The third edition of this textbook has been thoroughly revised to meet the needs of today's social work students, professionals and service managers. It illustrates current legislation, policy, procedure and concerns, with additional material included to develop readers' confidence and skills in the context of learning organisations. This book is essential reading for students and practitioners alike, particularly those who need to understand organisation and management theory for study purposes and those who aspire to move into social work management or have been recent promoted.

This trusted textbook for both students and practitioners has sold over 75,000 copies across its four previous editions. This comprehensive text is divided into three easily navigable parts: Part I guides the reader through the social work process, detailing each stage and offering a new chapter on reflection; Part II introduces key methods of intervention, encompassing a broad range of theories and approaches, including new material on strengths based approaches and solution focused practice; Part III identifies the variety of contexts in which social work takes place, with individuals (both children and adults), groups and communities. Whether a student new to social work or an experienced practitioner returning to training, this is a 'must buy' text that readers will return to again and again throughout their professional practice.