bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radical innovation from relations‐based knowledge: empirical evidence in Spanish technology‐intensive firms
Authors: Delgado‐Verde Miriam , Emilio Navas‐López José , Cruz‐González Jorge , Amores‐Salvadó Javier
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The present paper seeks to provide a new insight into intellectual capital classification by theoretically and empirically differentiating relations‐based knowledge into social capital and relational capital. Additionally, taking into account the key role played by radical innovation to compete in the context defined by the “knowledge‐based economy”, the aim is to empirically investigate the possible effect of both relations‐based intellectual capital components on the development of this kind of innovation by firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from a questionnaire responded to by 251 Spanish high and medium‐high tech firms. Based on their answers, exploratory factor analysis and regression analysis are carried out.

Findings

As theoretically proposed, relations‐based intellectual capital can be separated into social and relational capital, with social capital as the main component. Both elements have a significantly positive influence on radical innovation developed by firms in the sample, although those relationships maintained with external agents seem to have a higher impact.

Originality/value

The research contributes to the intellectual capital field by integrating the arguments provided by social capital literature and empirically separating relations‐based knowledge into two differentiated components. The paper also contributes to the knowledge management field by highlighting the important role played by knowledge emerging from relationships around the firm (both internal and external) in the development of radical innovation, whose antecedents have received little attention in the literature.
Clustering and internal resources: moderation and mediation effects
Authors: Belso‐Martínez José Antonio , Xavier Molina‐Morales F. , Mas‐Verdu Francisco
Published: August 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to address a central question in strategy: how do internal resources firms mediate the effect of the external resources on the firms' performance?

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted in a sample of 173 Spanish innovative firms located in the Valencia region. Following the literature, the growth of the firm has been used as the main performance indicator. The paper considers the application in this context of the particular and new analysis techniques to combine mediator and moderator effects.

Findings

The research shows firms with higher internal resources exploit better external resources. The results confirm that knowledge intensive business services providers, as a form of external resources, exercise a positive influence on innovative firms' performance through the mediating effect of firms' internal assets.

Research limitations/implications

First, the study uses only two well‐known internal resources and capabilities indicators. Second, the paper applies a strict and simple measure to the growth of innovative firms. Third, another limitation of this research relates to the sample and population of companies.

Practical implications

The study shows that the partial mediating effect exercised by internal resources and capabilities on growth, becomes more intense when new firms benefit from cluster location.

Originality/value

This study represents a new step toward closing the analytical gap in the existing literature on the potential interactions between external resources and new firm's internal attributes, and their combined effects on performance.
Knowledge management and organizational culture: a theoretical integrative framework
Authors: Rai Rajnish Kumar
Published: August 2011

Purpose

Organizational culture is a critical factor in building and reinforcing knowledge management in organizations. However, there is no theoretical framework that comprehensively explains the effect of organizational culture on knowledge management in organizations. This paper endeavors to develop a theoretical integrative framework for organizational knowledge management and organizational culture.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper. It modifies the “competing value framework” by adding a new dimension representing ethical and trusting culture, and then integrates it with the SECI model of knowledge creation and conversion by identifying the conceptual parallels between the two frameworks and then analyzing the interaction effects among the dimensions.

Findings

Based on the congruity between the modified competing values framework and the knowledge creation and conversion framework, the paper formulates six propositions about the propensity of organizations of different dominant cultural styles to engage in the four processes of knowledge creation and conversion.

Research limitations/implications

The dynamic nature of the framework presented in the paper points to the importance of longitudinal and comparative research in understanding the effects of organizational culture on organizational knowledge management systems in organizations.

Practical implications

The proposed integrative framework would facilitate organizational learning and lead to the improvement of knowledge management practices in organizations as it helps managers to understand the linkages between culture and knowledge management.

