COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND SOCIAL, HC

Communication skills are identified as one of the specific requirements set out in the QAA benchmark statement for social work. This book is designed to develop a theoretical and analytical framework for understanding and practising communication in social work. Building on these foundations, it will provide a range of techniques and strategies which will both lead to and support best practice. Effective communication necessitates a clear and practical understanding of the impact of factors such as power, diversity, and motivation on the conduct and outcomes of interactive processes. By integrating the authors?‥? complementary expertise in the processes of communication with a strong understanding of the practice context and professional requirements, this book will achieve this important and necessary linkage to promote effective practice. .

Andrew Beck is Principal Lecturer in Applied Communication at Coventry University. He is a former chief examiner of Communication examinations for the Association of Accounting Technicians and the Associated Examining Board (now AQA). He is the author of AQA Communication Studies specification (Curriculum 2000).

Roger Smith is Lecturer in Social Work and Course Director for the MA in Social Work at the University of Leicester. He is a qualified and experienced social work practitioner, a former Head of Policy with the Children’s Society, and ex-Chair of a local authority Social Services Committee. He has published a number of articles of policy and practice in children’s services and work with young offenders.