Don't be afraid to ask questions on placement

Published by Professional Social Work magazine, 16 November 2022

Don’t hold back from asking questions while on placement, was the advice to social work students from experienced managers and educators.

Deb Solomon, a manager within adult services, said: “Thinking that you have got to be perfect is a real pitfall.

“We never stop learning as social workers. I’m more concerned about those people who come along and don’t ask questions and aren’t continually wanting to know and aren’t curious.

“As you sit in an office you will notice that even the most experienced social workers will be asking other people, ‘what do you think of this?’ As soon as you understand that the better you can get on with your placement.”

Glynis Marsh, a practice educator and member of the BASW Professional Development Group, added: “I would rather a student ask a hundred questions or tell me they don’t know because I think that honesty is what makes a better social worker.”

Marcia Cameron, safeguarding manager for children’s charity the NSPCC, said: “Don’t be frightened to admit you don’t understand. I ask social workers to show me examples of things that were difficult or went wrong. They are learners. Don’t think you know everything.”