Social work and the renewal of generosity towards service users and social workers

By Professor Harry Ferguson Professor of Social Work, Department of Social Work and Social Care, University of Birmingham Every day in this country social workers perform countless acts that make a real difference to the lives of thousands of people. What they do involves kindness, compassion, courage, resilience, cleverness, wisdom and high levels of knowledge … Continue reading “Social work and the renewal of generosity towards service users and social workers”

The Autumn Statement or a New Political Game in Spotting the Politics of Tokenism

By Professor John Bryson Professor of Enterprise and Economic Geography, Birmingham Business School In 1777, Samuel Johnson proclaimed to James Boswell, his friend and biographer, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”. I must admit to being tired of Autumn Statements and of a British political system that is not … Continue reading “The Autumn Statement or a New Political Game in Spotting the Politics of Tokenism”

Unfinished Business – 75 years since the National Assistance Act

By Professor Catherine Needham, Professor of Public Policy and Public Management, Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham The National Assistance Act (1948) reaches its 75th anniversary, and with much less fanfare than the 75th anniversary of the NHS. Social care for working age disabled people, older people and those with long-term mental health conditions … Continue reading “Unfinished Business – 75 years since the National Assistance Act”