Books by Neil (Avenue Consulting Ltd Thompson

This new edition of People Skills offers a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to developing people skills. It is an essential read for social work students who want a practical take on how to improve their effectiveness when interacting with a diverse range of people, undertaking interventions or when managing conflict.

Addressing the common concepts and issues across the various forms of discrimination, this core text from one of Palgrave's best-selling authors explores the reasons why the development of anti-discriminatory practice is so vital and examines the steps that need to be taken towards constructing a social work practice based on principles of anti-discrimination and the promotion of equality. This is key reading for undergraduate and postgraduate modules on Anti-discriminatory and Anti-oppressive Practice modules on Social Work programmes, as well as Social Work Theory and Social Work Practice modules. Practitioners will also benefit hugely from the experience and expertise of Neil Thompson.

With a clear exposition of a coherent theory base that does justice to the multi-level and multi-dimensional nature of discrimination, Promoting Equality is essential reading for students and practitioners within the helping professions, and managers and supervisors across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

This book discusses the nature and significance of social problems, and considers the relationship between social problems and social justice. It provides an overview of some of the key problems currently facing society, and clearly and systematically demonstrates how these problems perpetuate social injustice, inequality and discrimination.

In this book Neil Thompson provides a fresh, unique perspective on leadership skills. It highlights problems with existing approaches and makes a case for a human centred-approach. The Authentic Leader will enrich the reader's understanding of good leadership by demonstrating the importance of human nature in empowering and leading others.

The Social Work Companion is not a simple 'how to do it' text, rather it is a foundation text. It is designed to act as a gateway for social work studies and future practice by: - Giving students a flavour of the issues involved in contemporary social work- Introducing some key concepts, themes, issues and challenges, alongside the principles of good practice - Raising awareness of some of the main demands and rewards of social work - Providing guidance on future learning in the form of recommended reading and details of relevant organizations and websites. The book is a companion, offering wide-ranging yet accessible coverage of the core topics, along with important advice on study skills, this book is the essential survival guide for social work students.

In this ground-breaking book, bestselling author Neil Thompson turns his attention to the question of, 'What does it mean to be truly professional in the field of social work?' Notions of professionalism in social work have changed over time. Early traditional ideas showed themselves to be elitist and inconsistent with the fundamental principles of social work, and have been followed by a period of uncertainty as to whether or not social workers are professionals at all. Now, with a move towards a new form of professionalism beginning to take shape, this book presents a cogent argument for reaffirming this vital aspect of social work.Informed by extensive experience and expertise, Thompson examines the role of the modern-day social worker in four parts: as problem solver, thinker, manager and professional. With a sharp focus on the idea of authentic professionalism throughout, and written in Thompson's inviting and highly accessible style, each chapter features:* Clear and easily digestible explanations* Real-life 'Voice of experience' examples to illustrate key points * 'Practice focus' sections to encourage readers to think contextually* A broad range of reflective questions and activities to aid application, and a wealth of guidance on further learningWhether you are a social work student new to the complexities of this demanding, rewarding field, or a qualified practitioner seeking a revitalizing source of guidance, this book will help you meet the challenge of developing a professionalism that is consistent with the values of contemporary social work.