The Social Policy Context for Social Work in Wales

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

This chapter is about the key devolutionary developments which have created a new social policy context in Wales since the establishment of the Senedd (then known as the Welsh Assembly) in 1999. It will summarise the key stages in the devolutionary process including the reasons why Wales voted for devolution in 1997 and the key developments that have happened since including the gaining of legislative powers. Then it will focus on the importance of key policy developments and key legislation for social workers practising in Wales including the Social Services and Well-being Act (Wales) 2014 and the Well-being and Future Generations Act (Wales) 2015. The context of social work practice in Wales has radically changed during the devolution era. Social workers near retirement today will recall a very different context when they started their career many years ago. The newly qualified social worker unlike their predecessor practice within a legislative framework made in Wales to meet the needs of the people of Wales who need social services. The chapter will set these changes in the context of a Welsh political tradition that has fostered collectivism and a commitment to a statutory approach to social services in Wales.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSocial Work in Wales
Place of PublicationBristol
PublisherPolicy Press
Chapter1
Pages5-16
ISBN (print)978-1447367192
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2023
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