This book focuses specifically on quality assurance in the social work and social care context. Designed for managers and practitioners responsible for quality assurance and performance management, it utilises traditional theories and seeks to adapt these to meet the social care environment. The history and background to the development of 'quality' are examined and the literature and research reviewed in order to develop a theory base. Common practical issues and dilemmas for managers are explored with a clear service user focus throughout. Using an accessible style, this book enables...

This book provides a guide for managers engaged in planning and budgeting within health and social care organisations. Taking a very practical approach, the book focuses on planning processes and tools that can be used in many managerial situations, in addition to budget preparation and control as practiced by managers, rather than accountants. This book is ideal for both students undertaking academic programmes featuring planning and budgeting, as well as managers within health and social care settings who wish to refresh and extend their knowledge. It will also help managers in other parts...

Many students and qualified workers in all areas of social work feel apprehension at the prospect of writing a formal report for a court or tribunal. Writing may be a fundamental skill, but it is one that students and practitioners cannot afford to take for granted. Recent reviews (Baby P, Serious Case Review processes) highlighted the need for clear reports, recording and written communication between professionals. This practical and accessible textbook presents the report writing process in a clear and straightforward way. From methods of collecting and presenting evidence, to drawing...

Within health and social care settings, high levels of sustained performance from individuals, teams, organisations and multi-agency collaborations are required. In order to achieve this, both management and leadership have to take a clear and defined role. This book looks at the 'how to' of performance coaching - from establishing objectives, determining frameworks, processes and systems, to monitoring and taking corrective action as necessary. Coaching in its various forms offers a means by which those involved in public service can be supported and challenged to perform.

Within health and social care settings, high levels of sustained performance from individuals, teams, organisations and multi-agency collaborations are required.

This book offers a service-oriented leadership approach for Social Work managers and looks to enhance personal effectiveness and ultimately organisational performance through human behaviour, thought and communication. It is designed to support the development of aspiring and front line managers in social work and care through the introduction of key concepts such as understanding the Self, Neuro-Linguistic Programming,...

Working with children in foster care is a demanding and rigorous aspect of social work practice. Difficult decisions in fast-moving and often complex situations have to be made, and for students and practitioners alike, there is a vast array of legislation, law and social policy to understand.

This book is written to help social workers and social work students get to grips with the complexity of foster care. The child is placed at the heart of the text and there are substantial chapters on law, policy frameworks and the overreaching theoretical and research evidence to support...

This is essential reading for professionals making judgements under pressure. It demonstrates how self-leadership is not only about surviving but thriving in a continually changing environment and introduces key theories, skills and debates to help professionals deliver high quality professional practice every day. The book focuses in on the quality of professional thinking, self- and social awareness, self-regulation and self-management, and the fundamentals of sustained resilience.

This is essential reading for professionals making judgements under pressure. It demonstrates how self-leadership is not only about surviving but thriving in a continually changing environment and introduces key theories, skills and debates to help professionals deliver high quality professional practice every day. The book focuses in on the quality of professional thinking, self- and social awareness, self-regulation and self-management, and the fundamentals of sustained resilience.

The first year of practice can be a particularly daunting and challenging time for newly-qualified social workers (NQSWs). This fully revised and updated book directly addresses the crucial transition period between finishing off the social work degree and managing the first years of practice. It offers down to earth, practical guidance on applying for your first post and managing your work load in the first few years. From useful sections on the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE), supervision, dealing with conflict, court skills, report writing, and team work to what...

At a time when accountability and the avoidance of risk are increasingly demanded of social workers, the ability to make clear and informed decisions is essential. The focus of this text is on empowering frontline professionals through reflective practice, so that they are able to draw on multiple factors and perspectives and make sound problem-solving judgements. The book starts with core concepts and legal background before moving on to key skills such as safeguarding and assessment and concludes with the organizational context of supervision, training and effective communication.
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