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The British Journal of Social Work and Practice: Social Work in Action

The british journal of social work (bjsw)  .

The British Journal of Social Work (BJSW) is the UK’s leading academic social work journal for social work educators, researchers, practitioners and managers. It’s published eight times a year.

BJSW offers critical commentary on social work practice, research and theory and reflects a range of perspectives both nationally and internationally.

The title is published for BASW by Oxford University Press.

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Practice: Social Work in Action 

Practice: Social Work in Action is a peer-reviewed journal focused on how to apply practice-based research to the workplace.

Published five times a year, the journal looks at social work from an international perspective and aims to share ideas and knowledge.

BASW members can subscribe for a discounted rate of £30 (non-members rate: £148)

View an online sample copy  and subscribe now by contacting our Membership Team

Submit your paper

Service users are encouraged to submit material. Visit the Taylor and Francis website for details about how to submit an article to Practice: Social Work in Action.

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Popular on BASW

Research and knowledge.

Research policy

• Research journals

Thinking about doing a Doctorate in Social Work?

Looking for social work knowledge? There is a large and rapidly growing body of social work knowledge. For example, there are now over 80 academic journals dedicated to social work (Victor et al BJSW (2017 47, 2165-2169)) each of which is published several times a year.

This range of knowledge resources reflects the reality that:

• Social work is now over 100 years old so there is a substantial legacy of books and publications
• Social work is multi-disciplinary: many key social work texts were generated ‘outside’ social work in the fields of sociology, psychology, social policy, law and even business studies (for example, Maslow’s ‘hierarchy of need’ derives from a business studies text)
• Social work is an international profession, so each country will have a developing social work literature. Comparative studies (e.g. comparing social work policy and practice between the UK and another country) adds another layer of literature

To help find your way around these resources BASW have developed a short guide: Looking for social work knowledge?

Social Work Research

The knowledge base of every profession needs to continually develop. Social work is no different.

BASW promotes social work research through:

• Active partnership in direct research

Facilitating the involvement of individuals, groups and organisations in research

The publication of research in academic journals.

• Disseminating research findings through a variety of channels

BASW regards the contributions of people with lived experience of social work services and practitioner wisdom as equally valid forms of knowledge alongside other more traditional forms of knowledge generation.

Active partnerships in direct research

BASW actively partners with universities, consortiums of universities and other partners in bidding for research funding and delivering multi-year, multi-site research projects.

BASW has an agreed set of research priorities against which we assess future bids, which can be accessed here.

If you are interested in being a future research partner please check our research priorities and then email us at [email protected]   setting out your organisational affiliation and your proposals in 600 words.

Please note BASW has no funding for primary research.

BASW facilitates involvement through:

• Sharing information about research funding for organisations and individuals. When such information is available it is published in BASW's member e-bulletin.
• Organising and supporting mechanisms for knowledge collection (e.g. roundtables, questionnaires) between practitioners, people with lived experience and research partners.
• Acting as a ‘junction box’ between different researchers, organisations, practitioners and people with lived experience.
• Supporting the research practitioners group.
• Working with funders to support social work research funding.

BASW owns two research journals :

• The British Journal of Social Work

BASW members get substantial discounts on each. Please note that both journals have independent editorial boards.

Members can also access the BASW bookshop for social work publications - discounts apply!

Dissemination

BASW disseminates research outputs through:

• Webinars and podcasts as part of the CPD programme.
• Conferences
• Occasional ‘think pieces’ and /or research briefings.
• Events and publications are advertised in the bulletin and / or our events calendar.

