Social Work Theory and Practice: A Straightforward Guide

Siobhan Maclean BA CQSW PQSW is a registered social worker, trainer, and consultant with a passion for the profession. Since qualifying in 1990, she’s held various roles and continues to maintain practice skills as an independent practice educator to around six students a year. She founded Kirwin Maclean Associates to publish accessible, affordable social work books, reflecting the sector’s values. The company runs on a not-for-profit basis, aiming to support students and practitioners rather than sell glossy brochures. Siobhan encourages practitioners to theorise from their own experiences and believes social work knowledge should be co-produced, not left solely to academics. All contributors are experienced professionals committed to sharing knowledge in a clear, engaging way. “I’m a social worker, not a salesperson,” she says. “It’s not about selling books—it’s about making professional knowledge accessible.”