Centre For Social Work & Social Policy
This Research Centre is a part of the The School of Health & Social Care. It incorporates the work of the Social Care & Welfare and Community Engagement, Participation & Development Research Groups.
This group encompasses a wide range of work and research relating to social care and welfare, with a common emphasis on effective service delivery, a philosophy of supporting the involvement of service users, and the development of training that assists in these processes.
Background
The rapidly changing and diverse world of social work and social policy requires a robust response from the academy. The changes affecting the social work and social policy constituency include:
- The demographic profile of the UK (an ageing population; an ageing workforce, declining population and concomitant increase in need; a diverse population including many new migrants)
- A globalised, market-driven economy and attempts to define global social work within this context
- Growing environmental challenges that impact on social cohesion, marginalisation, welfare and policy within the context of human rights based thinking
These preliminary plans for the centre begin to articulate the approach being taken at Bournemouth University to respond to these challenges and opportunities.
Key Principles
The centre operates according to three driving principles which underpin its work:
- Pedagogical research: toward excellence in the student experience
- Enhancing scholarship: contributing to knowledge
- Making a difference in practice
Specific areas of work in which the team focuses include:
- Pedagogical research
- Participatory research and research inclusive of the voice of service users/participants and marginalised and excluded persons
- Mental health, capacity and deprivation of liberty (including ethics and work with older people)
Associations
Dorset Action on Abuse
Dorset Action on Abuse held its first meeting in January 2004. Its mission statement is 'To provide a forum where information, experience, and support can be shared amongst those working with, or involved with, survivors of childhood abuse'. It is also an inter-disciplinary, inter-professional group and both these new groups have a clear commitment to involving service users.
Montacute Trust School
Professor Parker (Centre Director) is a trustee of this Special School in Poole. This link has led to educational opportunities for the students of the Centre and will provide future research potential.
