This book aims to provide a brief and selective history of the development of social work following the publication of the Seebohm Report. It identifies emerging trends in practice and organization, looks at the pattern of Government thinking and attempts to construct a view of its future.

This book is an up-to-date analysis of the issues facing the future of the social work profession in the face of rising political authoritarianism, economic inequality and insecurity, class and racial conflicts, fiscal pressure and the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides an account of how these factors interact, and what their consequences are for policy and practice. Reflecting the author's experiences in Europe and Commonwealth countries, the book is international in its scope and analysis. It is suitable for professionals and students alike, and will also be relevant for social policy academics and researchers.