What is Reflective Practice?
Reflective practice is the process of thinking critically about your experiences to learn from them and improve your future practice. It's more than just thinking about what happened - it involves analysing why things happened, what you could do differently, and how your own assumptions and values influence your work.
For social workers, reflection is both a professional requirement and a practical necessity. It helps you make sense of complex situations, process difficult emotions, and continuously develop your practice.
CPD requirement: Social Work England requires reflection as part of every piece of CPD you record. At least one CPD entry must include peer reflection with another registered social worker.
Reflection-in-Action vs Reflection-on-Action
Donald Schön distinguished between two types of reflection:
Reflection-in-Action
Thinking while you're doing something. This is the "thinking on your feet" that experienced practitioners do - adjusting your approach mid-conversation based on how it's going, noticing something unexpected and adapting.
Reflection-on-Action
Thinking after an event. This is the more deliberate process of reviewing what happened, considering what went well or badly, and identifying learning for the future.
Both are important. Reflection-in-action helps you respond effectively in the moment; reflection-on-action helps you learn and develop over time.
Common Reflective Models
Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle
- Concrete Experience: Something happens
- Reflective Observation: You think about what happened
- Abstract Conceptualisation: You make sense of it (theory, patterns)
- Active Experimentation: You try something new based on your learning
Gibbs' Reflective Cycle
- Description: What happened?
- Feelings: What were you thinking and feeling?
- Evaluation: What was good and bad about the experience?
- Analysis: What sense can you make of the situation?
- Conclusion: What else could you have done?
- Action Plan: What will you do differently next time?
Driscoll's "What?" Model
A simpler framework useful for quick reflections:
- What? - Description of what happened
- So What? - Analysis of why it matters
- Now What? - Actions for the future
Practical Examples
What happened: During a home visit, the father became angry when I asked about his drinking. He raised his voice and asked me to leave.
My feelings: I felt anxious and unsure how to respond. I was worried about safety but also about losing engagement with the family.
Analysis: Looking back, I may have raised the topic too directly without building enough rapport first. His reaction might also suggest the drinking is a bigger issue than initially thought.
Learning: I need to consider timing and approach when raising sensitive topics. I should also discuss with my supervisor whether his reaction changes the risk assessment.
What happened: A young person I've been working with for six months told me they now feel safe talking to me about difficult things.
My feelings: I felt pleased but also surprised - I hadn't been sure the relationship was developing well.
Analysis: Consistency seems to have been key. Showing up reliably, even when sessions felt unproductive, built trust over time. The young person may have been testing whether I would stay consistent.
Learning: Trust takes time. What feels like "nothing happening" may actually be important relationship-building. I should be more patient with slow progress.
Critical Reflection
Critical reflection goes deeper than standard reflection. It involves examining:
- Your own assumptions, biases, and values
- How power dynamics affect the situation
- Structural and social factors (poverty, discrimination, inequality)
- Whether your intervention challenged or reinforced existing inequalities
Questions for Critical Reflection
- What assumptions did I make about this person or family?
- How might my own background influence my perception?
- Who has power in this situation and how is it being used?
- What structural factors are affecting this family's situation?
- Am I perpetuating or challenging inequalities?
Peer Reflection
Peer reflection involves discussing your learning with another registered social worker. This is required for at least one piece of CPD each year.
Tips for Good Peer Reflection
- Choose someone you trust but who will challenge you
- Be open about uncertainties and mistakes
- Listen to their perspective, not just seek validation
- Explore alternative interpretations together
- Record key insights from the discussion
Making Time for Reflection
In busy practice, reflection often gets squeezed out. Strategies to protect it:
- Build it into your routine: Even 5 minutes after visits
- Use supervision: This should include reflective space
- Voice notes: Capture thoughts immediately while travelling
- Peer conversations: Informal chats with colleagues count
- Record as you go: Don't save it all for CPD deadline
Writing Reflections for CPD
When recording reflections for Social Work England:
- Be specific about what you learned
- Link to how it improves your practice
- Include what you'll do differently
- For peer reflection, note what you gained from the discussion
- Keep it focused - quality over length
Key Takeaways
- Reflection is essential for learning and development in social work
- Use models like Gibbs, Kolb, or Driscoll to structure your thinking
- Critical reflection examines power, assumptions, and structural factors
- Peer reflection with another registered social worker is required for CPD
- Build reflection into your routine - don't leave it until the CPD deadline
Capture Reflections in the Moment
SpeakCase lets you record voice reflections immediately after visits - turning them into written notes for supervision and CPD.
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