Example safeguarding dissertation topic 2:

The practical challenges of inter-professional practice in social work today

Social work and intervention does not exist in a vortex of isolation. Rather, to ensure that the best possible interventions are made a cross agency approach is often needed. With young people and vulnerable adults this often takes the form of working with probation services, schools and colleges, health care professionals and a variety of additional stakeholders. Using a multi-method research technique and based on trainee observations within Bolton, this is a dissertation that provides a valuable insight to the challenges that face inter-agency and inter-professional working patterns (including comments on the differences in departmental governance and practices).

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Bell, L. and Allain, L. (2011) ‘Exploring professional stereotypes and learning for inter-professional practice: An example from UK qualifying level social work education’, Social Work Education: The International Journal, Vol. 30(3), pp. 266-280.
• Pollard, K., Miers, M. and Rickaby, C. (2012) ‘‘Oh why didn’t I take more notice?’ Professionals’ views and perceptions of their pre-qualifying interprofessional learning as preparation for interprofessional working in practice’, Journal of Interprofessional Care, not yet published.
• Pollard, K.C., Thomas, J. and Miers, M. (eds) (2010) Understanding interprofessional working in health and social care: Theory and practice. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.