Resources to support social workers develop effective communication, meaningful engagement, and relationship-based practice, including guidance on strengths-based practice and case recording.
This page offers helpful resources for social workers to support their continuous professional development (CPD) and includes the following types of resources:
- research and evidence
- curated resources
- legislation
- policy, guidance, and standards
- elearning
- services
- podcasts
- videos
- blogs
This library isn’t complete—it’s just a starting point to help you explore CPD options.
As a qualified social worker, it’s your responsibility to choose CPD activities that match your role, interests, and development goals. Talk to your manager or training team to plan your CPD. You can also contact your local authority’s workforce development team to learn about training opportunities in your area.
Please note: Most resources focus on social work in Wales, however some may refer to the laws and standards adopted in other UK nations.
These resources may be useful for:
- Student Social Workers – see also Social work students | Social Care Wales
- Qualified Social Workers – see also Continuing Professional Development (CPD) | Social Care Wales
- Managers and Leaders
- Social Work Educators
- Those returning to practice – see also Returning to social work practice | Social Care Wales
- Internationally qualified social workers – see also registering if you qualified outside the UK | Social Care Wales
Strengths based practice
Curated resources Personal outcomes Social Care Wales
elearning Starting with strengths: what matters in care and… | Social Care Wales
Recording and report writing
Curated resources Social work recording - SCIE
Elearning Strengths-based practice: using case recording to… | Social Care Wales
Guidance BASW England 10 Top Tips Recording in childrens services
Podcasts Reflections on accessing care records | Research in Practice
Legislation/guidance/policy Information Commissioner's Office
Legislation/guidance/policy Data protection: The UK's data protection legislation - GOV.UK
Communication skills and knowledge
Guidance Welsh language in social care: guidance for staff | GOV.WALES
Curated resources How to avoid ageism in communications
Webpage Social Model of Disability: Language | Disability Rights UK[CT1]
Curated resources Supporting difficult conversations in social care | Research in Practice
eLearning Welsh language awareness | Social Care Wales
eLearning eLearning - Niwrowahaniaeth Cymru | Neurodivergence Wales | National Neurodivergence Team
Research/evidence Communicating with families in difficult situations: an evidence summary - Social Care Wales