BASW is a practitioner facing organisation so any proposals for dissemination should be clearly relevant for practice, written in plain English, of interest to a broad audience and timely. Please send any enquiries to [email protected]

• What social workers do
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• World Social Work Day
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• Digital editions
• Guidance for contributors
• PSW articles
• Advertising
• Become a social worker
• Returning to social work
• For employers
• Specialisms
• Your tax affairs working through umbrella service companies
• Agency and locum social work
• Independents’ Committee vacancies
• BASW in Westminster
• General Election 2024
• Relationship-based practice
• Social Work Stands Against Poverty
• Professional working conditions
• Housing & Homelessness
• Previous BASW AGMs
• BASW Council biographies
• BASW and SWU
• Our history
• Special interest, thematic groups and experts
• Homes Not Hospitals
• Social Work in Disasters
• 80-20 campaign
• Review of Children’s Social Care
• Meet the Team
• Mentoring Service | BASW England
• Social Work England
• BASW NI & IASW's associate membership
• BASW NI and Queen’s University Belfast launch affiliate membership
• Cross-Party Group on Social Work (Scotland)
• A National Care Service for Scotland
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Supporting refugees
• Coalitions & Partnerships
• Get Involved
• Amazing Social Workers profiles: Week 1
• Amazing Social Workers profiles: Week 2
• Amazing Social Workers profiles: Week 3
• Amazing Social Workers profiles: Week 4
• Amazing Social Workers profiles: Week 5
• The BASW Social Work Journalism Awards
• Tickets and booking
• About BASW UK conference 2024
• Discounted accomodation
• Social Work Journalism Awards 2024
• Venue information
• IFSW and other international social work organisations
• Influencing social work policy in the Commonwealth
• Invasion of Ukraine | BASW Information Hub
• Feedback, suggestions & complaints
• General Taught Skills Programme
• Student Learning
• Newly Qualified Social Worker Programme
• Practice Educator & Assessor Programme
• Stepping Stones Programme
• Child Protection Masterclass Series
• Expert Insight Series
• Module 1: Introduction to Social Work in Disasters (Online training)
• Module 2: Law, Policy and Best Practice (Social Work In Disasters Training)
• Module 3: Person-centred and research informed practice within a multi-agency context (Social Work in Disasters Online Training)
• Module 4: Responding, using theory and self-care (Social Work in Disasters Online Training)
• Overseas Qualified Social Worker (OQSW) Programme
• About the PCF
• Point of entry to training
• Readiness for practice
• End of first placement
• End of last placement
• Newly qualified social worker (ASYE level)
• Social worker
• Experienced social worker
• Advanced social worker
• Strategic social worker
• Let's Talk Social Work Podcast
• National policies
• Learning resources
• Useful resources to support social work capabilities with older people
• An introduction to the Capability Statement
• Autistic adults toolkit introduction
• Feedback tool
• Induction tool
• Introduction to video: Sylvia Stanway - Autistic not broken
• Reflective tool
• The role of the social worker with autistic adults
• Organisational self-assessment tool
• Post-qualifying training programmes
• The Capabilities Statement for Social Work with Autistic Adults
• Introduction
• People with learning disabilities toolkit introduction
• Information sheet
• The Capabilities for Social Work with Adults who have Learning Disability
• BASW bookshop
• BASW Code of Ethics: Launch of 2021 refreshed version webinar
• Practice Educator Professional Standards (PEPS)
• Quality Assurance in Practice Learning (QAPL)
• Advice & representation
• Social Workers Union (SWU)
• Insurance cover
• Become a volunteer coach (SWPSS)
• Independent members
• BASW Independents directory
• Independents digital toolkit
• Social Work Employment Services (SWES)
• Student Hub
• Financial support
• Alcohol and other drugs Special Interest Group
• BASW Neurodivergent Social Workers Special Interest Group (NSW SIG)
• Family Group Conferencing (FGC)
• Project Group on Assisted Reproduction (PROGAR)
• The Diaspora special interest group
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• Groups and forums (Scotland)
• Black & Ethnic Minority Professionals Symposium (BPS)
• Children & Families Group
• Criminal Justice Group
• Emergency Duty Team Group
• Mental Health Group
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Blog Social work with adults

https://socialworkwithadults.blog.gov.uk/2024/05/21/collaboration-spurs-mental-health-social-care-research/

Collaboration spurs mental health social care research

Losing connection

Support for people with mental health problems, their families and carers, is often overlooked, meaning the ‘social’ in social care is sometimes forgotten.

