Effective Groupwork: Second Edition

 Effective Groupwork: Second Edition
 Michael Preston-Shoot,
 Palgrave
 ISBN 9781403905529,
 £18.99

Star rating: 4/5

Twenty years after the publication of the first edition, Preston-Shoot has updated and expanded his useful text in the light of the changing face of social work, reflecting the strong strands of anti-oppressive practice, service user involvement, and evaluation – all of which have been prominent themes over the last two decades, writes Lynda Hassall.

The bulk of the volume guides us through an exploration of groupwork values, principles and practice, and applies them in a range of settings, from young people in care to staff teams.

The qualities of leadership and facilitation, pertinent to many roles and settings, are considered. He also covers the function of supervision – a most essential part of successful and effective groupwork.

Clearly written, this text is useful to students, managers, and practitioners alike – and not just those in social work, but in any other “people-orientated” professions.

It could be used in the context of continuing professional development, or by assessors in setting topics for their students, or simply as a learning and reference tool for individual practitioners. It has considerable relevance to the model of multi-agency integrated working, which is emerging in the developing children’s trusts.

Lynda Hassall is programme manager, Sure Start Carlisle South Children’s Centre