Social Work Management and Practice: Systems Principles - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1853023884 ISBN 13: 9781853023880

Publisher: Jessica Kingsley, 2008

Synopsis

The second edition of this key text renews its challenge to the established social work culture of managerialism and effectiveness, arguing that existing social work provision can fail the people it aims to support and protect. This second edition of Social Work Management and Practice: Systems Principles, which was first published in 1989, has now been extensively revised, and reflects the development of both systems ideas and policy implementation since that time.
The authors apply the latest systems principles to the practice and management of social work. Drawing on Gregory Bateson's work, they show how creative social work can bring about real and positive change in the ecology of people's lives. This edition contains one new chapter analysing the competencies approach in social work training and updates the family therapy developments, and contains substantial new material on management. This powerful and accessible book demonstrates how a systems-based approach can support people in using their own resources to make new and innovative responses to difficult situations.

About this title

About the Authors

Sue Ross is a qualified social worker with degrees from St. Andrews and Oxford Universities, and a management qualification from Northumbria University. She holds a PhD from Keele University in Systems Change in Organisations. She is a Fellow of the British Cybernetic Society, an external assessor for the General Social Care Council and chair of the Independent Review Mechanism for Adoption for the North of England. She became East Renfrewshire's first Director of Social Work from 1995–2001. As Chief Executive, she established Selby and York Primary Care Trust, one of the largest PTCs in England and Wales. In February 2004, she set up her own health and social care consultancy, interim management and executive coaching to local authorities and other public sector organisations. She undertook a number of interim assignments including Directors of Children's Services for two London Boroughs and a year as the Director of Social Services in Blaenau Gwent.

Andy Bilson is Director of the Centre for Europe's Children at Glasgow University. He is involved in research, monitoring and evaluation of child care at national and international level.

Edition details

• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1853023884
• ISBN 13: 9781853023880
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 190