Originality/value

This paper presents a new framework linking organizational culture to knowledge management. It moves away from analyzing culture only in terms of its positive and negative influences on knowledge management. Instead, it suggests a typology of the kind of knowledge management processes that organizations are likely to focus on depending on the culture that prevails in an organization.
Knowledge communities in matrix‐like organizations: managing knowledge towards application
Authors: Nesheim Torstein , Olsen Karen M. , Tobiassen Anita E.
Published: August 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze how formal, horizontal knowledge communities contribute to knowledge application. In large, complex organizations employees face multiple roles that compete for their time and may be conflicting. The paper seeks to analyze the interplay between the communities, the line organization, and the employees; specifically, to examine how the quality of management of the communities, the attitudes of line managers, and the employees' motivation for participating in the communities facilitate knowledge application.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a survey in an organization with several specialized, horizontal knowledge communities. In total, 2,517 responses were obtained from members of 131 different communities.

Findings

First, community management, line support and intrinsic motivation have a positive impact on knowledge application. Second, the effect of line support is stronger when employees are intrinsically motivated.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to one organization. Future research could study knowledge processes in matrix‐like organization, as well as the role of community coordinators for knowledge sharing and application.

Practical implications

To enhance knowledge sharing and knowledge application, commitment from both line managers and community coordinators is vital. In a matrix‐like organization, dialogue and communication are important in order to reconcile supplementary goals and considerations.

Originality/value

The paper presents a study that is one of the first to analyze antecedents of knowledge application in formal communities of practice.
Breaking the cycle: the implications of the Government's justice Green Paper for housing for former offenders
Authors: Collins Jon
Published: August 2011

Purpose

In December 2010, the Ministry of Justice published Breaking the Cycle: Effective Punishment, Rehabilitation and Sentencing of Offenders, the Government's Green Paper on criminal justice reform. This paper seeks to discuss the implications of this Green Paper on housing for offenders.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the proposals set out in the Green Paper, and in particular the intention to deliver rehabilitative services on a payment‐by‐results basis, and discusses its implications for housing for offenders.

Findings

The paper argues that the Green Paper is primarily focused on improving rehabilitation and reducing re‐offending, and that improved access for offenders to housing is essential if this is to be successful. However, it demonstrates that there are significant barriers to be overcome in achieving this and argues that criminal justice service providers and housing providers will need to work together to ensure that these issues are addressed.

Originality/value

The government's proposals to reform the criminal justice system, contained in the Green Paper Breaking the Cycle, are focused primarily on rehabilitation. Improved access for offenders to appropriate and sustainable housing is essential if this is to be successful, as the Green Paper recognises, and a combination of some specific measures and a general move to payment‐by‐results for rehabilitation services is intended to deliver this. However, there are significant barriers to overcome in achieving this and further challenges are presented by cuts in services and changes to housing and welfare policy.
The liaison worker's tale
Authors: Walker Julie
Published: August 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to give insight into the role of a liaison worker.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a first person account of someone in the role of Mental Health and Housing Liaison Officer.

Findings

The paper offers insight into a day in the life of a liaison worker, including information about how they work and communicate with clients and their various different situations.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that communication is central to delivering good and appropriate services for clients. Joint working between housing and mental health needs to become the norm, and a role such as this is the fore‐runner to what the author hopes will become part of every mental health service in the country.
The support priorities of multiply excluded homeless people and their compatibility with support agency agendas – new research into multiple exclusion homelessness
Authors: Bowpitt Graham , Dwyer Peter , Sundin Eva , Weinstein Mark
Published: August 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to throw light on the value of accommodation and support services and the likely consequences of their withdrawal.

Design/methodology/approach

Research was completed by a team of researchers from Nottingham Trent and Salford Universities under the Multiple Exclusion Homelessness programme funded by CLG, the Economic and Social Research Council and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Findings

Agencies whose priorities are influenced by other agendas arising from statutory limitations or government targets have conflicting priorities that sustain multiple exclusion homelessness in a number of key circumstances.

Originality/value

Findings from this research will enable policy‐makers and practitioners to take better account of service user perspectives, experiences and priorities.
The care trust pilgrims
Authors: Miller Robin , Dickinson Helen , Glasby Jon
Published: August 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to reflect on English care trusts as an example of a structural approach to integration.

