Introduction

A few years ago I was working with a group of social workers on a post-qualifying (PQ) programme. The students were dedicated professionals working in complex and stressful situations. All had worked as educators for qualifying social work students. They were working in settings such as child protection, children’s rights, disabled children, hospital social work with adults, schools-based social work, mental health and youth justice. Most were women, reflecting the gender imbalance in the profession, though there was greater representation of black and ethnic minority people than in the senior management teams of their organisations. They occupied different posts such as social worker or practice supervisor, and others held professional development roles.