David N. Thomas – författare

Since the late 1960s, community work had emerged in its own right as an occupation with an increasingly important contribution to make both to ways of thinking within the field of social policy, and to day-to-day social work practice and the resolution of pressing community issues. Its practitioners had grown in numbers and experience, while community work ideas and methods continued to influence developments in a variety of other ‘neighbouring’ occupations. Originally published in 1980, the editors of this NISW collection suggest that if community workers are to remain effective, then they must stay on the boundaries of the agencies that employ them and of the groups with whom they work. This theme of the ‘boundary nature’ of community work is examined in detail in the Introduction and is subsequently taken up by the other contributors to the book.

This title is organised under three main headings – a survey section on the history, philosophy and theories of community work in the United Kingdom; a series of case studies that suggest the diversity of the interests of community work; and an analysis of the growth of community work as an occupation and the spread of its influence through related professions and disciplines.

This mix of theory, practice and analysis made the book of special importance both to practising community workers and to community work teachers and students at the time. In addition, the book would have been of direct interest to community oriented administrators, professionals, teachers and students in other human service fields such as health, education, housing, planning and the personal social services, as well as to elected members and administrators in central and local government more generally. It will now be welcomed by anyone who seeks a critical account of the historical activities of community work, written by experienced practitioners and teachers.

Since the late 1960s, community work had emerged in its own right as an occupation with an increasingly important contribution to make both to ways of thinking within the field of social policy, and to day-to-day social work practice and the resolution of pressing community issues. Its practitioners had grown in numbers and experience, while community work ideas and methods continued to influence developments in a variety of other ‘neighbouring’ occupations. Originally published in 1980, the editors of this NISW collection suggest that if community workers are to remain effective, then they must stay on the boundaries of the agencies that employ them and of the groups with whom they work. This theme of the ‘boundary nature’ of community work is examined in detail in the Introduction and is subsequently taken up by the other contributors to the book.

This title is organised under three main headings – a survey section on the history, philosophy and theories of community work in the United Kingdom; a series of case studies that suggest the diversity of the interests of community work; and an analysis of the growth of community work as an occupation and the spread of its influence through related professions and disciplines.

This mix of theory, practice and analysis made the book of special importance both to practising community workers and to community work teachers and students at the time. In addition, the book would have been of direct interest to community oriented administrators, professionals, teachers and students in other human service fields such as health, education, housing, planning and the personal social services, as well as to elected members and administrators in central and local government more generally. It will now be welcomed by anyone who seeks a critical account of the historical activities of community work, written by experienced practitioners and teachers.

The growth of interest in community work during the seventies was very marked. But while much had been written on the actual practice of community work, there was for too long a lack of British material on the vital subjects of useful theory, training and the development of skills.

In this title, originally published in 1977, the authors brought together for the National Institute for Social Work experienced teachers and practitioners of community work in an integrated and carefully structured textbook which would further understanding of the means through which community workers develop their knowledge and skills; it would be widely welcomed by all those involved in aspects of community work – as teachers, students, practitioners, supervisors and as local authority training officers.

The first part of the book has four chapters on the principle means through which community workers develop their skills within their employing agencies. Part two deals with theories and the contribution made to community work by the social sciences, group work, research methods and management and planning studies. The last part of the book contains three papers which examine the major problems and issues in the placement, learning experiences and assessment of students on field work.

The growth of interest in community work during the seventies was very marked. But while much had been written on the actual practice of community work, there was for too long a lack of British material on the vital subjects of useful theory, training and the development of skills.

In this title, originally published in 1977, the authors brought together for the National Institute for Social Work experienced teachers and practitioners of community work in an integrated and carefully structured textbook which would further understanding of the means through which community workers develop their knowledge and skills; it would be widely welcomed by all those involved in aspects of community work – as teachers, students, practitioners, supervisors and as local authority training officers.

The first part of the book has four chapters on the principle means through which community workers develop their skills within their employing agencies. Part two deals with theories and the contribution made to community work by the social sciences, group work, research methods and management and planning studies. The last part of the book contains three papers which examine the major problems and issues in the placement, learning experiences and assessment of students on field work.