Design/methodology/approach

All current care trusts' chief executives were invited to participate in a semi‐structured interview exploring their experiences. Themes from the interviews were combined with findings from literature and policy review.

Findings

The current care trusts can identify a number of advantages from combining health and social care into a single organisation. Equally, they also experienced many of the anticipated difficulties, and in hindsight half of those interviewed would recommend other options to achieving better integrated working. Whilst the “commissioning” function of care trusts will not survive beyond March 2013, “provider” care trusts look set to continue and indeed expand their service delivery. They will be joined both by new integrated social enterprises delivering health and social care.

Practical implications

The experiences of care trusts show the limitations of a single organisational structure as a means to achieve better integration and the impact of a changing national policy landscape on local initiatives. The findings suggest that the current legal flexibilities for integrated working should remain to enable local areas to decide how best to achieve their priorities and to realise the importance of addressing local cultural, practical and leadership issues along with structural barriers.

Originality/value

This paper provides a reflection on the ten years since the option of care trusts were available in England and adds to the current literature which focuses on individual care trusts' development and impact.
Recent Court of Appeal decisions
Authors: Mitchell Ed
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The August Review aims to address legal developments in two areas, which have the potential to distort integrated care practice: disclosure of sensitive personal information; and transfers of care from institutions to community supported housing and local authority financial responsibility.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a review of reported Court of Appeal decisions.

Findings

Regarding the disclosure of sensitive information, the Court of Appeal asserts the “pressing need” test for determining whether disclosure of sensitive personal information is lawful. Second, the Court of Appeal decides that there is no legal duty requiring a social services authority to consult another such authority when carrying out a community care assessment.

Originality/value

This paper provides an interpretation of the judgements for practical application.
Patient and public involvement in the restructured NHS
Authors: Coleman Anna , Checkland Kath , McDermott Imelda , Harrison Stephen
Published: August 2011

Purpose

As it is now some time since the publication of the Health White Paper, and there is currently a pause in the progress of the Health and Social Care Bill through Parliament, it seems timely to look at how the proposed changes to patient and public involvement (PPI) may develop. This paper seeks to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the proposals for PPI set out in the legislation and uses the findings of the authors' recent research to examine them.

Findings

The paper argues that the legislation, as currently written, contains nothing that will guarantee a more effective engagement with either patients or the public.

Originality/value

This is a fast moving field at present, and the eventual outcome of this major reorganisation is unclear. This paper uses evidence from previous studies to provide an overview of the issues relating to patient and public involvement in the National Health Service and highlights the potential problems in the proposals as they stand at present.
Targeting a reduction in teenage pregnancy rates in Norfolk – a pilot for integrating care
Authors: Tucker Helen , Prasad Gita , Burgis Mark
Published: August 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate the approach taken in Norfolk to improve the health and welfare of young people. Local practitioners in Thetford want to address teenage pregnancy rates as a priority issue for their community; they have volunteered to be part of a national pilot to test integrated working in a service that involves many agencies and services.

Design/methodology/approach

This health promotion service was a particular challenge for integration as it involved building partnerships between children's and adults’ services, health and social care, education and care services, and voluntary and statutory services. The service also covered the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. A local core group, chaired by a GP, planned four phases of work: design, information gathering, service redesign and evaluation. This paper sets out an analysis of progress and achievements.

Findings

The group recognised the multiple factors affecting young people and their lives and lifestyles in this area of social deprivation and the benefits of partnership working. Improvements to date include better coordination, improved access to services and an enhancement of services.

Research limitations/implications

The impact will not be measurable within the timescale of the pilot project in respect of reducing pregnancy rates; the work is ongoing.

Practical implications

Implications of the study include how partnership working can lead to targeting resources and to improving access to contraception and services.

