Reflective Practice Groups Projects
An evaluation of the first year of operation of RPGs for practitioners across Brighton and Hove local authority children’s social work services
About the project
Reflective Practice Groups (RPGs) are designed to help social workers to think and learn about their work and to gain support from their colleagues. This project was an evaluation of the first year of operation of RPGs for practitioners across Brighton and Hove local authority children’s social work services. It looked at whether social workers there find such groups useful and what difference they might make.
Methodology
The evaluation approach comprised survey, semi-structured interviews, observations and focus groups. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis employed for analysis of qualitative data.
Findings
RPGs were associated with a range of positive emotional and organisational/professional impacts, as well as with an enhanced capacity for reflection and thoughtful practice. Not all participants reported positive outcomes, with some groups failing to achieve ‘deeper level’ reflection, which could cause frustration. Poor attendance was highlighted as an important barrier because it limited the development of trust and safety within groups.
The findings are of practical relevance to UK and international social work practice and policy. Theoretically, the published findings advance the field by defining the model employed and linking outcomes to process.
Publications
Lees, A. 2017 Evaluation of Reflective Practice Groups Project: Brighton & Hove Children’s Services
Future research
Future research could further strengthen the evidence base by incorporating relevant quantitative scales, investigate links with service user experience and compare processes/outcomes of different models of RPG.
Contact details
Principal Investigator: Dr Amanda Lees, Visiting Researcher, Faculty of Health and Wellbeing
Funding
The project was funded by the Centre for Social Work Practice.
Dissemination
- Invited presentation 14 March ‘18 ‘The Containing Organisation: an evaluation of reflective practice groups within local authority children’s services’ Exchange Spring Conference 2018 – Is Supervision Working? Supporting Happier Staff, Improved Practice and Better Outcomes
- Invited presentation 9 May ‘18 ‘Resilience and Identity: a role for reflective practice groups?’ Practice Learning Conference East Anglia Ruskin University Resilience – Focussing on practitioner experience and Celebrating Identity.
- Invited keynote presentation: 18 May ‘18 ‘Reflective Practice Groups, processes and outcomes’ CfSWP AGM, Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust
- Amanda is a member of the steering group for the 5 July ‘18 Researching Reflective Practice Network inaugural meeting, Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust