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Social Work Finishing School

Neil Thompson's Social Work Finishing School

Are you a final-year social work student or newly qualified social worker (NQSW) looking to make the transition to confident, capable practice?
Or perhaps you’re an experienced practitioner or manager wanting to refresh your knowledge and re-energise your approach?

Now’s your chance to develop and consolidate your learning with Dr Neil Thompson, one of the most highly respected authors and educators in social work.

This unique online learning programme is based on a structured step-by-step development process. It is built around the power of fives:

  • Five modules, each with five focused sections (see details below)

  • Five interactive worksheets to deepen your reflection and enhance learning

  • Five opportunities to ask Neil your own questions about your specific learning needs

The programme features a rich mix of audiovisual materials presented by Neil in his signature clear, engaging and supportive style — drawing on decades of frontline, management and academic experience. Scroll down to find out more.

You’ll also receive a Certificate of Completion for your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio.

All this is available for just £99 (including VAT) — a small investment that could make a big difference in helping you achieve excellence in your practice.

Discounts are available for multiple purposes. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

Meet your tutor

Dr Neil Thompson

Neil has over 45 years of experience in social work as a practitioner, manager, educator, writer and adviser. He has won awards for his work, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from BASW Cymru. he is renowned for his ability to express complex ideas clearly without oversimplifying them and for making theory relevant to practice.

Who is the Programme for?

This programme is ideal for final-year students and newly qualified workers. It will help you to develop and consolidate your learning and prepare you for the challenges ahead.

Prepare for your future!

If you are an experienced practitioner or manager and you want to recharge your batteries, this programme can help you reconnect with your knowledge, skills and values.

Revisit your roots!

What does the Programme cover?

Module 1: Coping in a bureaucracy

Understanding (and influencing) organizational culture|Working as part of a team | Managing expectations |Managing your workload

Module 2: Being a professional

What it means to be a professional |Using professional knowledge |Using professional skills | Using professional values | Retaining a professional identity

Module 3: Using support  

Using supervision | Formal support in the workplace | Informal support within and beyond the workplace | Employee assistance programmes| Your professional organization and union.

Module 4: Keeping the learning going  

Self-directed learning | Reflective practice | Making the most of training | Research and reading | Other sources of learning

Module 5: Surviving and thriving

Keeping stress at bay | Self-care| Resilience | Work-life balance | Career development

But that’s not all …

You also get:

  • Five worksheets to facilitate your learning;
  • Five questions you can ask Neil about your own learning needs
  • A Programme Guide and Workbook
  • A certificate of completion

Contact us now to discuss your needs or have your questions answered.