Professional Writing Skills for Social Workers

Louise Frith is a Student Learning Advisor at the University of Kent, UK, specialising in writing skills and writing for academic purposes. She teaches across disciplines, including working with students on the BA and MA social work programmes.

Ruben Martin is Honorary Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Kent, UK and a freelance Practice Educator and Consultant. He has also authored Teamwork Skills for Social Workers, in this Social Work Skills in Practice series.


Communicating in writing is a highly valued skill which is central to the fabric of social work practice. Good writing is critical in informing sound decisions in the interests of service users, yet it is a skill that can often be neglected in the face of demanding social work roles. This book aims to help social workers to write clearly, accurately and objectively in all contexts, so that they can communicate effectively with multiple audiences. It gives social workers practical guidance and advice on how to write unambiguously, efficiently and analytically, demonstrating how important writing skills are to the professional identity of social workers.

Topics covered include:

* Advice on all communication types including emails, letters, case notes, reports, funding applications and text messages
* Techniques for planning and organising your writing
* Using professional language and vocabulary appropriate to your audiences
* A refresher on common grammar mistakes that can detract from your message
* Information on the legal frameworks you should be aware of when recording events, conversations, and recommendations
* Meeting the requirements of reports where space to express yourself may be at a premium

Each chapter contains numerous exercises, with examples of good analytical writing included to help writers to develop their own competence. Case studies drawn from real scenarios relate the skills being discussed directly to practice.

This book is an indispensable manual for all social work students, newly qualified social workers and experienced professionals who want a practical guide to improving their writing.



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This book forms part of the Social Work Skills in Practice series. The series focuses on key social work skills required for working with children and adult service users, families and carers. The books offer both theoretical and evidence-informed knowledge, alongside the application of skills relevant for day-to-day social work practice. They are an invaluable resource for pre-qualifying students, newly-qualified social workers, academics teaching and researching in the field, as well as social work practitioners, including practice educators, pursuing continuous professional development.

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'Professional writing is an essential part of a social worker's repertoire. Poor professional writing is frequently criticised, in particular in the courts, making this volume an essential tool for social workers and students. It is accessible and clearly written. I highly recommend it.'

Joyce Lishman, Emeritus Professor, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK