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Dr Neil Thompson is a highly respected author; in-demand training facilitator and consultant; and a sought-after international conference speaker. He continues to be an influential figure in the social work world, where he began work over 34 years ago, but his ideas have also made an impact in the helping professions more broadly and in the field of leadership and management - indeed, any setting where people skills are to the fore. He holds qualifications in social work; training and development; mediation and alternative dispute resolution; and management (MBA); as well as a first-class honours degree in social sciences, a doctorate (PhD) and a higher doctorate (DLitt).

Areas of expertise

Neil has a wide range of interests, but the linking thread is well-being. His social work career helped him to appreciate the significance of individual and social well-being, but his more recent work has focused on workplace well-being, recognising the importance of tackling stress, bullying and harassment, conflict, discrimination and related matters. These interests are underpinned by a passion for helping people learn.

Specific areas

Social well-being

• Loss, grief and trauma
• Child abuse and protection
• Equality and social justice
• Mental health
• Community care
• Residential work

Workplace well-being

• Stress
• Bullying and harassment
• Discrimination
• Conflict
• Leadership
• Reflective practice, learning and development

Key publications

Neil has over 150 publications to his name, including 32 books, many of which are bestsellers in their field. Key texts include:

Effective Communication (2nd edn, Palgrave Macmillan, 2011)

Grief and its Challenges (Palgrave Macmillan, 2012)

Loss, Grief and Trauma in the Workplace (Baywood, 2009)

People Skills (3rd edn, Palgrave Macmillan, 2009)

Promoting Equality (3rd edn, Palgrave Macmillan, 2011)

Promoting Workplace Learning (The Policy Press, 2006)

Promoting Workplace Well-being (editor, with Bates, J., Palgrave Macmillan, 2009)

Further information about Neil's books can be accessed via the 'Neil Thompson Bookshop' link on the right-hand menu. Information about his other learning resources can be accessed from the 'Neil's learning resources' link on the left-hand menu.

Achievements

Neil has held full or honorary professorships at four UK universities. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development; the Higher Education Academy; the Royal Society of Arts; and a Life Fellow of the Institute of Welsh Affairs. He is also a member of the International Work Group on Death, Dying and Bereavement (membership is by invitation only and for recognised leaders in the field).

In 2010 Neil was awarded a higher doctorate (a Doctor of Letters or DLitt) by Keele University in recognition of his status as an established authority in the field of well-being. In 2011 he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by BASW Cymru, the Wales branch of the British Association of Social Workers.

To see testimonials relating to Neil and his work, click on the link on the left-hand menu.

Media activities

Neil's blog, Tip of the Week and Well-being BULLETIN e-zine can be accessed from the right-hand menu.

Subject to availability and the relevance of his expertise, Neil is able to participate in radio and television programmes, to speak to press journalists and to be commissioned to write articles and reviews. 

Contact

If you wish to make contact with Neil in relation to potential media activities, please use the 'Contact Neil' link on the left-hand menu.