First of all, let me say that I think the working group have done an
excellent job in putting together both a comprehensive and a lively
account of social policy benchmarks - something that could usefully form
the basis of a discussion with any student group when they embark upon a
social policy programme. However, I also agree with Paul Spicker's view
that there might be a case for greater recognition to be given to the
importance of the study of those organisations [including the managers
and professionals who work therein] responsible for the delivery of
welfare, and their inter-organisational relationships, and similarly to
the relationships of welfare themselves as critical to welfare outcomes,
especially in the framing of the 'user' and their reaction to that. I
believe that this could be done with only a slight adjustment.
I was puzzled by the response of those colleagues who reacted by
insisting on making no changes at all when Nick's original message was a
clear invitation on behalf of the group to propose amendements and
deletions. While it could well be construed as 'New Labourish' if the
invitation to participate in a consultation process turned out to be a
hollow gesture, it should be remembered that it appears that this
position is one adopted not be those making the invitation but by those
in receipt of it, indicating a level of anxiety normally experienced
amongst professionals/managers/bureaucrats who fear either the
consequences of public participation or react the source of the ideas
proposed rather than the idea itself.
Chris Miller
Reader
Health, Community and Policy Studies
University of the West of England
-----Original Message-----
From: Social-Policy is run by SPA for all social policy specialists
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Nick Ellison
Sent: 06 November 2006 15:42
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Revised Social Policy subject benchmark statement
Please find attached a revised draft version of the Social Policy
Subject Benchmark Statement. The revision was requested by the QAA who
suggested that an update might be required as the original statement is
now over six years old. In response the Executive Committee of the
Social Policy Association established a small working group to make
suggested revisions to the subject benchmarks before sending them out to
the social policy community for consultation.
We welcome any suggestions/amendments/additions to the draft document.
Wanting to create too many hostages to fortune, we are particularly
interested in gauging views on the following matters:
- We HAVE to incorporate the employability and skills agendas into the
document. So far, this has been done in a slightly clunky introduction:
is this adequate or should more mention be made of this dimension in the
text? If you think it should suggest where and how!
- Generally speaking are the key subject areas mentioned about right?
Any obvious additions or subtractions?
- The working group was concerned about how well the statement deals
with devolution in the UK. Is this topic area dealt with adequately?
The finished statement has to be with the QAA by early December. We
would be grateful, therefore, if comments could reach us no later than
30th November.
Email [log in to unmask] and I shall collate responses for the
Executive Committee.
Many thanks,
Nick Ellison
Chair, Teaching and Learning Committee, SPA Exec.
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