Scottish Social Worker’s Practice Learning Handbook

Gillian Ferguson is Doctorate in Health and Social Care Programme Leader at the Open University. Her research interests are in professional, workplace and practice learning. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, member of the British Association of Social Workers and Affiliate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development. Gillian is a registered social worker in Scotland who has previously worked across third sector and statutory settings. She has also worked in learning and development roles and was former lead for the Practice Learning Qualification delivered by the Tayforth Partnership. She remains an active practice educator in Tayside.

'This is a fantastic book focused on professional learning across the career aligned with Scottish standards, policies and resources. The author is well-versed in all aspects of professional and practice learning, remains active as a practice educator and is passionate about creating a flourishing learning environment for social workers.'Kathryn Baker, CEO Tayside Council on Alcohol'As a social work academic, I can see myself using this book in my work across programmes – it is relevant for social work academics, social work students, practice educators, link workers and learning advisers within practice settings. The approach to career-long learning and the Scottish context is a key strength.'Dr Maggie Bruce, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, University of Dundee'This book is relevant and timeous for Scotland and its explicit focus on learning through practice is useful for learning and development teams to support how organisations respond. The author’s recent research has already gained recognition and has been used to think differently about learning in social work.' Billy Fisher, Chair Social Work Scotland, Learning and Development network'This book covers many current issues which are influencing social work practice learning and education today. The focus on practice learning in Scotland is particularly welcome. The author is well respected for her experience in direct practice, social work education, practice education and professional development.'Avril McIvor, Former Director of Practice Learning, Honorary Fellow in Social Work, University of Edinburgh

• Introduction. Part One: A learning ecosystem for social work in Scotland. 1.Social work education and continuing professional learning in Scotland. 2.The importance of learning in direct practice for social work. 3.Leadership for social work learning in Scotland Part Two: Learning in the social work landscape. 4.Preparing for learning as a social worker 5.Practice learning as a social work student in Scotland. 6.Learning in diverse social work practice settings to do an extraordinary job. 7.Continuing professional learning. Part Three: Learning together for effective social work practice. 8.Cultivating learning environments in social work practice settings. 9.Effective relationships for social work practice learning. 10.Supervising, facilitating and assessing social work practice learning. 11.Conclusion. 12.Appendix: A guide to learning resources around Scotland.