People experiencing mental health problems, including those living with severe mental illness, often say things like better housing, meaningful occupations, enough money, more friends, and close relationships would make a positive difference in their lives.

Most people would agree maintaining social connection is important to living better lives. Balanced, high-quality local mental health systems should account for this when supporting individuals, families and communities.

Yet, this aspect frequently has a lower profile in local and national mental health policy and practice – directly affecting the support and opportunities open to people living with mental health issues.

This is partly because the evidence about the role and impact of social work in delivering this valued support is often dispersed and under-developed.

Collaborating to define effective mental health support

Michael Clark, Catherine Robinson, Duncan Tree and a network of colleagues, including people with lived experience of mental health problems, individuals with caring responsibilities and practitioners, have been collaborating to develop research in mental health social care (MHSC).

This field encompasses social work and the work of local authorities in mental health care and support. It also brings together community and voluntary sector organisations working in the area, particularly members of the Association of Mental Health Providers .

It is an area summarised by the Chair of our steering group, Linda Bryant , as ‘being alongside people’. Our first paper, written at the request of the Department of Health and Social Care, established the identity and boundaries of mental health social care and defined its importance to integrated systems.

In work funded by the NIHR School for Social Care Research , we further defined mental health social care and relevant frames of reference, including a social model for supporting people. The roles of local authorities and social workers also provide valuable context for understanding what MHSC is, as do those involved in voluntary and community work.

In our latest development, we have launched an NIHR-supported Research Incubator in Mental Health Social Care to support research capacity building in this field. This included organising two MHSC summits supported by the NIHR Three Schools Mental Health Programme and NIHR-supported Incubator for Social Care seed funding.

In December last year and March 2024 we brought together stakeholders collaborating to develop MHSC, including representatives from the British Association of Social Workers and frontline social workers in mental health care. Reports of these events are being prepared and will be available on the soon to be launched Incubator website.

The way ahead

Over the next three years, we will undertake activities through the Incubator to help people and groups develop their engagement with MHSC research and practice. This will include support to people and groups to develop their research ideas.

There are examples of great MHSC research. Martin Webber has developed the evidence for the Connecting People Intervention to help practitioners support people to be more connected to others.

Meanwhile, Bryn Lloyd-Evans has developed a model of community navigators to alleviate loneliness for people suffering with anxiety and/or depression. We need to build on this evidence, implement it and improve the support people receive from local systems.

If you are interested in contributing to the development of MHSC or would like to know more about the NIHR-supported Mental Health Social Care Research Incubator, contact us here .

We want to see even more social workers join the network and help us develop the evidence base. In return, we’ll do what we can to support anyone developing their own MHSC research.

Tags: Connecting People , mental health , social care , social work

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Psycho-Social Working Conditions and Stress in UK Social Workers

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Jermaine M Ravalier, Psycho-Social Working Conditions and Stress in UK Social Workers, The British Journal of Social Work , Volume 49, Issue 2, March 2019, Pages 371–390, https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcy023

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It is well documented that exposure to chronic negative working conditions leads to stress. This subsequently impacts sickness absence and attrition, making it a key consideration for policy makers and academics alike. This study therefore seeks to investigate the influence of psycho-social working conditions on stress and related outcomes: sickness presenteeism, job satisfaction and turnover intentions in UK social workers. A cross-sectional survey was used, in addition to a single open-ended question designed to further investigate the sources of stress, to collect data from 1,333 registered social workers. Results demonstrate high levels of turnover intentions, presenteeism and low job satisfaction. Regression analyses found that the interaction between high demands, low levels of control and poor managerial support was related to social worker stress and related outcomes. Qualitative content analysis of the open-ended question corroborated and extended these findings, also demonstrating that poor ergonomic set-up of the work environment and a blame culture were adding to the experience of stress. Policy makers need to consider improvements in these working conditions or face losing a large proportion of the social work workforce. Future research needs to be both longitudinal and interventional to focus on these needed improvements.

