Pitched at students taking qualifying degrees in social work, i.e. undergraduate and masters as well as Think Ahead but is also relevant for mental health practitioners taking post-qualifying courses, particularly those to accredit them as Advanced Mental Health Professionals. Authoritative evidence-based introduction to an area of specialism chosen by many social work students. Provides detailed coverage of mental health across the life course including working with children and older people.

Pitched at students taking qualifying degrees in social work, i.e. undergraduate and masters as well as Think Ahead but is also relevant for mental health practitioners taking post-qualifying courses, particularly those to accredit them as Advanced Mental Health Professionals. Authoritative evidence-based introduction to an area of specialism chosen by many social work students. Provides detailed coverage of mental health across the life course including working with children and older people.

First published in 1997, in this second volume Gould and Moultrie compile writings from various professionals in the public service sector, researchers and other academics in support of the Social Services Research and Development Unit (or SSRADU) at the University of Bath. Primarily focusing on three points of research: In retrospect, the lessons learnt form implementing information systems in to address specific needs of the social service organisation. Different processes that can successfully identify the major information needs of the late 1990s, encompassing efficient and relevant information to inform social service planning. Finally, the management of information in social services in a national and international context.

First published in 1997, in this second volume Gould and Moultrie compile writings from various professionals in the public service sector, researchers and other academics in support of the Social Services Research and Development Unit (or SSRADU) at the University of Bath. Primarily focusing on three points of research: In retrospect, the lessons learnt form implementing information systems in to address specific needs of the social service organisation. Different processes that can successfully identify the major information needs of the late 1990s, encompassing efficient and relevant information to inform social service planning. Finally, the management of information in social services in a national and international context.

A critical characteristic of human service organizations is their capacity to learn from experience and to adapt continuously to changing external conditions such as downward pressure on resources, constant reconfiguration of the welfare state and rapidly changing patterns of social need. This invaluable, groundbreaking volume discusses in detail the concept of the learning organization, in particular its relevance to social work and social services. Contributors join together from across Europe, North America and Australia to explore the development of the learning organization within social work contexts and its use as a strategic tool for meeting problems of continuous learning, supervision and change. The volume addresses a range of important topics, from strategies for embedding learning and critical reflection in the social work learning organization, to the implications of the learning organization for the new community-based health and social care agenda.

A critical characteristic of human service organizations is their capacity to learn from experience and to adapt continuously to changing external conditions such as downward pressure on resources, constant reconfiguration of the welfare state and rapidly changing patterns of social need. This invaluable, groundbreaking volume discusses in detail the concept of the learning organization, in particular its relevance to social work and social services. Contributors join together from across Europe, North America and Australia to explore the development of the learning organization within social work contexts and its use as a strategic tool for meeting problems of continuous learning, supervision and change. The volume addresses a range of important topics, from strategies for embedding learning and critical reflection in the social work learning organization, to the implications of the learning organization for the new community-based health and social care agenda.

Since the publication of Donald SchAn's The Reflective Practitioner in 1983 there has been a dramatic growth of research and writing developing the concept of reflective learning. Surprisingly, there has been little application of concepts of reflective learning to social work education. This volume: c makes accessible for the first time to a social work readership a book which focuses on reflective learning in social work c brings together material on reflective learning from both academic and practice settings c creates a seminal text for educators and trainers in universities and practice settings c has relevance to an international readership, with contributions from the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.

First published in 1996, this volume explores the role of IT in the social services sector and provides solutions to problems of information flow and management, with contributors and researchers experienced in statistics, planning and policy for social services. Its publication marked a rite of passage for social services informatics. Articles contained in this volume confront the potentialities and risks of the internet technological frontier, bringing in areas including the voluntary sector, SSI inspections and how readers employed in social services can benefit from information technology.

First published in 1996, this volume explores the role of IT in the social services sector and provides solutions to problems of information flow and management, with contributors and researchers experienced in statistics, planning and policy for social services. Its publication marked a rite of passage for social services informatics. Articles contained in this volume confront the potentialities and risks of the internet technological frontier, bringing in areas including the voluntary sector, SSI inspections and how readers employed in social services can benefit from information technology.

