The Road Not Taken

Dominelli, L.

Abstract

The future of social work in England as a degree-based profession linked to a career ladder needs stalwart defenders. Its capacity to stand among those leading world developments in research, education and practice is in doubt because it is being undermined by politically-motivated attacks on its professionalism and commitment to protecting the interests of society’s most vulnerable people and constant changes to its professional and educational base. The turbulence caused by an unending stream of government policy shifts including Frontline, Step-up, Think Ahead and reductions in bursaries for a profession that sorely needs them, have sapped continuity within its ranks; led to declining numbers of students joining the profession; produced high rates of turnover among practitioners; and encouraged a flight away from statutory services to the voluntary sector, and, for some, a complete exit from the profession. These developments constitute a waste of public money spent on raising standards and the profession’s standing.

Citation

Dominelli, L. (2016). The Road Not Taken

• Other Type: Other
• Acceptance Date: Jun 16, 2016
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2016
• Deposit Date: Jul 26, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 16, 2017
• Pages: 18-19
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1646160
• Additional Information: URL of output: https://www.basw.co.uk/psw/; ISSN or ISBN: 1352-3112