Originality/value

This study is a local initiative within the national programme for integrating care, demonstrating the benefits of working together to target resources and working in a more coordinated way.
Developing the Mixed Economy of Care in Sunderland
Authors: Gibbs Michael
Published: August 2011

This Case Study sets out to show how one local personal social services authority, the city of Sunderland, approached the task of developing a mixed economy of social care through contracts and market management. It starts with an outline of the historic and policy background and the Sunderland context. It then explains how the task was given a strategic framework. The Case Study continues by setting out what Sunderland has done in achieving contracts for residential and nursing care and concludes with a brief review of how contracts are being developed for other social care services.
The Joint Commissioning Unit in Shropshire
Authors: Rust Andrew
Published: August 2011

This Case Study gives an account of the factors that led up to the joint commissioning unit (JCU) within the health and social services scene in Shropshire; analyses the concept of strategic joint commissioning; and describes the role of the JCU and how it works.
The Roles and Tasks of Care Managers in Wales
Authors: McGrath Morag , Grant Gordon , Ramcharan Paul , Caldock Kerry , Parry‐Jones Beth , Robinson Catherine
Published: August 2011

Based on a postal survey in 1995 of all front‐line staff in Wales with an assessment and/or care management role, findings are reported about how tasks and roles were operationalised following the full introduction of the new community care in April 1993. Further information was obtained by interviews with managers in health and social services. Only a fifth of social services posts were designated or titled as care management posts. The majority of these workers were located in services for elderly and physically disabled people. Although few had a specific budget, the majority considered that they had greater control over financial resources than before April 1993. The analysis of tasks undertaken by front‐line staff shows that there remains a broad overlap between the roles of care managers and social workers. The results highlight the nature of increasing demands on staff and raise issues about the impact of increased workloads and administration on service quality. They also highlight tensions between care management and traditional professional roles. Some pointers for continuing debate are provided.
We Have The Technology — But Have We The Will?
Authors: Greig Rob
Published: August 2011

This case study considers the current state of knowledge about developing effective, high quality services for people with learning disabilities, with particular emphasis on ‘social care’ provision. It questions why services across much of the country fail to respond to the lessons from research and evaluation which, combined with a greater emphasis on partnership between all stakeholders in services, could result in substantially improved outcomes for service users.
Community Care Plans and Children's Services Plans: The Renaissance of State Planning in Welfare?
Authors: Hudson Bob
Published: August 2011

Although the most prominent guiding concepts in the welfare reforms of the Thatcher years were those of quasi‐markets and competition, there were also significant developments in state planning and co‐operation between agencies. The most obvious expression of this relates to the legal obligation to undertake community care planning, and this has now been supplemented by a parallel requirement to plan services for children. This Case Study looks back at the early experiences of community care planning, looks ahead to the issues which will have to be addressed in the new children's services plans, and teases out the messages for transferred learning. It warns that local inter‐agency planning has no qualities of spontaneous growth or self‐perpetuation, and that without safeguards the process is at risk of becoming marginalised.
Stressing Reorganisation
Authors: Craig Gary , Manthorpe Jill
Published: August 2011

Local government re‐organisation was promoted on the twin premises that it would reduce costs and promote local identity. The current round of re‐organisation, leading to the creation of 46 English unitary authorities, has thrown up other policy objectives, such as the potential for increased interdepartmental and agency co‐operation. This Case Study reports on the background to the re‐organisation and locates arguments specific to social services among the claims for the benefits of local government change. Using preliminary data from research in authorities currently undergoing re‐organisation, it identifies finance as a key concern and the impact financial pressure appears to behaving on community care delivery and strategy. It then focuses on the uncertainty and stress for staff and instability of relationships. Finally, it draws attention to changes in philosophy that might be thrown into relief by the new structures and ways of working. The Case Study concludes that the initial impact of re‐organisation is stressful at many levels and that it will be important to gauge long‐term effects.
Contract Currencies in Learning Disability Services: 53 Contacts = 1 Discharge
Authors: McBrien Judith , Miller Dianne
Published: August 2011

Existing contract currencies often carry a disincentive to community care and are demotivating for staff. This Case Study describes the opportunities to develop a more sensible approach and an initiative to develop contracts based on outcomes.
Challenges, Complexities and Contradictions in Mental Health Services
Authors: Frowen Beverlea
Published: August 2011