`A really fine book... an impressive work that adds much to the development of the use of qualitative methodology in social work research' - William J Reid, University at Albany

`This book is a significant milestone in the development of social work research. It is characterized by an unparalleled command of the field of qualitative research in social work, and by a commitment to an understanding of the demands and potential of day-to-day social work practice' - Mike Fisher, Director of Research, National Institute for Social Research

`Qualitative Research in Social Work edited by Ian Shaw and Nick Gould, provides a state-of-the-art exposition and analysis of qualitative inquiry in relation to social work.... The book has an unusual degree of coherence for one with several authors. The five chapters by the editors (parts one and three) do an exceptional job of providing the necessary background information and setting the context for the six application chapters and of highlighting and discussing the issues raised in those chapters. The editors are respected scholars

well-versed in the theory and practice of qualitative research. Similarly, the contributing authors represent both considerable experience in this field and a diversity of interests. This combination makes Qualitative Research in Social Work an excellent text for students, practitioners, and researchers alike. It is a benchmark for social work progress in this area and points the way for the continued development of qualitative inquiry' - Professor Stanley L Witkin, Department of Social Work, University of Vermont

There is a clear need for a book which treats qualitative research as a substantive theme within social work, setting epistemological and methodological issues in a context whereby the agenda is set by, and is relevant to, social work. Qualitative Research in Social Work is just such a book and will be immensely useful for students, practitioners and researchers interested in and undertaking social work research.

In the introductory chapters the co-authors set qualitative research within a context of social work developments and problems. The central section provides additional topicality and directness through specially commissioned chapters from leading figures in this field each covering key qualitative methods and relating them to social work settings, and the final section which reviews qualitative research in social work, and aims to exemplify ways in which social work thought and practice can be advanced through research.

Economic and social change is accelerating under the twin impact of globalisation and the new information technologies. But how are these processes interrelated? Are they impelling us towards a common socio-economic future? What can governments do if they want to manage and steer the direction of development? This book addresses these questions with particular reference to the European Union, which has made the development of a socially cohesive, knowledge-based economy its central task for the present decade. It assesses both the challenges and the policy instruments that are being deployed, focussing in particular on the dynamics of the 'new economy'; the new organisational architectures associated with rapid innovation; the transformation of education and training; the implications for social cohesion and exclusion and the role of policy benchmarking in promoting policy learning and enhancing national performance. The European Challenge presents the most up-to-date research on the development of the knowledge-based economy and its social and policy implications. Its accessible and integrated treatment of the processes of economic, social and technological change make it an invaluable resource for those studying and researching in the fields of public and social policy, organisational and technological change and innovation. It is also highly relevant to policy-makers who need to understand and manage this change.

Does the thought of delivering a presentation make your heart skip a beat? Do your pitches fall flat no matter how much preparation you put in? Are you often comparing yourself to more eloquent speakers and wondering how they capture the room? At some point in our careers we will need to speak in front of an audience; whether to present our ideas to a group of five in a meeting, pitch for investment in front of a panel or deliver a keynote speech to one thousand delegates. Yet glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, is incredibly common and can inhibit our chances of career progression by up to 15%. In Speaking with Confidence, Expert and managing director of Speakers' Corner Nick Gold, shows how anyone can learn to be a confident public speaker and use their surroundings to give them the support and structure they need to achieve maximum impact and success from their speech. His decades of experience coaching and producing some of the best speakers in the country have been condensed here into one expert guide to help you connect with your audience every time.

`A really fine book... an impressive work that adds much to the development of the use of qualitative methodology in social work research' - William J Reid, University at Albany

`This book is a significant milestone in the development of social work research. It is characterized by an unparalleled command of the field of qualitative research in social work, and by a commitment to an understanding of the demands and potential of day-to-day social work practice' - Mike Fisher, Director of Research, National Institute for Social Research

`Qualitative Research in Social Work edited by Ian Shaw and Nick Gould, provides a state-of-the-art exposition and analysis of qualitative inquiry in relation to social work.... The book has an unusual degree of coherence for one with several authors. The five chapters by the editors (parts one and three) do an exceptional job of providing the necessary background information and setting the context for the six application chapters and of highlighting and discussing the issues raised in those chapters. The editors are respected scholars

well-versed in the theory and practice of qualitative research. Similarly, the contributing authors represent both considerable experience in this field and a diversity of interests. This combination makes Qualitative Research in Social Work an excellent text for students, practitioners, and researchers alike. It is a benchmark for social work progress in this area and points the way for the continued development of qualitative inquiry' - Professor Stanley L Witkin, Department of Social Work, University of Vermont

There is a clear need for a book which treats qualitative research as a substantive theme within social work, setting epistemological and methodological issues in a context whereby the agenda is set by, and is relevant to, social work. Qualitative Research in Social Work is just such a book and will be immensely useful for students, practitioners and researchers interested in and undertaking social work research.

In the introductory chapters the co-authors set qualitative research within a context of social work developments and problems. The central section provides additional topicality and directness through specially commissioned chapters from leading figures in this field each covering key qualitative methods and relating them to social work settings, and the final section which reviews qualitative research in social work, and aims to exemplify ways in which social work thought and practice can be advanced through research.