On the evidence for viruses in social work systems: law, ethics and practice

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore an apparent disjunction between espoused professional ethics and ethics in practice, and between law in statute and law in action. Social work in England is used as the main case study, however, research from other jurisdictions is drawn upon to demonstrate wider concern about departures from moral and legal rules. The evidence of the disjunction is presented, drawing principally from judicial review cases, investigations by the Commissioner for Local Administration (Ombudsman), inquiry evidence and government reports. The article critiques the current regulatory apparatus in England and the mechanisms by which staff and service users can hold public organisations, particularly councils with social services responsibilities, accountable. The interface between law and ethics is reviewed. The paper concludes with observations about strengthening legal and ethical literacy in practice.

The Secret Curriculum

“…Acts of cruelty involving dehumanisation of patients, abuse and harassment have also been perpetrated by healthcare professionals (Doel et al 2010;Preston-Shoot 2010). Nor is it solely a concern within the United Kingdom.…”

The ethics of practical reasoning—exploring the terrain

“…As well as ensuring that their decisions are accurate they must also ensure that they are ethical. As Banks (2014) makes clear, the ethical 'turn' in the social work academy over the last few years has occurred partly in response to concerns that contemporary practice, occurring within a framework of neo-liberal managerialism, is actually unethical (see also McAuncliffe & Chenoweth, 2008;Preston-Shoot, 2010. The scrutiny to which social workers are subject is thus heightened yet further; not only must practice be seen to be effective, it must also be seen to be ethical.…”