Maureen O′Loughlin (editor) - Effective Observation in Social Work Practice

Maureen O'Loughlinhas been an independent social work consultant with substantial experience working with children and families as a social worker and a guardian ad litem prior to becoming an academic. After leaving the University of Leeds she undertook independent assessments for court proceedings in a variety of areas for a number of years; she continues her interest in children and families through chairing adoption and fostering panels for local authorities and the Independent Reviewing Mechanism.Steve O'Loughlinis a registered social worker with over 30 years experience. He now works as an independent social work consultant. He currently acts as a tutor for qualifying students and as an advocate for carers and young people. He has experience in fostering and adoption. Steve is committed to black issues and to furthering the interests of black and minority ethnic children and families.Jackie Hughesis a senior lecturer at the University of Huddersfield where she is placement coordinator for the social work courses. She is a registered social worker and has been involved in social work education for many years. Jackie has worked with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation on housing issues for families with disabled children, and with the National Development Team on short breaks for children with learning disabilities and complex health needs.Bronwyn Robertsis a senior lecturer at the University of Huddersfield where she is course leader for the BSc and Diploma in Learning Disability Nursing. Prior to this she worked for the NHS for 25 years. Bronwyn has worked with people with a wide range of disabilities, family members, carers and friends. At present she is a governor at Calderstones, a specialist hospital for forensic care where she is working with service users to influence strategic development. However, her main focus is, and has always been, learning to communicate with people who are non verbal.Nicky Rydenhas recently retired from work as a part-time tutor on social work courses and as a social worker. Nicky worked in statutory social work settings from 1974 to 1997. Between 1997 and 2014 she worked as an independent social worker, practice educator and tutor on social work qualifying and post-qualifying courses. Nicky has successfully completed research for a PhD (2009) and contributed to research on family support and to the evaluation of services for looked after children.