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Professional leadership is increasingly recognised as being vital to enhancing social work's reputation and effectiveness. Although professional leadership is one of the nine domains of the professional capability framework in England, sometimes leadership is assumed to be the prerogative of managers rather than the responsibility of all professional social workers. The participation of social workers and social work educators in shaping professional cultures within organisations through practice innovation, practitioner research and workforce development is thus crucial. Drawing on theories that challenge hierarchical concepts of leadership, this book will enable experienced social work practitioners and educators to develop their professional leadership to more expert levels. Throughout the book there are case examples illustrating examples of advanced professional leadership in action, research highlights and exercises utilising self-reflection, action planning, creative writing and imagery to provide practical support to the reader.
List of contents
List of figures
List of exercises
List of practice examples and research highlights
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1: Introduction
Part 1: Values and Knowledge for Professional Leadership
Chapter 2: Professional Leadership in Social Work
Chapter 3: Values, Diversity and Social Justice in Professional Leadership
Chapter 4: Theoretical Models to Support Professional Leadership - 1
Chapter 5: Theoretical Models to Support Professional Leadership - 2
Part 2: Leading Social Work in Different Contexts
Chapter 6: Practice Development Education with Individuals
Chapter 7: Working with Learning Groups and Teams
Chapter 8: Professional Leadership Within and Across Organisations
Chapter 9: Practitioner Evaluation and Research
Chapter 10: Conclusion
References
About the author
Anna Fairtlough is a researcher and visiting lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London, UK.
Summary
Professional leadership is increasingly recognised as being vital to enhancing social work’s reputation and effectiveness. Although professional leadership is one of the nine domains of the professional capability framework in England, sometimes leadership is assumed to be the prerogative of managers rather than the responsibility of all professional social workers. The participation of social workers and social work educators in shaping professional cultures within organisations through practice innovation, practitioner research and workforce development is thus crucial. Drawing on theories that challenge hierarchical concepts of leadership, this book will enable experienced social work practitioners and educators to develop their professional leadership to more expert levels. Throughout the book there are case examples illustrating examples of advanced professional leadership in action, research highlights and exercises utilising self-reflection, action planning, creative writing and imagery to provide practical support to the reader.
Additional text
‘Never has it been a more important time for social work to foster and demonstrate leadership that enables sustainability of the profession. Anna Fairtlough’s book offers an excellent framework and rich source of knowledge, research evidence and practical ideas for practitioners to develop their leadership that speaks to the very heart of practice. An essential read for all those involved in practice education and learning partnerships.’- Trish Hafford-Letchfield, Middlesex University, UK
