This accessible book aims to help social workers write clearly, accurately and objectively in all contexts, so that they can communicate effectively with multiple audiences. The book gives social workers practical guidance and advice on how to write unambiguously, efficiently and analytically, demonstrating how important writing skills are to the professional identity of social workers.

Topics covered include:
•Techniques for planning and organising your writing
•A refresher on grammar rules to enable you to write with clarity
•Viewing critical writing as part of the process of decision making and thinking
•Guidance on using professional anti-oppressive language and vocabulary appropriate to different audiences
•Advice on all communication types, including emails, letters, case notes, reports, funding applications, text messages and social media
•Information on the legal frameworks you need to be aware of when recording events, conversations and recommendations

Each chapter contains exercises and examples of good analytical writing, to help writers to develop their own competence.  Case studies drawn from real scenarios relate the skills being discussed directly to practice.

This book is an indispensable manual for all social work students, newly qualified social workers and experienced professionals who want a practical guide to improving their writing.  

Communication, including writing skills, is an essential aspect of effective social work practice. Taking a practical and reflective approach, this text covers the foundations of professional writing in social work. Writing matters, and this text serves as a useful resource to engage in and master effective writing skills for social work students all the way to seasoned social work practitioners. 

Barbra Teater, Professor of Social Work, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, USA

This book forms part of the Social Work Skills in Practice series. The series focuses on key social work skills required for working with children and adult service users, families and carers. The books offer both theoretical and evidence-informed knowledge, alongside the application of skills relevant for day-to-day social work practice.  They are an invaluable resource for pre-qualifying students, newly-qualified social workers, academics teaching and researching in the field, as well as social work practitioners, including practice educators, pursuing continuous professional development.


Louise Frith is a Student Learning Advisor at the University of Kent, UK, specialising in writing skills and writing for academic purposes. She teaches across disciplines, including working with students on the BA and MA social work programmes.

Ruben Martin is Honorary Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Kent, UK and a freelance Practice Educator and Consultant.  He has also authored Teamworking Skills for Social Workers, in this Social Work Skills in Practice series.