Writing Analytical Assessments in Social Work

‘Makes a vital contribution… welcome additions which significantly improve what was already an excellent book.’

Dr Sue Taplin, Programme Lead, University of Leeds, UK

‘Ethics and values skilfully weaved into each and every element of assessment writing… easily digestible… creative and ever so engaging.’

Agnieszka M. Fearne (review of the 2nd edition in TheBritish Journal of Social Work)

‘A very clear and honest read… I have recommended it to my students; and indeed to almost everyone I came across after I read it!’

Maggie Jane Jackson (review of the 1st edition in TheBritish Journal of Social Work)

‘A slim volume with a real punch. This is one of those books that will be useful at every stage across a social work career and across client groups. Whether you pick this up when you are first learning your craft or refer to it later in your career when you need to refocus on a difficult piece of work, this will provide practical support.’

Jenni Randall, Independent Social Worker (review in Professional Social Work magazine)

‘Wow, it is brilliant… I really love this book. I picked it up to have a quick look and proceeded to read it from cover to cover… very engaging… my students will love it.’

Sally Riggall, University of Lincoln, UK

‘This book is about the art and science of report writing in social work and provides an “everything you need to know but were afraid to ask” account of how to produce concise, analytic writing in social work. The author locates effective report writing in the wider context of ethically aware, critically reflective practice which prioritises accurate recording as a means of freeing up time for what matters most: direct work with people. The book is written in an exceptionally clear and engaging style which combines a sense of authority with professional humility. It is a must for any social work student, newly qualified social worker or practitioner wishing to hone and develop their writing skills.’

Joan Fletcher, Head of Social Work, Goldsmiths, University of London, UK

‘This has become one of the key texts for practitioners and students who appreciate the accessible writing style and the use of practice examples… builds upon the strengths of its predecessors… a useful development of an important text.’

Campbell Killick (review of the 3rd edition in The British Journal of Social Work)

Amazon reviews

‘This book is fantastic. I wish I had this book when I first qualified as a social worker. I use it as a basic guide for my report writing now. I love how it is set out and how it is written. I also love the no nonsense approach’

‘This book is brilliant. The author’s witty and slightly exasperated sarcasm rings true to my ears when it comes to writing assessments. Chris Dyke is straight to the point and more often says to do exactly that.’

‘Very clearly and logically laid out. I would recommend this book to anyone starting out in social work who needs to get up to speed quickly on assessment writing!’

‘This is the only textbook I have ever read front to back. Every page was relevant and useful.’

‘One of the best social work books I have read… I managed to read and highlight the entire book in a day – literally couldn’t put it down.’

‘Exceptionally good book. Candid. Plain talking. To the point.’

‘Easy-to-read, highly applicable to daily practice and highly recommended.’

‘I love this book… it will be invaluable to students and NQSWs and I cannot rate it highly enough.’