Based on original research, this book offers students an insight into the nature and challenges of writing in social work practice, enabling them to improve their writing skills. It explores the ways in which both students and qualified social workers can be more effective in their writing through an awareness of the purpose, context and audience. It makes explicit the connections and differences between learning to write in university and communicating through writing in practice and explores the impact that new technologies have on academic and professional writing. Drawing on both research and examples from practice, Effective writing for social work is a valuable tool for students, educators, practitioners and managers to critically examine ways in which writing could better support best practice in social work.

About the Author
Lucy Rai is Associate Dean of Teaching and Learning in the faculty of Health and Social Care at The Open University. She is a qualified social worker and has worked in both children's and adults services. Lucy has been teaching at The Open University since 2001 and her research has focused on student and professional writing in social work.

Reviews
"Illuminates the challenges of writing effectively, while providing perspectives that social work educators, classroom-based and agency-based, can consider as they guide students in developing the writing competences that are essential to good practice." British Journal of Social Work
"This is the first book I have read about social work writing that analyses its importance and its contextual nature, not only for social work students, but also for practitioners and supervisors. It deserves a wide audience." European Journal of Social Work
"An excellent analysis of the writing skills needed by social work students and practitioners. Scholarly, yet highly accessible, it will enable educators and students to develop teaching and learning to enhance communication with a range of audiences." Hilary Burgess, University of Bristol
"A really welcome tool in enabling social workers and their managers to understand and appreciate the importance of good case recording and how to actually achieve it." Paul Evans, Head of Workforce Development, Cambridgeshire County Council



Book Information
ISBN 9781447305163
Author Lucy Rai
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Policy Press
Publisher Bristol University Press