The Social Worker's Practice Manual

From the inaugural, undergraduate assignment submission, through to the final edit of the most experienced social work practitioner’s thesis, there is little in social work that is not highly influenced by the work of Neil Thompson - and this book confirms why. Through chapters that insightfully articulate the attitudes and values that underpin our profession, being prepared and making a difference, to everyday challenges such as working in partnership with others and on into the nuance of professional practice via managing conflict and handling criticism, the essence of good social work practice is beautifully illustrated in this book. Written with authority, confidence and providing vital helpful extras such as ‘key points’, ‘reflective moments’ and ‘value exercises’ to further expand our learning, this book is a gift back to the profession and should be cherished. – Rob Mitchell, Principal Social Worker at Bradford Council and Honorary Senior Lecturer in Social Work at Lancaster UniversityThompson so effortlessly summarises something that I have been trying to instil in the Social Work profession over the last 30 years … At any level of practice the text offers a go-to manual that allows self-exploration and self-reflection. The exercises are particularly helpful. I am sure that this is a book that I will pick up time and time again. – Deborah Barnett, social worker, author of The Straightforward Guide to Safeguarding Adults

Neil has over 45 years of experience in the caring professions as a practitioner, manager, educator, writer and adviser. He has won awards for his work, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from BASW Cymru. He is renowned for his ability to express complex ideas clearly without oversimplifying them and for making theory relevant to practice.