Accountability, administrative law and social work practice: Redressing or reinforcing the power imbalance?

Abstract

Accountability in social care services involves a complex web of obligations to different stakeholders whose demands are not necessarily compatible. This article locates administrative law within the range of mechanisms for ensuring accountability, and evaluates its contribution. It is argued that, in the current policy context, some forms of accountability are promoted over others, and that accountabilities to service users and to professional codes are compromised. The implications of this, and potential remedies, are explored.

Key Words:

• accountability
• complaints procedures
• inspection
• judicial review
• regulations
• social work