This Overview article focuses on mental health services and, specifically, looks at some aspects of government policy that remain a challenge for managers and practitioners. In particular, new ways are considered of undertaking the assessment of need and a description is given of one initiative: benchmarking to help practitioners measure performance. Examples of new service models emerging as part of the primary care agenda are also highlighted.
Addressing Health and Social Care in Easington: Partnership in Practice
Authors: Poxton Richard , Smith Judith
Published: August 2011

This Case Study examines a practical example of joint commissioning in action, in Easington, County Durham. It explores the collaborative processes and particularly the contribution of groups operating at strategic (district) and operational (village) levels. Key individuals made important contributions to the development of a truly ‘partnership’ way of working. Impacts on services began to be made but in the period of study this was more ad hoc than systematic. In spite of some tensions between the different levels of decision making and in the face of further organisational change, the challenge for Easington is to sustain the progress made and to move forward by making further inroads into needs which span various agencies' responsibilities.
Health Action Zones: Towards a Paradigm Shift in Health and Health Care?
Authors: Peck Edward , Poxton Richard
Published: August 2011

This Paper Looks at Health Action Zones, to be established from April 1998 with the intention of moving towards prevention of illness and promotion of health. It suggests how localities could begin to conceptualise a programme of work, and warns of some of the difficulties they may meet.
Assuring the Quality of Assessment and Care Management
Authors: Slasberg Colin
Published: August 2011

This Case Study sets out how a large social services department has been developing a strategy to assure the quality of its assessment and care management service. It draws on familiar concepts within the field of quality assurance and applies them directly to the exchanges that take place between the practitioner and the client. It is designed to open up the opportunity for managers to secure proactively improvements in quality of practice that go beyond managing the environment of practice, working conditions, or the organisational processes. The paper also looks at the process of seeking to build the strategy into the department's main stream of operational management.
Client Feedback — Does it lead to Improved Services? Part I — Background and Development of the Measurement Tool
Authors: Lewin Gill
Published: August 2011

This Case Study describes how Western Australia's largest home‐care organisation approached the task of obtaining feedback on its performance from its clients. The aim was to use this feedback both as a valid and reliable indicator of its performance, in order to be accountable to its funders, and as the basis for strategies to improve further the services provided to clients.
Information Management, Community Care and Social Services Departments
Authors: Kerslake Andrew , Moultrie Keith
Published: August 2011

Effective Management of information is essential to delivery of high‐quality services, particularly in inter‐agency working. Many social services departments are suspicious of information systems, partly because of past experience of inappropriate solutions. The paper suggests an approach to help departments to build on existing systems so they can move towards better management and practitioner support.
HIV Services In Hammersmith And Fulham: Ten Years On
Authors: McClinton Sarah
Published: August 2011

Hammersmith and Fulham responded early to the need for HIV services, but changing regimes and circumstances have continued to pose new challenges. These include changes in funding, in the effectiveness of drugs treatment and in inter‐agency working. The paper describes how the Department has responded since the original report in CCMP.
Rehabilitation: An Old Concept in a New Policy Context
Authors: Robinson Janice
Published: August 2011

Inadequate Opportunities FOR rehabilitation have resulted in a distorted system of care and public disquiet about the impact on vulnerable older people and their families. Investment in rehabilitation offers a way out of a vicious circle of increasing demands for care and escalating expenditure. The system of health and social care needs to be re‐shaped to enable older people to regain the independence so often impaired after illness or injury. Health and local authorities face a daunting challenge, but the evidence suggests they will make progress if they follow the five‐point plan suggested here.
Business Planning & the Commissioning Process: A Reflection on a Northern Ireland Experience
Authors: Bryans William
Published: August 2011

This Paper Draws on the author's considerable experience of management turbulence and provides community managers with an outline of the way the application of business planning techniques can assist them.
Evidence‐Based Commissioning: The Work of the North West Business Management Working Group
Authors: Ball Pat , Elford Carole , James Laurie , Smith Jonathan
Published: August 2011

