A book on social work values and ethics is always important, especially at a time when the profession is dominated by a managerialist approach that follows the current free market consensus. All too often managers control what social workers do and how they do it by ensuring that overly prescriptive targets and procedures are adhered to. Such "practice" does not reflect the creativity and critical thinking that is essential for good social work. This book addresses such issues in a clear manner and is welcome for that.
Professional Social Work ‘I’m delighted to see a series that is accessible and that deals with the knowledge and skills needed to work creatively with the everyday concerns and complex issues encountered in direct social work practice. This series offers indispensable coverage of key issues.’
Pamela Trevithick, Visiting Professor in Social Work, Buckinghamshire New University, UK This book presents in a very readable and practical format an introduction to values and ethics across the professional lifespan and taking account of organizational contexts. It will be of particular value to new social work students meeting the new requirements (Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency/Code of Conduct, Performance and Ethics, and The College of Social Work's Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF)). It will also be relevant to practitioners looking for material to assist them with reflections on practice as they prepare for re-registration with the new regulator (HCPC) and think about their careers in relation to the PCF.
Professor Hilary Tompsett, Kingston University and St George's, University of London, UK This is a good introduction to the history of ethical thought.
Carolyn Noble, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
China Journal of Social Work