Upgrading the Social Service Work Force in Britain: Lessons for Part-Time Social Work Education in the U.S.

Abstract

A new model of part-time social work education, leading to a nationally-recognized credential, has been introduced in Britain to professionalize members of the social service work force who are not trained for the jobs they perform. Based on research on the CSS training model (including interviews in 1978, 1980, and 1982 with British government officials, CCETSW staff, and college and social agency personnel involved in CSS training), this paper describes the development of this new type of training. It provides information on curriculum design, accreditation standards, and the results of a number of pilot programs. Issues that have emerged with the development of these programs in Britain are discussed and some observations pertaining to related issues in the U.S. are offered.