgraduate social work programmes and to learners on the Social Work Degree Apprenticeship. Sue is the editor of Innovations in Practice Learning, published by Critical Publishing in 2018.