Nick Gould - Böcker

A critical characteristic of human service organizations is their capacity to learn from experience and to adapt continuously to changing external conditions such as downward pressure on resources, constant reconfiguration of the welfare state and rapidly changing patterns of social need. This invaluable, groundbreaking volume discusses in detail the concept of the learning organization, in particular its relevance to social work and social services. Contributors join together from across Europe, North America and Australia to explore the development of the learning organization within social work contexts and its use as a strategic tool for meeting problems of continuous learning, supervision and change. The volume addresses a range of important topics, from strategies for embedding learning and critical reflection in the social work learning organization, to the implications of the learning organization for the new community-based health and social care agenda.

A critical characteristic of human service organizations is their capacity to learn from experience and to adapt continuously to changing external conditions such as downward pressure on resources, constant reconfiguration of the welfare state and rapidly changing patterns of social need. This invaluable, groundbreaking volume discusses in detail the concept of the learning organization, in particular its relevance to social work and social services. Contributors join together from across Europe, North America and Australia to explore the development of the learning organization within social work contexts and its use as a strategic tool for meeting problems of continuous learning, supervision and change. The volume addresses a range of important topics, from strategies for embedding learning and critical reflection in the social work learning organization, to the implications of the learning organization for the new community-based health and social care agenda.

`A really fine book... an impressive work that adds much to the development of the use of qualitative methodology in social work research' - William J Reid, University at Albany

'The back cover of the book proclaims that "Qualitative Research in Social Work will be essential reading for all students, practitioners and researchers undertaking social work research." That just about sums it up for me' - British Journal of Social Work

`This book is a significant milestone in the development of social work research. It is characterized by an unparalleled command of the field of qualitative research in social work, and by a commitment to an understanding of the demands and potential of day-to-day social work practice' - Mike Fisher, Director of Research, National Institute for Social Research

`Qualitative Research in Social Work edited by Ian Shaw and Nick Gould, provides a state-of-the-art exposition and analysis of qualitative inquiry in relation to social work.... The book has an unusual degree of coherence for one with several authors. The five chapters by the editors (parts one and three) do an exceptional job of providing the necessary background information and setting the context for the six application chapters and of highlighting and discussing the issues raised in those chapters. The editors are respected scholars

well-versed in the theory and practice of qualitative research. Similarly, the contributing authors represent both considerable experience in this field and a diversity of interests. This combination makes Qualitative Research in Social Work an excellent text for students, practitioners, and researchers alike. It is a benchmark for social work progress in this area and points the way for the continued development of qualitative inquiry' - Professor Stanley L Witkin, Department of Social Work, University of Vermont

There is a clear need for a book which treats qualitative research as a substantive theme within social work, setting epistemological and methodological issues in a context whereby the agenda is set by, and is relevant to, social work. Qualitative Research in Social Work is just such a book and will be immensely useful for students, practitioners and researchers interested in and undertaking social work research.

In the introductory chapters the co-authors set qualitative research within a context of social work developments and problems. The central section provides additional topicality and directness through specially commissioned chapters from leading figures in this field each covering key qualitative methods and relating them to social work settings, and the final section which reviews qualitative research in social work, and aims to exemplify ways in which social work thought and practice can be advanced through research.

This new edition of Mental Health Social Work in Context continues to be an authoritative, evidence-based introduction to a core area of the social work curriculum. Grounded in the social models of mental health particularly relevant to qualifying social workers, but also intended to familiarise students with social aspects of medical perspectives, this core text helps to prepare students for practice and to develop their knowledge around:• promoting the social inclusion of people with mental health problems;• the changing context of multidisciplinary mental health services;• an integrated evidence base for practice; and• working with people with mental health problems across the life course.Including new material on proposed reforms to mental health and mental capacity legislation, this book also contains major revisions that focus on the statutory and policy contexts of social work practice as well as ongoing changes in the organisational frameworks for the delivery of services and implications for the social work role. This fully updated third edition is an essential textbook for all social work students taking undergraduate and postgraduate qualifying degrees, and it will also be invaluable for practitioners undertaking post-qualifying awards in mental health social work.

This new edition of Mental Health Social Work in Context continues to be an authoritative, evidence-based introduction to a core area of the social work curriculum. Grounded in the social models of mental health particularly relevant to qualifying social workers, but also intended to familiarise students with social aspects of medical perspectives, this core text helps to prepare students for practice and to develop their knowledge around:• promoting the social inclusion of people with mental health problems;• the changing context of multidisciplinary mental health services;• an integrated evidence base for practice; and• working with people with mental health problems across the life course.Including new material on proposed reforms to mental health and mental capacity legislation, this book also contains major revisions that focus on the statutory and policy contexts of social work practice as well as ongoing changes in the organisational frameworks for the delivery of services and implications for the social work role. This fully updated third edition is an essential textbook for all social work students taking undergraduate and postgraduate qualifying degrees, and it will also be invaluable for practitioners undertaking post-qualifying awards in mental health social work.

First published in 1997, in this second volume Gould and Moultrie compile writings from various professionals in the public service sector, researchers and other academics in support of the Social Services Research and Development Unit (or SSRADU) at the University of Bath. Primarily focusing on three points of research: In retrospect, the lessons learnt form implementing information systems in to address specific needs of the social service organisation. Different processes that can successfully identify the major information needs of the late 1990s, encompassing efficient and relevant information to inform social service planning. Finally, the management of information in social services in a national and international context.

First published in 1997, in this second volume Gould and Moultrie compile writings from various professionals in the public service sector, researchers and other academics in support of the Social Services Research and Development Unit (or SSRADU) at the University of Bath. Primarily focusing on three points of research: In retrospect, the lessons learnt form implementing information systems in to address specific needs of the social service organisation. Different processes that can successfully identify the major information needs of the late 1990s, encompassing efficient and relevant information to inform social service planning. Finally, the management of information in social services in a national and international context.

First published in 1996, this volume explores the role of IT in the social services sector and provides solutions to problems of information flow and management, with contributors and researchers experienced in statistics, planning and policy for social services. Its publication marked a rite of passage for social services informatics. Articles contained in this volume confront the potentialities and risks of the internet technological frontier, bringing in areas including the voluntary sector, SSI inspections and how readers employed in social services can benefit from information technology.

First published in 1996, this volume explores the role of IT in the social services sector and provides solutions to problems of information flow and management, with contributors and researchers experienced in statistics, planning and policy for social services. Its publication marked a rite of passage for social services informatics. Articles contained in this volume confront the potentialities and risks of the internet technological frontier, bringing in areas including the voluntary sector, SSI inspections and how readers employed in social services can benefit from information technology.