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Title: |
A systems approach to evaluating organisational change in children's social care. |
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Reference: |
British Journal of Social Work, 41(4), June 2011, pp.726-743. |
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ISSN paper: |
0045-3102 |
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ISSN online: |
1468-263X |
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Abstract: |
A systems approach to improving performance has been well established in many high-risk industries, such as aviation, where it has been realised that human error can be more effectively reduced by looking at wider organisational factors. This paper describes an innovative systems methodology for evaluating child protection social work practice and improving organisational learning. The methodology is presented using the case example of the reform of children’s social care in a local government area of London. The evaluative approach engages management, staff, service users and other stakeholders in assessing the factors that influence practice and outcomes. The data collection tools developed included surveys to reach staff, multi-agency professionals and service users, together with in-depth interviews to get a deep understanding of causal factors and their interactions. Data included organisational cultural factors that influence the effectiveness of decision making, improve patterns of interaction with families and other professionals, remove constraints on practice, help prioritisation and improve consistency of care. The paper discusses some of the practical implications of applying the instruments, such as avoiding bias and dealing with unresponsiveness. It also supports the gathering of feedback from vulnerable service users. |
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Format: |
article; |
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Topics: |
child protection; data collection; organisational culture; organisational learning; performance evaluation; systems approach; |
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Record ID: |
www.scie-socialcareonline.org.uk/profile.asp?guid=e3a5ab88-4fd4-4213-8543-ce1615e5ba18 |
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