Developing Skills for Social Work Practice

Reviews / Votes

This book is well set out and clear, it includes all the main ingredients not only for student social workers but also those with more experience and managers. Its easy read style and three-part approach using case studies, small exercises, activities and reflective opportunities make this text accessible, informative and invaluable. The links to theory, literature and practice as well as the PCF statements enables the reader to see clearly the competencies needed and how these may be achieved. This book seems to be a useful and practical tool that will support the development of the highly trained and effective workforce needed within the sector while equipping them to move through the melee of changes in the sector. -- Tracey Wornast The focus of this book on Relationship-based Practice is an excellent reminder that social workers need to harness and develop skills in working with people - people in need and often in difficult situations. The book is set out clearly and is written in an accessible way for all. The use of case studies and reflective activities help the reader to understand how to apply the principles suggested in real life situations. I thoroughly recommend this book especially as social work students prepare for their first practice experience; and of course to those looking to develop their skills. -- Lesley Deacon This text provides a practical guide to social work students developing their social work skills with examples and activities throughout on what to do and how to do it. The authors place relationship based social work at the heart of the text and build on this by sharing a range of practical skills and models for engaging in Aspire (assessment, planning, intervention, review and evaluation) and on how to draw on wider theory to inform each intervention. The clear guidance will give confidence to students and early career practitioners seeking to develop their social work practice. -- Mel Hughes This is the book my students have been waiting for! Effective communication and interpersonal skills are central to good social work practice. Social work is a profession concerned with relationships and promoting change at its heart. This is only possible with effective and skilled practitioners. The authors successfully share a wealth of practice experience and help the developing practitioner build strong relationship-based-practice, covering a wide-ranging number of key communication and interpersonal skills including active listening, empathy and conflict resolution. This comprehensive and engaging text will thoroughly equip the reader with a sound knowledge base and strong theoretical understanding, concerning a broad spectrum of practice interventions. The authors present a very welcome and essential edition to my module reading list. -- Rachel Good Developing skills for social work practice is a core module which students need to have greater understanding and knowledge within their degree programme. Students will find this very helpful in their assessments and course work. -- Azora Hurd Written and laid out in a very accessible manner, this book is current, practice focussed and grounded in a proven knowledge base. It can make a significant contribution towards helping undergraduate social work students in becoming effective relationship-based and person centred practitioners. -- Albert Moylan This is an ambitious and well-structured book which will support both social work students and practitioners in their skills development. The authors provide a range of useful tools and resources to support student learning and to ensure an accessible and engaging read, whilst also offering thoughtful, critical analysis throughout. Grounded in person centred practice, this book is a valuable and important addition to the existing skills literature. -- Peter Ayling Rogers et al provide an excellent, accessible tour of the essential skills that a student social worker needs to develop their skills, confidence and understanding to enable them to be equipped to practice effectively. -- Paula Beesley This book helpfully brings together inter personal skills, relationship skills and core social work theories and methods. I would recommend this text as a way of enabling social work students to see the connections between these areas. -- David Mercer Engaging purposefully and meaningfully with service users is crucial to effective social work. Rogers, Whitaker, Edmondson and Peach have compiled a relevant resource that will enhance students' development of skills necessary for good social work practice. Qualified social workers will also benefit from revisiting the skills, values and underpinning knowledge outlined.


Although attractively presented and 'reader' friendly, this is not a text to merely read. Reflective questions and case studies encourage its use as a workbook. Distinct features include challenging reflections from newly qualified and more experienced social workers and 'How to...' guides in a companion website. It is well referenced and each chapter concludes with further recommended reading. The key social work theories and methods that are also introduced provide helpful underpinning for value based and culturally appropriate interaction with service users and carers.


Relationship-based practice and person-centred thinking are the starting point and a running thread, although the content is balanced with a critical approach. In addition to chapters exploring fundamental communication and interpersonal skills, others tackle specific areas such as Communicating with Children, Writing Skills for Practice and Court Skills. An ambitious project, it is nevertheless an incisive and 'to the point' introduction to practice skills. -- Ruben Martin Written by a range of highly experienced social work educators/practitioners, this is a clear, skills focused, text which is likely to appeal to students, beginning social workers, academics and practice educators. The use of overarching theoretical concepts in parts 1 and 2 provide continuity and coherence across the chapters. The helpful activities and signposting to online resources reinforce the practical usefulness of this text. -- Diane Simpson This is an excellent foundation level text for SW students in practice, which will help them develop fundamental skills to work in a what is a very tough environment. -- Jane Donson This thoughtful and practical book will help students develop the skills they need for direct practice with children, families and adults with diverse needs across a range of settings. Particular strengths are the personalised approach to support, a respectful anti-oppressive ethos, and the reflexive and relational approach to practice. The requirements of both the PCF and KSS are included and there are a range of activities to support student learning. I think students will find it a great resource. -- Michelle Lefevre This promises to be a useful, practical text book for social work students, linking skills and theories with plenty of reflective and other learning activities included in the chapters.

-- Joanne Westwood An excellent introduction, not just to social work skills but also key theories, approaches and values. It is person-centred in relation to both social work service users and the reader. The content is highly accessible and engaging; it is presented in digestible chapters with case studies, reflections and links to a companion website offering further support materials. A definite addition to my reading list! -- Denise Tanner A book that seeks to support students to link their university-based teaching and placement learning experience as explicitly as this one does is in my view to be welcomed. Included throughout the book are contributions in the form of case studies, commentaries and reflections from eleven other practitioners, thus ensuring the book is based on a wide range of practice experience and current theoretical knowledge. This book offers a structure that could be used to build skills programmes around and I certainly recommend it as a key text for Readiness to Practice modules. -- Bridget Caffrey