What is Relational Practice?

Strong, positive relationships are essential across healthcare, education and social work. How professionals connect with children, young people, families and adults can influence outcomes, trust and wellbeing – relational practice places these connections at the centre of everyday work. In this article, we’ll outline what relational practice is, why it is so important and provide clear examples alongside practical ways to implement it in your setting.

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What is Relational Practice?

Relational practice is an approach that focuses on building meaningful, respectful and consistent relationships. It recognises that people are more likely to engage, learn and change when they feel understood, valued and safe.

Relational practice is a way of working that builds positive attitudes, behaviours and decision-making skills. It highlights the value of connections with others and is a key concept across healthcare, education, the criminal justice system and social work.

Key components of relational practice include:

• Trust built through honesty, reliability and consistency.
• Empathy and understanding of a person’s experiences and feelings (emotional intelligence).
• Clear, effective communication that is respectful and age appropriate.
• Boundaries that provide safety while allowing connection.
• Reflection on power, bias and professional roles.
  

It’s important to note that relational practice and trauma informed practice are closely linked but not the same. Whilst trauma informed practice focuses on understanding the impact of trauma and avoiding re-traumatisation, relational practice is about how relationships are built and used in everyday interactions. In practice, strong relational work supports trauma informed approaches by creating safe and supportive connections.

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Why is Relational Practice Important?

Relational practice is important because relationships are often the main driver of positive change. When people feel listened to and respected, they are more likely to engage with support, follow guidance and feel motivated to improve.

Benefits of relational practice include:

• Improved engagement and participation from individuals and families.
• Better outcomes through shared understanding and trust.
• Reduced conflict and improved behaviour.
• Greater professional satisfaction and confidence.
• Stronger multi-agency working built on mutual respect.
  

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Relational Practice Examples

Relational practice can look slightly different across different professional settings, but the focus on connection and trust remains the same. The examples below highlight how relational approaches are used in schools, social work and nursing:

Relational Practice in Schools

In schools, relational practice supports learning, behaviour and wellbeing. Staff focus on understanding students rather than simply managing behaviour. Examples include:

• Greeting students by name and building daily positive interactions.
• Using restorative conversations after conflict, rather than punishment alone.
• Taking time to understand the reasons behind behaviour.
• Working closely with families to support consistency and trust.
• Promoting effective communication in the classroom and with parents.
  

Relational Practice in Social Work

Social work relies heavily on relationships to support change and safeguard wellbeing. Relational practice helps balance care, control and accountability. Examples include:

• Building trust through regular, reliable contact.
• Listening carefully to lived experiences without judgement.
• Being honest about decisions and processes.
• Working alongside individuals rather than doing things for them.
• Promoting effective communication in all health and social care settings.
  

Relational Practice in Nursing

In nursing, relational practice improves patient experience and care outcomes. It recognises the emotional as well as physical needs of patients. Examples include:

• Taking time to listen to patient concerns and fears.
• Explaining care clearly and checking understanding.
• Showing compassion during difficult or distressing moments.
• Building continuity of care where possible.
• Taking extra time to understand non-verbal communication in healthcare. 

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How to Implement Relational Practice

Relational practice is something that develops over time and requires continuous reflection and support. Small, consistent actions can make a big difference and making the effort to prioritise relationships in everyday work will soon make it habit rather than effort.

Here are 10 practical ways to build stronger relationships and implement relational practice in any setting:

1. Prioritise relationships alongside tasks and targets.
2. Create time for meaningful conversations and practice active listening.
3. Show genuine interest in the person behind the task or behaviour.
4. Reflect on your own communication style and how it may be received.
5. Use supervision to explore relationship strengths and challenges.
6. Be reliable and follow through on promises and agreements.
7. Share information clearly to reduce confusion and build trust.
8. Work collaboratively with colleagues to provide joined up support.
9. Seek feedback from the people you work with to improve practice.
10. Focus on consistency so individuals know what to expect and feel safe.
    

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Relational practice places human connection at the centre of professional work. Across healthcare, education and social work, strong relationships support safety, engagement and positive change. By focusing on trust, empathy and understanding, professionals in any setting can create environments where people feel supported and able to thrive.

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Further Resources:

• Safeguarding Courses
• What is Trauma Informed Practice in Schools?
• What is Restorative Practice in Schools & Social Work?