The effectiveness of training in the writing of social inquiry reports

Abstract

This paper examines methods of measuring the effect of training on the practice of writing social inquiry reports in the Cheshire Probation Service. An independent researcher compared a sample of reports prepared before the teaching with a sample prepared afterwards.

The training considered a framework for information and discrimination in report writing. The research found the reports written following training were more focused, contained more cogently argued recommendations, and were less subjective in the use of language.

Further developments for measuring the effectiveness of training in social work agencies are discussed, within a climate of training for task fitness and ‘value for money’.