The social worker speaks: I - perceptions of recent changes in British Social Work

This article discusses the findings from in-depth interviews with social workers relating to their perceptions of current changes in the organisation and practice of social work. It identifies positive and negative views of the changes experienced or expected by respondents, including the introduction of market concepts and increased specialisation. The effects of work setting and sector on perceptions of change are noted and themes identified according to whether respondents worked in the Probation Service or Departments of Social Services. In relation to the latter, further distinctions are drawn relative to client group and setting. Finally, the authors relate the changes to the wider context and conditions in which ‘change’ has been more positively experienced and identify the shared characteristics of ‘positive’ respondents. The possibility that changes (including the apparent fragmentation and weakening of social work) could lead to a more diverse but confident professional identity is postulated. This article is the first of a two part series and will be followed in the next issue of Practice by The Social Worker Speaks: II - Management of change in the personal social services