Siobhan Maclean

Siobhan Maclean BA CQSW PQSW (Company Director)

Hello and welcome to my biography

I am a registered social worker and have a passion for our profession. I qualified in 1990 and have held various social work positions since that time. I now act as a trainer and consultant in social care and social work. To maintain my practice skills, I act as an independent practice educator to about 6 students a year. I also work as the Honorary Secretary of the International Federation of Social Workers (European region).

I feel strongly that many of the text books written for students and practitioners are not accessible in terms of the way they are written. I strive to make sure that the books I write have direct application to contemporary practice and most importantly that they are clear and understandable.

I set up Kirwin Maclean Associates as a small independent publishing organisation because I felt that the values of social work should be reflected in the publishing of social work books. I try to keep the cost of publications accessible to students and practitioners and we work on a not-for-profit basis. With other publishers you might find glossy brochures and great sales pitches - what you probably won't find is a group of active professionals with a passion for the sector, writing affordable books which are easy to understand.

I work to support practitioners to theorise from their own practice and feel that as practitioners we have a responsibility to co-produce the social work knowledge base rather than leaving this purely in the hands of academics. All the contributors to our publications have years of experience in their chosen field and are committed to sharing their experiences through interesting and accessible publications.

I'm a social worker, not a salesperson. Everything I know about marketing I've learnt from watching "The Apprentice" and I'd certainly be one of the first candidates fired!

For us it's not about selling books, it's about making the core professional knowledge base accessible and getting it out there.

Oh and if you would like any of my books authographing I am happy to sign them or write a personal message just contact us and we can arrange free of charge.

Siobhan