Drawing on lessons from the recent history of social work to identify how and why it has lost its privilege and influence, this book challenges social work students to understand why social work has failed to maintain its position as a driver of social reform. Bamford looks forward to a new model of practice that places a commitment to put social justice back at the heart of professional practice. The book contributes to the topical debates about social work education and the identity of the profession, encouraging critical thinking about organisation models, practice content and meaning of professionalism in social work. Students are asked to consider questions such as 'why has social work found it so hard to define its role? ', 'is the neoliberal tide irreversible?', and 'do the jibes of political correctness have any substance?'. The book provides students of social work, history of social work and social policy, with a greater understanding of how social work became an unloved profession, whilst simultaneously charting a more hopeful course for the future.

This essential guide to commissioning and purchasing in social care provides case studies, guidelines, and checklists to help readers to assess need, develop care plans and select suppliers of care. It clearly explains:

• the reasons for the shift to commissioning and purchasing away from direct provision
• the distinction between commissioning and purchasing
• how to ensure that the commissioning and purchasing process fully reflects the views of users and carers
• contracts and tenders
• costs and prices in relation to providing quality care
• how safeguards can be built into the commissioning and purchasing process.

This is an invaluable resource that focuses on the practical skills required to deliver effective care. It has been written for social care students, frontline staff and their managers to help them through the process.

Drawing on lessons from the recent history of social work to identify how and why it has lost its privilege and influence, this book challenges social work students to understand why social work has failed to maintain its position as a driver of social reform. Bamford looks forward to a new model of practice that places a commitment to put social justice back at the heart of professional practice. The book contributes to the topical debates about social work education and the identity of the profession, encouraging critical thinking about organisation models, practice content and meaning of professionalism in social work. Students are asked to consider questions such as 'why has social work found it so hard to define its role? ', 'is the neoliberal tide irreversible?', and 'do the jibes of political correctness have any substance?'. The book provides students of social work, history of social work and social policy, with a greater understanding of how social work became an unloved profession, whilst simultaneously charting a more hopeful course for the future.

Contents:
1. Putting Purchasing in Context 2. Commissioning 3. Involving Users and Carers 4. Care Management 5. Contracting 6. Costs and Prices 7. Purchasing Quality Care 8. Next Steps in Commissioning