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UK Social Work announces second cohort of BRIGHT Leadership Training Participants

• Published May 23, 2024
• College News , Featured News

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Lexington, Ky. – The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is proud to welcome its second cohort of BRIGHT Administrative Training Supplement participants this spring. The program is a strategic administrative leadership initiative designed to cultivate leaders via a series of integrated, structured activities, including HR training, administrative shadowing, and external executive coaching, among others.

BRIGHT, which is part of CoSW’s Investment in Ingenuity and Initiative Program (I 3 ), was launched by Dean Justin “Jay” Miller in spring 2023. Miller established the program after reviewing a number of faculty and staff professional development plans that included administrative aspirations. BRIGHT became Miller’s direct response to these aspirations.

“It was clear, based on reviewing professional development plans, that faculty and staff were interested in developing leadership skills,” explained Miller. “As such, we wanted to respond to that interest in a meaningful and impactful way.” 

In 2022, CoSW launched the Forward, Together Strategic Plan, which identifies a “People First, People Always” priority area.

BRIGHT is structured around five phases, all of which are designed to foster growth in a unique area of leadership and administration. As part of the program, participants enroll in several trainings offered by UK Human Resources , take part in unique professional shadowing and simulation exercises, and receive 1:1 executive coaching. Through these activities, BRIGHT aims to cultivate a sustained pipeline of future administrators who are prepared to lead in spaces of higher education.

Initial assessments of BRIGHT show it is meeting that expectation.

Diana Pérez La Rotta, CoSW HR Manager, was a participant in the first cohort of BRIGHT, which completed the program in October 2023. Pérez La Rotta found her participation in the program to be invaluable.

“Participating in BRIGHT was unlike any previous trainings or professional development initiatives I have been a part of,” said Pérez La Rotta. “The program has been extremely beneficial and has provided me a personalized experience that will positively impact my career. Creating and offering programs like BRIGHT shows and commitment and investment to developing people.”

And, that – according to Miller – is what it is all about.

“There is nothing more important than investing in people,” said Miller. “Of course, that investment will take many forms. For now, I hope that BRIGHT continues to afford faculty and staff the supports needed to excel in their professional endeavors.”   

BRIGHT Cohort 2 will complete the program in Summer 2024. Applications for Cohort 3 will be accepted starting Fall 2024.

Questions about the BRIGHT program can be directed to [email protected] .

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For 85 years, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) has been a leader in social work education. As a college, we promote community and individual well-being through translational research and scholarship, exemplary teaching, and vital community engagement. We are committed to the people and social institutions throughout Kentucky, the nation, and the world. Like the University, CoSW is an organization that cultivates a diverse academic community characterized by interpersonal fairness and social justice. We are fiercely committed to developing outstanding social work professionals — leaders who will serve individuals, families, and communities through innovative and effective practices that are guided by cultural competency, systematic ethical analysis, and a keen and pragmatic understanding of the human condition.  

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'Behind the Blue': Col. Teresa Murray shares Army journey, inspires future social workers

UKNow caught up with Col. Teresa Murray, director of the UK Army-Master of Social Work (MSW) program, following her promotion to colonel and ahead of Memorial Day. You can listen to the full interview on "Behind the Blue," by clicking the play button above.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 24, 2024) — As Memorial Day approaches, communities across the United States prepare to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Observed on the last Monday of May, it’s a solemn occasion dedicated to remembering and paying tribute to the fallen heroes of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Originating after the Civil War as Decoration Day, this federal holiday has evolved into a time for reflection, commemoration and gratitude for the freedoms secured by those who served.

Through parades, ceremonies and moments of silence, Americans unite to recognize the courage and dedication of these individuals — ensuring their legacy lives on in the heart of our nation.

“It's only because of those sacrifices the rest of us can live the free life that we do,” Teresa Murray said. “They gave it all, because they understood they had a calling.”