The North West Business Management Working Group, with members from health and social care agencies, has been responsible for providing data that improves knowledge of the market and supports strategies and initiatives to match need to provision. This paper describes three projects making successful use of its services.
1. Commissioning Rehabilitation Services in Primary Care
Authors: Stern Tony
Published: August 2011

This Article Describes how a group of general practitioners involved in a ‘total purchasing’ pilot scheme approached the commissioning of community rehabilitation services, and the difficulties they encountered.
2. Developing a Therapy‐Led Community Rehabilitation Team
Authors: Shield Fiona
Published: August 2011

Closure of a Hospital in an area with a high percentage of elderly people created a need for good‐quality, cost‐effective rehabilitation services. The paper describes the setting up of a rehabilitation team and centre, and the benefits that it has provided.
The Government's New Employment Agenda: Implications for Mental Health Service Managers
Authors: Grove Bob
Published: August 2011

This article proposes a new engagement between mental health services and the social inclusion and employment agendas that are a core part of the Government's programme. Initiatives such as Welfare to Work, New Deal and health action zones are explained, and suggestions are made about some of the opportunities they present for improving mental health services and the lives of service users.
Outcome Indicators: Friends or Enemies?
Authors: Riley Christopher , Riley Jill
Published: August 2011

Systematic monitoring of outcomes in social and health services is relatively new, and hopes are high that significant improvements can be achieved in this way. However, the setting of appropriate targets and measurements is far from simple, and much care and thought will be needed to ensure that efficiency measures turn out to be a blessing and not a curse.
Standards for Accreditation in Home Care: Setting the Agenda for Induction and Staff Training
Authors: Pithouse Andrew , Evans Jonathan , Scourfield Jonathan
Published: August 2011

This paper describes one aspect of research on domiciliary care in a Welsh authority, undertaken to assist in strategic planning of services. It goes on to explain the significance of the findings for the training of home care staff, and the development of standards which have been incorporated in a new accreditation scheme.
The White Paper: Modernising Social Services
Authors: Davies Chris
Published: August 2011

The future of community care will be changed by the White Paper Modernising Social Services. Here the President of ADSS gives an assessment of how his association will be responding. The approach is that this is not the time for commentary or critique. The White Paper is a statement of intended action, not for consultation. That does not mean that ADSS totally relinquishes any points of difference or doubt that we have about the direction the White Paper takes, but that it is fundamentally in implementation rather than debating mode.
Gaining Our Voice: The Developing Pattern of Good Practice in User Involvement
Authors: Evans Clare
Published: August 2011

The knowledge and experience users and professionals have gained in user involvement since the implementation of community care is leading to development of good practice models, covering strong user‐controlled organisations and redefinition of the professional role in enabling and valuing user expertise. Such user organisations use community development approaches and have a role to play in community care as development agencies and service providers. This model reflects a new social policy agenda and should be part of any initiatives to implement these policies.
Primary Care Groups: A Social Services Perspective
Authors: Behan David , Loft Linda
Published: August 2011

This article is written jointly by the Director of Social Services and the Joint Commissioning Manager from the London Borough of Greenwich. It represents their personal views on the development of primary care groups, setting out the local picture, highlighting specific issues from the social service perspective and looking at the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead.The Government's proposals for modernising the National Health Service, and in particular its proposals for the development of primary care groups, are broadly welcome. However, they do raise a number of issues not only for social services departments, but also for local authorities in general. This article is a personal perspective on what these developments might mean for social services and the challenges and opportunities which are likely to arise.
Piloting Best Value and Better Government for Older People in Exeter
Authors: Kelly James
Published: August 2011

