Opinion: Remembering Srebrenica

By Gareth Jonas, History and Political Science Alumnus University of Birmingham This year marks the twenty-third anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide, described by the International Criminal Tribunal of Yugoslavia as “scenes from hell, written on the darkest pages of human history”. A seminal moment in international security, commemoration of this massacre is especially relevant for … Continue reading “Opinion: Remembering Srebrenica”

A remarkable life: The longevity of the National Assistance Act

By Allan Norman, Associate Lecturer in Social Work Law, University of Birmingham Social Worker, Non-practising solicitor “The existing poor law shall cease to have effect.” With these opening words, the National Assistance Act 1948 dramatically brought about the end of an era, sweeping away the last vestiges of a Victorian scheme that had held on … Continue reading “A remarkable life: The longevity of the National Assistance Act”

The National Assistance Act 70 years on – Lessons for the social care green paper

By Catherine Needham, Professor of Public Policy and Public Management Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham As the weight of expectations builds on the forthcoming social care green paper, it is timely that this week is the 70th anniversary of the National Assistance Act 1948 which created social services in their current form. The … Continue reading “The National Assistance Act 70 years on – Lessons for the social care green paper”