Originally published in 1976, the aim of this book was to understand the contribution of community work to meeting some of the problems to be found in many of Britain’s inner city neighbourhoods. It describes the community work process and the tasks, roles and skills of the professional community worker as he interacts with neighbourhood groups and service agencies. The author also indicates some of the strengths of collective action and its likely benefits and costs to those who participate. The book includes an examination of how to effect changes in the delivery of services from statutory and voluntary agencies, as well as an assessment of the community project of which the author was a staff member. The book is a contribution to the theory of community work and practice, and it is based upon the experience of those who worked in, and used, the Southwark Community Project, established by the National Institute for Social Work. It was written for practitioners, teachers and students of community work, as well as for other closely involved in community affairs such as teachers, playground workers, planners and social workers.

Originally published in 1976, the aim of this book was to understand the contribution of community work to meeting some of the problems to be found in many of Britain’s inner city neighbourhoods. It describes the community work process and the tasks, roles and skills of the professional community worker as he interacts with neighbourhood groups and service agencies. The author also indicates some of the strengths of collective action and its likely benefits and costs to those who participate. The book includes an examination of how to effect changes in the delivery of services from statutory and voluntary agencies, as well as an assessment of the community project of which the author was a staff member. The book is a contribution to the theory of community work and practice, and it is based upon the experience of those who worked in, and used, the Southwark Community Project, established by the National Institute for Social Work. It was written for practitioners, teachers and students of community work, as well as for other closely involved in community affairs such as teachers, playground workers, planners and social workers.

Skills in Neighbourhood Work is a practice textbook. It explains the skills, knowledge and techniques needed by community workers and other practitioners to work effectively in and with communities.

While the principles and methods it describes have stood the test of time, the political, economic and social changes which have taken place since the book was first published have made new editions essential. Rewritten and updated to include new practice examples, this fifth edition retains all the practical information needed by the student or practitioner but sets it in the contemporary context. Including a European perspective and views from North America and Australia, it covers:

Starting, supporting and ending work with community groups

Evaluation

Data collection

Goals and priorities

Making contacts

Group work

Helping groups work with other organisations.

This invaluable textbook is essential reading for students and practitioners of community work.

Skills in Neighbourhood Work is a practice textbook. It explains the skills, knowledge and techniques needed by community workers and other practitioners to work effectively in and with communities.

While the principles and methods it describes have stood the test of time, the political, economic and social changes which have taken place since the book was first published have made new editions essential. Rewritten and updated to include new practice examples, this fifth edition retains all the practical information needed by the student or practitioner but sets it in the contemporary context. Including a European perspective and views from North America and Australia, it covers:

Starting, supporting and ending work with community groups

Evaluation

Data collection

Goals and priorities

Making contacts

Group work

Helping groups work with other organisations.

This invaluable textbook is essential reading for students and practitioners of community work.

Originally published in 1986, White Bolts, Black Locks was a major contribution to the national debate about racism, racial justice and the relationships between the white and black British. It examines the participation of black people in community activities, and the effects on that participation of personal and institutional forms of racism. This thought-provoking and readable book has much to say to white and black professionals who work together, for the author describes the way in which ‘white speak’ and ‘black speak’ are used to build self-protective stockades.

David Thomas explores the idea of community capability, and how black and white neighbours try to live together and improve their livelihood. He presents stimulating material about neighbourhoods, and suggests why they must be given more recognition as a proper part of the social structure.

The book will still be of historical interest to practitioners, volunteers and local residents working in urban neighbourhoods, and to students in social work, community development, politics, sociology and social policy and administration. It is a book that should not be ignored by anyone with an interest in the significance of neighbourhood processes and development.

Originally published in 1983, The Making of Community Work is the outcome of a two-year study of community work in the United Kingdom. The main purpose of the study was to review the development of community work, and to suggest some of the issues in practice and training that might be important in the 1980s. Much of the first part of the book is taken up with the emergence of community work as an occupation; David Thomas tries to clarify its contribution to a number of political and social processes, and to define community work in a way which distinguishes it from other kinds of interventions. The second part of the book deals with training, research, literature and employment in community work; it includes a review of college and field-based training opportunities, and a critical discussion of the state of theory and ideology in the occupation.