Exeter is currently the location for two major projects to improve people's involvement in the services they receive and develop civic awareness, promote liaison between the different agencies involved in public services, and carry out fundamental service reviews to produce services people want at a price they want to pay. This article reviews the Best Value Project which involves four principal public agencies in the city. The project has promoted widespread public consultation and the first six radical service reviews are under way. The Better Government for Older People Project has specifically aimed to improve older people's ability to take part in consultation, via a Visioning Day and the setting up of two focus groups to review transport for older people in the city and ways to improve communication with older people by public agencies.
Care Management
Authors: Thistlethwaite Peter
Published: August 2011

The author looks back on a series of articles published since 1996 in this journal, and concludes that the evidence points to the likelihood of continuing difficulties in implementing national policies at local level. The impact of New Labour approaches to community care is considered.
Integrating Mental Health Services
Authors: Harrison Lyn
Published: August 2011

The Author Reviews fourteen papers from localities throughout England outlining developments in collaborative approaches to mental health services. She considers how effective they are likely to be, in the light of evaluation and research.
The Roles and Tasks of Care Management Practitioners in Wales — Revisited
Authors: Ramcharan Paul , Grant Gordon , Parry‐Jones Beth , Robinson Catherine
Published: August 2011

BASED ON TWO POSTAL surveys in 1995 and 1997 of care management practitioners in Wales, this paper examines practitioners' perceptions of change in work roles and tasks over time. Assessment tasks are taking up increasing amounts of care management practitioner time leading to a corresponding decrease in the time set aside for arranging services and for direct work with clients. The results are claims of de‐skilling and the likelihood of a more administrative style of working.
Services for Sensory Impaired People: A Case for Regional Co‐ordination?
Authors: Banham John , Colville Martin
Published: August 2011

Services for deaf and blind people are acknowledged to be generally poor. While a national task force is examining new ways to meet the needs of people with disabilities, this paper surveys the national picture and argues for the introduction of regional co‐ordination.
Housing and Health ‐ Partnership Working at a Regional Level
Authors: Barnes Ruth
Published: August 2011

This paper describes a partnership between the NHS Executive and the Housing Corporation in London to develop a joint work programme with the objectives of promoting a better understanding of the interface between housing and health and establishing healthy housing strategies through partnership working. Progress has been made to date in mapping organisational roles regionally, auditing current practice locally and holding seminars for housing and health professionals. Two partnership‐based projects have also been commissioned.
Enhancing Independence: The Effectiveness of Re‐Ablement Provision in South Worcestershire.
Authors: Le Mesurier Nick , Cumella Stuart
Published: August 2011

The importance of rehabilitation in promoting independence is recognised in current policy directives on the provision of care to older and disabled people, but has not been widely established within the spectrum of services provided by local authorities. AWorcestershire‐based re‐ablement service presents an effective model of joint working to provide comprehensive multidisciplinary assessments and a therapeutic intervention service aimed at reducing dependency and promoting service users' choice and control over their care programmes.
Regeneration in Hull: Its Potential Impact on Community Care
Authors: Wardle John , Turner Anna , Washer Ed
Published: August 2011

This case study explores how a service development, such as an intermediate care scheme, can be delivered through a partnership of learning organisations, how it can be translated naturally from project to mainstream phase and how the objectives of the service can be extended to meet the objectives of the wider regeneration partnership. It further considers how success in regeneration impacts beneficially on health improvement.
Regulation of Health and Social Care — A New Berlin Wall?
Authors: Vellenoweth C.
Published: August 2011

The Government has published proposals to set up two new structures ‐ one for the regulation of social services and one for independently provided health care. This article argues that a single regulator for all categories of health care, including that provided in social care settings, would be more cost‐effective. It proposes the creation of functionally ring‐fenced divisions of health care regulation, structured within and answerable to the proposed commissions for care standards.
Re‐Designing Health and Social Care for Older People: Multi‐Skill Case Teams in Primary Care
Authors: Cumella Stuart , Le Mesurier Nick
Published: August 2011

This article reviews the evidence on the benefits of innovative practice‐based social work, in the context of attempts to improve multi‐agency collaboration through structural change, procedural regulation and process redesign. It concludes that the model can generate improvements in productivity and in responses to customer needs.
The National Electronic Library for Learning Disabilities (NeLLD)
Authors: Northfield John
Published: August 2011

