
Writing Analytical Assessments in Social Work
Chris Dyke(Author)
Routledge (Publisher)
4th Edition
Will be published approx. on 13. August 2026
Book
Hardback
266 pages
978-1-041-08079-4 (ISBN)
Description
This fully revised and updated fourth edition guides the reader through the principles of good writing, methodically demonstrating
* how to analyse,
* how to structure the process of writing an assessment (researching, chronologising, informed data-gathering, putting it all together) under time constraints,
* how to break down practical and psychological barriers to good practice,
* how to turn good analysis into useful recommendations.
The new edition also features added content on neurodiversity, the voice of the child, analysing risk, cultural humility, Ubuntu principles, and domestic violence assessment tools.
Written in an accessible way and packed with examples and case studies, this book teaches readers how to write high-quality, useful, and timely assessments, without becoming mechanistic or managerial. Writing Analytical Assessments in Social Work is an essential companion for newly qualified social workers, students undertaking their first placements, and seasoned professionals looking to improve their skills. It is suitable for all branches of social work.
* how to analyse,
* how to structure the process of writing an assessment (researching, chronologising, informed data-gathering, putting it all together) under time constraints,
* how to break down practical and psychological barriers to good practice,
* how to turn good analysis into useful recommendations.
The new edition also features added content on neurodiversity, the voice of the child, analysing risk, cultural humility, Ubuntu principles, and domestic violence assessment tools.
Written in an accessible way and packed with examples and case studies, this book teaches readers how to write high-quality, useful, and timely assessments, without becoming mechanistic or managerial. Writing Analytical Assessments in Social Work is an essential companion for newly qualified social workers, students undertaking their first placements, and seasoned professionals looking to improve their skills. It is suitable for all branches of social work.
Reviews / Votes
'Makes a vital contribution... welcome additions which significantly improve what was already an excellent book.'Dr Sue Taplin, Programme Lead, University of Leeds, UK
'Ethics and values skilfully weaved into each and every element of assessment writing... easily digestible... creative and ever so engaging.'
Agnieszka M. Fearne (review of the 2nd edition in The British Journal of Social Work)
'A very clear and honest read... I have recommended it to my students; and indeed to almost everyone I came across after I read it!'
Maggie Jane Jackson (review of the 1st edition in The British Journal of Social Work)
'A slim volume with a real punch. This is one of those books that will be useful at every stage across a social work career and across client groups. Whether you pick this up when you are first learning your craft or refer to it later in your career when you need to refocus on a difficult piece of work, this will provide practical support.'
Jenni Randall, Independent Social Worker (review in Professional Social Work magazine)
'Wow, it is brilliant... I really love this book. I picked it up to have a quick look and proceeded to read it from cover to cover... very engaging... my students will love it.'
Sally Riggall, University of Lincoln, UK
'This book is about the art and science of report writing in social work and provides an "everything you need to know but were afraid to ask" account of how to produce concise, analytic writing in social work. The author locates effective report writing in the wider context of ethically aware, critically reflective practice which prioritises accurate recording as a means of freeing up time for what matters most: direct work with people. The book is written in an exceptionally clear and engaging style which combines a sense of authority with professional humility. It is a must for any social work student, newly qualified social worker or practitioner wishing to hone and develop their writing skills.'
Joan Fletcher, Head of Social Work, Goldsmiths, University of London, UK
'This has become one of the key texts for practitioners and students who appreciate the accessible writing style and the use of practice examples... builds upon the strengths of its predecessors... a useful development of an important text.'
Campbell Killick (review of the 3rd edition in The British Journal of Social Work)
Amazon reviews
'This book is fantastic. I wish I had this book when I first qualified as a social worker. I use it as a basic guide for my report writing now. I love how it is set out and how it is written. I also love the no nonsense approach'
'This book is brilliant. The author's witty and slightly exasperated sarcasm rings true to my ears when it comes to writing assessments. Chris Dyke is straight to the point and more often says to do exactly that.'
'Very clearly and logically laid out. I would recommend this book to anyone starting out in social work who needs to get up to speed quickly on assessment writing!'
'This is the only textbook I have ever read front to back. Every page was relevant and useful.'
'One of the best social work books I have read... I managed to read and highlight the entire book in a day - literally couldn't put it down.'
'Exceptionally good book. Candid. Plain talking. To the point.'
'Easy-to-read, highly applicable to daily practice and highly recommended.'
'I love this book... it will be invaluable to students and NQSWs and I cannot rate it highly enough.'
More details
Series
Edition
4th edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Professional Practice & Development and Professional Training
Illustrations
7 s/w Abbildungen, 7 s/w Zeichnungen, 21 s/w Tabellen
21 Tables, black and white; 7 Line drawings, black and white; 7 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-041-08079-4 (9781041080794)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
approx. 08/2026
4th Edition
Routledge
€49.99
Not yet available

Book
approx. 08/2026
4th Edition
Routledge
€47.50
Not yet published
E-Book
approx. 08/2026
4th Edition
Routledge
€49.99
Not yet available
Previous edition

Book
03/2025
3rd Edition
Routledge
€197.50
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Chris Dyke graduated in social work from Goldsmith's in 2006 and worked in statutory teams in London and as an independent social worker from 2015. He started teaching at Goldsmith's in 2013, and has taught courses in social work, education, economics, social research, criminology, and social policy. Chris has taught at Kingston University since 2023 and has been an independent member of the Parole Board since 2025.
Content
Introduction 1.Why Assess? 2.Chronologies: The start and heart of a good assessment 3.Genograms and ecomaps: Knowing the networks 4.Writing 5.Thinking: How our own minds can help or hinder our analysis 6.Analysis of facts and risk 7.From hearing children to holding uncertainty: Recognising what matters in today's version of now 8.Analysing domestic violence 9.Assessing around neurodiversity 10.Using cultural humility to assess affectees of female genital alteration (FGA) 11.Applying Ubuntu principles to assessing children and families in social work 12.After the assessment: Sharing, planning, and what to do next 13.Summary Appendix 1: Writing for child care proceedings. Index