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Inter-European social workers’ mobility within a dynamic social work and immigration policy context: a case study of England

Hussein, Shereen (2018) Inter-European social workers’ mobility within a dynamic social work and immigration policy context: a case study of England. European Journal of Social Work, 23 (4). pp. 566-579. ISSN 1369-1457. (doi:10.1080/13691457.2018.1539836) (KAR id:70109)

Abstract

Social workers are increasingly globally mobile, pursuing employment opportunities that combine professional and lifestyle projects. Social work skills and practice are embedded in cultural, linguistic and nation-specific legislative competencies. The current article engages with the interplay of a fast-moving social work and immigration policy context and the role of inter-European social workers, using England as a case study of destination. Based on registration data of non-UK qualified social workers (2003–2017), a survey of 97 stakeholders from 27 European Union countries and focus group discussions, it investigates trends and challenges of transnational social workers (TSWs) in England. The findings highlight a dynamic process of social work education and immigration policy reforms during the past decade that was associated with a significant change in the volume and profile of TSWs registered to work in England. Data from European stakeholders further highlight two key findings: first, there is evidence of an increased role of inter-European social workers in most of Western European countries; second, the process of social work qualifications’ recognition within Europe remains considerably variable. The implications of the findings are discussed within the context of continued inter-European policy and political changes.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1080/13691457.2018.1539836
Uncontrolled keywords: Transnational social work, European union, social work regulation, social work reforms, immigration policies, Brexit
Subjects: H Social Sciences
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research > Personal Social Services Research Unit
Depositing User: Shereen Hussein
Date Deposited: 15 Nov 2018 16:10 UTC
Last Modified: 09 Dec 2022 08:54 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/70109 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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