As a young girl growing up in a military family, Murray also knew she had a calling.

Following high school graduation, the eager 18-year-old immediately headed for the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

Murray excelled during her four years at the Academy, and in 2002, she was commissioned as a medical service corps officer for the Army with an initial assignment at Fort Bragg, North Carolina (now Fort Liberty).

Murray would follow her passion to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, and onto Fort Hood, Texas, before being deployed to Iraq in 2006.

“It was a long 15-month deployment, during the surge in Baghdad. I took command of a medical company while I was there,” she said. “And around that time is when I heard about the Army advertising a Master of Social Work program.”

Soon after, Murray realized she had already been searching for ways to help her fellow comrades beyond combat.

“That was really appealing to me, because as a company commander at the time, I was working very closely with my soldiers,” she explained. “I was helping them solve problems that arose — whether that was personally or professionally — and helping link them to resources. That's a lot of what social workers do in the military.”

In October 2016, the UK College of Social Work (CoSW) established a partnership with the  Department of Defense  to offer the one-of-a-kind Army-UK Master of Social Work (MSW)  degree.

A satellite site was established within the Army Medical Department Center and School, now known as the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, at  Fort Sam Houston . The satellite implements the full-time, 60-hour CoSW program including over 1,000 hours of field education in local social work agencies. The curriculum is delivered in a condensed format over 14 continuous months of study, and all classes are administered face-to-face on the Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston campus. The goal is to develop well-qualified clinical social workers to fill positions across military service branches.

Murray and her husband (who also had a military background) applied to the accelerated program and were accepted.

In 2009, they both graduated with their MSW.

Murray quickly landed a position as a behavioral health officer with the second Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell and later deployed with them to Afghanistan.

Armed with the knowledge from her degree, she was determined to provide the mental health care that men and women in uniform deserve.

“Often, I will talk to people, and they're just astounded or surprised that we (military social workers) exist,” she said. “But there's a lot of similarities between military service and social work, because they're both very service driven professions.”

Though in a different capacity, Murray felt as if she was doing her part to serve her country and her fellow soldiers.

Life was going according to plan — as much as it can when you’re in the armed services and in a combat zone.

That’s when an unexpected call from home changed everything.

“It was while I was in Afghanistan that my husband was killed in a car accident. I had to return home,” she said. “Throughout that process, I was trying to decide whether I would stay in the military. We had two young children at that point (a four-year-old and a 21-month-old). It was never my plan to be a single mother in the Army.”

Murray leaned on her support system and also continued to provide support to others in need.

“I had some really good mentors that I was working with at the time, helping me look at all my options, and I decided to go ahead and stay in and move to Fort Gordon, Georgia,” she said. “I took a clinic chief position, leading the child and family behavioral health service, which provides behavioral health counseling to service members, spouses, families and children.”

Murray later “took a knee” to balance family life and pursue a Ph.D. “And then kind of my dream job from there was to go back to the Army's MSW program,” she said. “In 2020, I had the opportunity to do that and became the executive officer of the program.”

Today, Murray is at the helm of the program she graduated from and continues to rise within the Army ranks.

In April of this year, she was promoted to the rank of colonel. There are currently fewer than 10 active-duty social workers holding that title in the Army.

With more than 21 years of active federal service, Col. Murray says the role of social workers in the military continues to evolve.

“Educating social workers is one of our biggest priorities. It’s critical for our service members and their families to ensure they have access to all the mental health and well-being services, benefits, and resources they need — both in uniform and after service.”

More than two decades ago, Col. Murray answered a calling. Today, she remains on a mission.

“These future graduates might be the next social worker that's helping one of my kids in the clinic,” Murray said. “We want to make sure that we prepare them, we support them in the ways that they need, because America's sons and daughters deserve no less.”

You can learn more about the Army-MSW program here .

You can listen to Murray’s full interview on "Behind the Blue," by clicking the play button above.

"Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of “Behind the Blue” each week. UK’s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.   

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