Practice Education in Social Work: Achieving Professional Standards

This fourth edition is an invaluable guide for social workers undertaking learning and assessment to gain and maintain Stage 1 or 2 qualified practice educator status.

All chapters have been refreshed to reflect the developing world of practice education, and the importance of the On-Site Supervisor/Off-Site Practice Educator has been emphasised throughout. Key areas within practice education are presented, as well as guidance on the application of key knowledge, skills and values in supporting, assessing and teaching social work students and managing the placement.

This is a welcome and timely update to a bestselling book to aid social workers gaining their practice educator status and seasoned practice educators in their supervision, understanding and problem-solving with social work students.

Paula Beesley is a registered social worker with a background in working within children services, particularly with parents with a learning disability. She is a qualified practice educator and has supported numerous students, both in her role in local authority teams and as an independent off-site practice educator (OSPE). She now works at Leeds Beckett University as a senior lecturer in social work, specialising in skill development and placement preparation and support. Her research focus is on enhancing social work education experiences, particularly placements.

Sue Taplin is a registered social worker with over 20 years’ experience as a social work researcher and university lecturer. Prior to embarking on an academic career, Sue practised in the voluntary sector as a palliative care social worker and practice educator. She currently works at the University of Winchester, where she brings her passion for practice and interprofessional learning and teaching to the undergraduate and postgraduate social work programmes and to learners on the Social Work Degree Apprenticeship. Sue is the editor of Innovations in Practice Learning, published by Critical Publishing in 2018.