We examine a process for involving service users and carers in a social work programme in Scotland and include the perspective of a service user involved in the development. We note the extent of service user and carer involvement within Scottish social work education. The Dundee system involves a regulated process of academics liaising with service user and carer groups in the locality, so that the expertise of service users and carers informs and influences social work qualifying training. The model is built on current ideas surrounding communication networks that work in non-hierarchical ways. The paper emphasises the importance of basing a system on shared values and overcoming tokenistic approaches to involvement.

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This article examines the ideas and opinions canvassed of 40 experienced practice teachers about the concept of reflective practice. There is a focus on how they define the concept but also how they develop and assess this area with social work students. Through analysing themes from their responses a composite definition of reflective practice is suggested. Central characteristics and processes of the concept of reflective practice are identified from responses. It is suggested that this concept can be identified, developed and assessed in practice. The need for clarity of thinking about reflection by practice teachers is underlined.