The knowledge base of groupwork and its importance within social work

Abstract

This paper considers knowledge base of groupwork and its importance within social work. It describes how theoretical knowledge, factual knowledge and practice knowledge are conceptualized and applies this conceptual framework to group work. The paper then examines the National Occupational Standards in relation to groups and groupwork. It argues that for practitioners to meet these requirements, groupwork skills need to be taught on social work training programmes and that more opportunities need to be made available for practitioners to use these skills, particularly in the statutory sector. The paper also identifies the way that groupwork theory and practice can inform other areas of social work, including work with individuals, families, teams, communities, networks and organisations. This includes multiprofessional and interprofessional areas of practice, and the systems that underpin these structures. Where research – and teaching and training - is conducted in groups, this too calls for an understanding of groups. The reason for emphasizing the importance of groupwork’s knowledge base, and its relevance to different areas of practice, is to maximise the opportunity for change, growth and development that groupwork can offer. The experiences described are drawn from the author’s work as a groupwork lecturer, practitioner, trainer and consultant.

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