`This is an ambitious book attemping to be relevant to a wide range of professionals in the health and welfare fields and to move from the macro policy context for change to the micro concerns of individual professional client relationships... There is much that will be of use and/or interest to both practitioners and researchers alike' - Social Policy

Designed to lay sound foundations for continuing professional development in a world of rapid change, this Reader draws together key articles exploring the recent challenges facing professionals across the spectrum of health and social care. Topics examined include: accountability to service users, funders and communities, the skills needed for teamwork and collaboration, and ethical dilemmas of working in conditions of resource constraint, and engaging in questions of quality and performance review. The chapters reflect the similarities and differences between the NHS and social services.

This a set book for the Open University course K302 Critical Practice in Health and Social Care.