Task-Centred Practice
Task-Centred Practice is a short-term, structured and collaborative social work
approach that helps individuals address specific problems through the
completion of small, achievable tasks. Developed by William J. Reid and Laura
Epstein during the 1970s, the approach focuses on practical problem solving
rather than exploring underlying causes in depth. It assumes that many social
problems can be improved by identifying clearly defined goals, agreeing realistic
tasks and regularly reviewing progress. Within social work, Task-Centred Practice
promotes partnership, empowerment and evidence-informed intervention by
encouraging individuals to take an active role in achieving meaningful change
(Reid & Epstein, 1972).
Task-Centred Practice emerged during the late 1960s and early 1970s in
response to concerns that some traditional casework approaches were lengthy,
difficult to evaluate and lacked a clear evidence base. William Reid and Laura
Epstein sought to develop a method that was brief, practical and research-
informed while remaining collaborative and person-centred. Through empirical
studies, they demonstrated that focusing on clearly defined problems and
achievable tasks could produce positive outcomes across a range of social work
settings. The approach has since become one of the most widely used evidence-
based models within statutory and voluntary social work services (Reid &
Epstein, 1972).
A central principle of Task-Centred Practice is that service users define the
problems they wish to address, wherever possible. Rather than professionals
imposing priorities, practitioners work collaboratively with individuals to identify
concerns that are both important to them and capable of being addressed
through practical intervention. This collaborative process promotes engagement,
motivation and ownership of change.
Another key principle is the use of specific, measurable goals. Broad or abstract
problems are broken down into smaller, clearly defined objectives that are
realistic and achievable within a relatively short period. Goals should be agreed
jointly and reviewed regularly to ensure they remain relevant to the individual's
circumstances.
The approach revolves around the completion of tasks. Tasks are practical
activities designed to move individuals towards their agreed goals. They may be
Task-Centred Practice is a short-term, structured and collaborative social work
approach that helps individuals address specific problems through the
completion of small, achievable tasks. Developed by William J. Reid and Laura
Epstein during the 1970s, the approach focuses on practical problem solving
rather than exploring underlying causes in depth. It assumes that many social
problems can be improved by identifying clearly defined goals, agreeing realistic
tasks and regularly reviewing progress. Within social work, Task-Centred Practice
promotes partnership, empowerment and evidence-informed intervention by
encouraging individuals to take an active role in achieving meaningful change
(Reid & Epstein, 1972).
Task-Centred Practice emerged during the late 1960s and early 1970s in
response to concerns that some traditional casework approaches were lengthy,
difficult to evaluate and lacked a clear evidence base. William Reid and Laura
Epstein sought to develop a method that was brief, practical and research-
informed while remaining collaborative and person-centred. Through empirical
studies, they demonstrated that focusing on clearly defined problems and
achievable tasks could produce positive outcomes across a range of social work
settings. The approach has since become one of the most widely used evidence-
based models within statutory and voluntary social work services (Reid &
Epstein, 1972).
A central principle of Task-Centred Practice is that service users define the
problems they wish to address, wherever possible. Rather than professionals
imposing priorities, practitioners work collaboratively with individuals to identify
concerns that are both important to them and capable of being addressed
through practical intervention. This collaborative process promotes engagement,
motivation and ownership of change.
Another key principle is the use of specific, measurable goals. Broad or abstract
problems are broken down into smaller, clearly defined objectives that are
realistic and achievable within a relatively short period. Goals should be agreed
jointly and reviewed regularly to ensure they remain relevant to the individual's
circumstances.
The approach revolves around the completion of tasks. Tasks are practical
activities designed to move individuals towards their agreed goals. They may be