It was hoped it would be an important source of ideas and inspiration for the years ahead. It was the first major review of community work since its re-discovery in the 1960s; it will still be of interest to all those involved in community work, or wishing to understand its influence on other professions. The book was intended for fieldworkers, administrators, policy-makers, trainers and students in community work and in related occupations and disciplines. Thomas presents his ideas clearly, and his ability to look critically at some of the basic assumptions in community work makes for stimulating and enjoyable reading.

Originally published in 1986, White Bolts, Black Locks was a major contribution to the national debate about racism, racial justice and the relationships between the white and black British. It examines the participation of black people in community activities, and the effects on that participation of personal and institutional forms of racism. This thought-provoking and readable book has much to say to white and black professionals who work together, for the author describes the way in which ‘white speak’ and ‘black speak’ are used to build self-protective stockades.

David Thomas explores the idea of community capability, and how black and white neighbours try to live together and improve their livelihood. He presents stimulating material about neighbourhoods, and suggests why they must be given more recognition as a proper part of the social structure.

The book will still be of historical interest to practitioners, volunteers and local residents working in urban neighbourhoods, and to students in social work, community development, politics, sociology and social policy and administration. It is a book that should not be ignored by anyone with an interest in the significance of neighbourhood processes and development.

Originally published in 1983, The Making of Community Work is the outcome of a two-year study of community work in the United Kingdom. The main purpose of the study was to review the development of community work, and to suggest some of the issues in practice and training that might be important in the 1980s. Much of the first part of the book is taken up with the emergence of community work as an occupation; David Thomas tries to clarify its contribution to a number of political and social processes, and to define community work in a way which distinguishes it from other kinds of interventions. The second part of the book deals with training, research, literature and employment in community work; it includes a review of college and field-based training opportunities, and a critical discussion of the state of theory and ideology in the occupation.

It was hoped it would be an important source of ideas and inspiration for the years ahead. It was the first major review of community work since its re-discovery in the 1960s; it will still be of interest to all those involved in community work, or wishing to understand its influence on other professions. The book was intended for fieldworkers, administrators, policy-makers, trainers and students in community work and in related occupations and disciplines. Thomas presents his ideas clearly, and his ability to look critically at some of the basic assumptions in community work makes for stimulating and enjoyable reading.

Over the past 20 years the study of the frozen Arctic and Southern Oceans and sub-arctic seas has progressed at a remarkable pace. This third edition of Sea Ice gives insight into the very latest understanding of the how sea ice is formed, how we measure (and model) its extent, the biology that lives within and associated with sea ice and the effect of climate change on its distribution. How sea ice influences the oceanography of underlying waters and the influences that sea ice has on humans living in Arctic regions are also discussed.  

Featuring twelve new chapters, this edition follows two previous editions (2001 and 2010), and the need for this latest update exhibits just how rapidly the science of sea ice is developing. The 27 chapters are written by a team of more than 50 of the worlds’ leading experts in their fields. These combine to make the book the most comprehensive introduction to the physics, chemistry, biology and geology of sea ice that there is.

Over the past 20 years the study of the frozen Arctic and Southern Oceans and sub-arctic seas has progressed at a remarkable pace. This third edition of Sea Ice gives insight into the very latest understanding of the how sea ice is formed, how we measure (and model) its extent, the biology that lives within and associated with sea ice and the effect of climate change on its distribution. How sea ice influences the oceanography of underlying waters and the influences that sea ice has on humans living in Arctic regions are also discussed.  

Featuring twelve new chapters, this edition follows two previous editions (2001 and 2010), and the need for this latest update exhibits just how rapidly the science of sea ice is developing. The 27 chapters are written by a team of more than 50 of the worlds’ leading experts in their fields. These combine to make the book the most comprehensive introduction to the physics, chemistry, biology and geology of sea ice that there is.