Sarah Vicary

“This book stands out for its integration of knowledge from lived experience, inclusive practice, and compassionate pedagogy - making it essential reading for students and practitioners alike.” Lucy Basterra, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, University of Brighton, UK “I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone committed to reflective, ethical, and compassionate social work practice.” Gwenan Prysor, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, Bangor University, UK Social Work Reflections is a compelling testament to the significance and impact of social work. Recognizing the challenges practitioners face in an increasingly complex and evolving field, this edited collection brings together diverse perspectives from educators, practitioners and managers to showcase the vital role social workers play in advancing social justice and safeguarding society’s most vulnerable members. Drawing on the expertise of academics, practitioners and individuals with the lived experience of social work services, this book aims to inspire progress and empower students, practitioners and managers at all levels of study and practice by emphasizing their value as drivers of individual and collective change. The book: Emphasizes the core values of social work: social justice, dignity and compassion Integrates theoretical insights with lived experiences from diverse contributors, enriching nuanced areas of practice Encourages development of critical thinking and reflection skills Offers encouragement to practitioners, managers and students striving to achieve positive outcomes under challenging circumstances Social Work Reflections is the essential companion for students, newly qualified social workers, practitioners and managers. Of value to anyone considering a career in social work, this book reaffirms the crucial role social work plays in building a more just and compassionate society. Neil Thompson is an award-winning writer and educator and a visiting professor at the Open University and Wrexham University, UK. Sarah Vicary is Professor of Social Work and Mental Health at The Open University, UK.

“This book should be read by research students, early career researchers, social work practitioners as well as doctoral supervisors new to IPA, who will all find it helpful and insightful.” Dr Angie Bartoli, School of Social Sciences Student Experience Manager, Principal Lecturer in Social Work, Nottingham Trent University, UK “This book will be an extremely helpful companion to social work researchers at all stages of the research process from design though to dissemination, as well of being of real value to those supervising IPA projects.” Dr Martin Kettle, Senior Lecturer, Glasgow Caledonian University, UKThis first of its kind book provides a theoretical and practical exploration of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) for Social Work. Accessibly written for those considering IPA from different perspectives, including social work students, social work practitioners, doctoral students, and research supervisors the book will guide all readers through its application in this field. Social Work Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis takes the reader on a journey through how lived experience can be discovered, how effective social work research can be designed and explore practical strategies for maximising quality. The book is organised under three key parts:• Discovering Lived Experience Through IPA Social Work Research• Doing IPA Social Work Research• Determining Social Work Knowledge Using IPAThis accessibly written, comprehensive book explores the specific fit of IPA within social work as a professional practice and research discipline drawing together values, skills and knowledge for eliciting, responding to and representing accounts of lived experience. Sarah Vicary is Professor of Social Work and Mental Health at The Open University, UK. Gillian Ferguson is a Lecturer in Social Work at The Open University, UK.

Approved Mental Health Professionals are specialist professionals authorised to make ethically complex and difficult decisions on the behalf of people with severe mental health difficulties. In this complex and challenging role, AMHPs must possess and deploy a range of skills, knowledge and values. This invaluable handbook considers these challenges and provides in-depth guidance on all key aspects of the role, including: • working with mental health law; • risks and challenges in a Mental Health Act assessment; • staying safe as an AMHP; • resilience as a trainee and practitioner. Packed with helpful features such as illustrations, chapter summaries, discussion questions and further reading lists, this clear and concise book will be invaluable to students on AMHP and Best Interests Assessor programmes, as well as for professionals in the field.