Welfare Reform on the Web (July 2004): Social Care - UK

IDENTITY CRISIS LOOMS

K. Leason

Community Care, June 17th-23rd 2004, p.30-31

Government policies are moving social work closer to health and education, leading to a blurring of professional boundaries and possible loss of identity. The article looks at the role of the General Social Care Council and the British Association of Social Workers in protecting the identity of the social work profession.

PARTNERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE: THE HERTFORDSHIRE EXPERIENCE

S. Pickup

Journal of Integrated Care, Vol. 12, Apr. 2004, p.14-19

The article presents a case study of integrated provision of health and social services in Hertfordshire. It focuses particularly on practical issues which have arisen from the work of the county-wide joint commissioning board.

SOCIAL CARE SUPREMO AIMS TO PUT ADULT SERVICES BACK ON THE MAP

L. Revans

Community Care, July 1st-7th 2004, p.16-17

A report of an interview with Kathryn Hudson, the new national director for social care in which she identifies her priorities:

• raising the profile of social care nationally;
• improving communication between the Department of Health and social care providers;
• developing a national strategy for adult services.

TIGHTENING UP WORK

B. Hudson

Community Care, May 20th-26th 2004, p.42-43

The article reports on a conference which focused on the practicalities of partnership working, covering performance management, staff pay and conditions, and clashing professional cultures.