Weblinks

Click on the following links. Please note these will open in a new window.

There are a range of web resources that can support your learning across many of the topics and themes covered in Social Work: An Introduction, Second Edition. On each chapter page of this website we have made some specific suggestions about web resources that you might look at. In addition, as a general statement about useful web resources we have repeated a General Resources section on each chapter page (see below). Please note that these lists are not exhaustive and are aimed at providing some starting points from which you might begin to explore what the web has to offer. Remember when using the web that it is important you assess the quality of the material you are looking at. There is much available that is merely personal opinion and much available that is factually incorrect. Accessing reputable websites increases the reliability and validity of the material presented to you. It is also worth being aware of the fact that some websites refer more heavily to legislation and policy in certain jurisdictions of the UK as opposed to others.

General Resources applicable to every chapter

IRISS – Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services; browse the IRISS Learning Exchange resources

Curated Collections

Topic Overview 

Research in Practice The site contains a wide range of resources and publications related to work with children, young people and families. Some resources and publications are open access, but for many a subscription is required.

Research in Practice for Adults This site contains a wide range of resources and publications related to work with adults and carers. Some resources and publications are open access, but for many a subscription is required.

SCIE – Social Care Institute for Excellence Browse SCIE’s Social Care TV series for useful videos to inform aspects of practice

Also see:

SCIE’s Knowledge Reviews which draw on practice and research findings

SCIE’s Research Briefings

and SCIE’s Research Resources

A general list of all SCIE resources can be accessed via

Agency resources When you are on placement find out if the organisation you are working with has a subscription to information hubs such as,

Community Care Inform (corporate subscription only) or

Care Knowledge  (individual subscription available).

Developing your own learning

There are a range of free courses available on web platforms, many of which support aspects of your learning in the topics covered by Social Work: An Introduction, Second Edition.

For example, see the free course catalogue on the Open University’s Open Learn platform and have a look at the short courses available under the tabs for Health, Sports and Psychology; Education and Development and Society, Politics and Law.

Or the ALISON website course subject list

Or explore the Future Learn website and look at courses under the Health and Psychology, Law and Politics and The Modern World categories.

Chapter 8: Communication and ICT

IRISS Case Studies

Empowering vulnerable children and their parents using Talking Mats

IRISS Multimedia Materials

Communication and practice learning

IRISS Reports ‘Social media in the social services’

IRISS video – Building your own personal learning network

SCIE E-learning resources may be of interest. Depending on which jurisdiction of the UK you are studying/working in please be aware that sometimes the stated legislation and policy may not apply to your jurisdiction.

Communication skills

Managing knowledge to improve social care

Talking Mats The link will take you to information about the use of talking mats in social work.

The following resources will help to develop your understanding of total communication approaches:

Care Services Improvement Partnership (undated) Total Communication. Cheshire: HAS Press. Available at: http://www.brightpart.org/documents/communicate/tcminibook.pdf 

East Sussex Total Communication Partnership (undated). Total Communication Resource Pack – version 1. East Sussex: ESTCP. Available at: https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/media/3428/totalcommunicationresourcepackopt.pdf