Successful Project Management in Social Work and Social Care: Managing Resources, Assessing Risks and Measuring Outcomes

Managers in social work and social care contexts are required to manage a wide range of projects: long-term and short-term, on large and small scales, in partnership with other agencies, and covering a broad range of issues and contexts. Management of these projects requires specific skills, and this book sets out what these core skills are and how they can be achieved. Topics such as managing resources, assessing risks, and measuring outcomes are covered, as well as how to start and end a project. The authors acknowledge the values and ethics inherent to care environments, as well as the business skills necessary for good management. Detailed case studies demonstrate the ideas in action, and reflective activities, practical tools and action checklists are included throughout. This practical handbook provides a clear and comprehensive guide to how to be an excellent project manager, and is a must-read for all social work and social care managers and post-qualifying social work and social care students.

Gary Spolander is Principal Lecturer, Social and Health Care Management, University of Coventry, UK. He has undertaken a number of management roles and has designed and taught leadership and management programmes.

Linda Martin is Senior Lecturer, Department of Social and Community Studies, University of Coventry, UK. She has management experience in the statutory and voluntary sectors, and has developed and implemented programmes for managers.