Anne - Professional Practice Educator
Name: Anne
Job role: Professional Practice Educator
Year Qualified: 1980
Why I became a social worker
I remember in secondary school, being the only one to say I wanted to become a social worker. I find it hard to believe that I am still here doing a job which I love – never a dull moment, every day is completely different. I had ideas about helping others and making life better for children and their families. It turned out to be far more complex and interesting than I could ever have dreamed and continues to be an ongoing journey. I had a placement working with young people to set up a National Association for Young People in Care and supported them to challenge issues around their care and run a national conference, it was an inspiring time when there were lots of opportunities to work creatively and critically question practice. I have worked in a variety of social work roles within Coventry since qualifying.
I am now in the role of supporting and encouraging those starting on their social work journey and inspiring experienced practitioners to provide social work placements for students. It is a privilege to be involved in developing dedicated and enthusiastic practitioners in this challenging work. I continue to strive towards those early values in my day to day work in the Social Work Academy
Three tips for achieving good social work practice
- Listen carefully to what children and their families are saying is happening, don’t jump to conclusions or make assumptions, they are the experts of their own experience.
- Seek support to talk through what you are doing in supervision, take time to critically reflect on your own practice to inform your decision making.
- Explore different theories and methods, keep your social work values in mind and continue to be open to new ideas.