Set for publication October 15th 2026 – find it on Amazon here or on the Routledge Website here – on the Routledge Website use this code 26SMA3 to get 20% off up until 31st December 2026

The interplay between power, communication and change is the bedrock of what social work is, what it needs to contend with and what it seeks to achieve. This textbook draws on these foundational concepts in order to combine the worlds of theory and practice, aiming to connect the two often disparate sides of social work.

Drawing on the key concepts of power, communication and change throughout, the book shows that these essential elements are evident in the explanation and application of all theory and practice perspectives. Divided into three sections, this work delves into each of these underpinning concepts in turn, demonstrating how they permeate all aspects of social work. Chapters address dimensions of power and embedded social structures; the complexities of communication and approaches to difficult conversions; and how assessment skills, along with a range of practice models can help to challenge injustices and facilitate change. In doing so, these chapters get to the heart of social work, by iterating the foundational goals of dispersing power, fostering effective communication and supporting change.

Written in an accessible style that is both clear and engaging, this book will be of interest to all students of social work and social work professionals. 

Study Smart –Study Smart is a practical guide to getting more from university without letting university take over your life. From critical thinking, reading and academic writing to managing your attention, using AI wisely and coping when things don’t go to plan, it’s about becoming a better student by understanding how learning actually works — and why you’re doing it in the first place.

Proposing Slow Social Work asks what might happen if social work resisted the pressure to do everything faster. Drawing on ideas about time, relationships, bureaucracy and the emotional demands of practice, it argues for a more thoughtful form of social work — one that creates space to listen, reflect, build relationships and be genuinely present with people.

Drawing on the latest psychological research, timeless wisdom, and the lived experience of working in high-pressure environments, Pillars of Success shows you how to: • Build habits that stick without exhausting your willpower
• Organise your day for flow, not chaos
• Recover from stress and build real emotional resilience
• Plan like a pro and stop reacting to everything that shouts loudest
• Find your purpose, reconnect to passion, and stay motivated

This engaging book pulls together the individual strains of self-care, spirituality and common sense. It is a one-stop ‘bible’ to give social workers and other professionals an uncomplicated, easy to read resource that empowers them to manage and maintain their well-being through personal responsibility and self-care.

How to Thrive at Work is a reworking of How to Thrive in Professional Practice for a general market – the original being written directly towards social work.

The ‘Focus on’ series are short books to help you in the office work space. To get you started try these two – get your emails and working from home sorted! Buy them here