The Information for Health strategy for the NHS (Department of Health, 1998) announced the creation of a national electronic library for health (NeLH). This paper describes a project to develop a virtual branch library for learning disabilities that would reflect the multi‐disciplinary/ multi‐agency nature of these services. It explains the vision and explores some challenges and opportunities.
Chesterfield's Mental Health Housing Strategy: A Case Study in Partnerships
Authors: Hill Ian
Published: August 2011

This article sets out how a multi‐agency partnership, led by a council housing department, set up a purpose‐built scheme in the community to meet the needs of people with mental health problems. The project is described in the context of wider partnership working.
Performance for the People or Virtual Reality? Social Services and Modernising Local Government
Authors: Plank David
Published: August 2011

National policy's inadequate evidential base potentially undermines the modernising social services agenda. Energy may be diverted from the production of welfare and real performance for the people by ‘tick box’ preoccupation with targets that are not outcome‐driven and through ‘death by a thousand inspections’.
Restructuring Community Care: Risk, Decision‐Making and Control
Authors: Alaszewski Andy
Published: August 2011

This article takes a fresh look at the concept of risk in the light of the Government's plans to modernise health and social care.
Transferring Local Authority Residential Homes to the Independent Sector: The Worcestershire Experience
Authors: Duckworth Doug , Driscoll Catherine
Published: August 2011

‘What is to be done with our residential homes?’ The article examines the approach taken by one authority to modernising run‐down homes on a fast track, while doing justice to the needs and anxieties of the staff and residents and without mortgaging the future.
Supporting People: What is it and What Needs to Happen?
Authors: Hagger Alan
Published: August 2011

April 2000 sees the beginning of a radical shake‐up of the way housing and support is funded. It will involve the transfer of about £800m to local authorities, which will assume wide new responsibilities for new groups of people currently in supported housing.Yet there is little awareness in many agencies of these major developments. It is essential that local authorities and health agencies become more engaged, quickly, in discussions of how Supporting People is to work.
Community Care and the Law
Authors: Dow John
Published: August 2011

This article focuses on the legal issues arising from the Health Act 1999 and the Local Government Act 1999 (both in force from 1 April 2000), particularly in relation to the governance of partnership arrangements and the commissioning of internal and external services under best value.
Promoting Independence in Brighton and Hove
Authors: Dale Peter , Letchfield Philip
Published: August 2011

This ‘case study’ demonstrates how one local authority approached the development of preventative services in response to the Department of Health's Promoting Independence initiative. It considers the key building blocks of a preventative strategy ‐ consultation and partnership, needs and risk assessment, monitoring and evaluation ‐ and describes how an action plan was formulated.
Supporting People — Opportunities and Threats Facing the Housing and Support Needs of Offenders
Authors: Harding John , Stocker Fil
Published: August 2011

The authors give a view from the Probation Service in Inner London about the potential impact of the Government's Supporting People proposals on the care of offenders in the community.
The Evaluation of Planned Care: An Extra Burden for Care Managers or an Opportunity to Add Value?
Authors: Gorman Helen
Published: August 2011

This article draws on research into care managers' roles and tasks in the evaluation of planned care. Its approach reinforces the significance of evaluation skills in a work context where there may be different interpretations of the notion of review. It emphasises the need to strike a balance between the demands of evaluation and audit and recommends that care managers be encouraged to develop evaluation skills as part of their continuing professional development and to use such skills to inform strategic service planning.
Barriers to Making Rehabilitation Happen
Authors: McNally David , Hardwick Louise
Published: August 2011

This article describes efforts to develop a joint health and social services strategy for rehabilitation in one local authority area in response to national policy. It notes the effects of competing policy initiatives, of the shift in hospital provision to providing only acute care, and of failure to agree joint responsibility for the future development of such services.
From ‘Respite’ to ‘Rehabilitation Review’
Authors: Slack Hilary
Published: August 2011

The Stone Rehabilitation Service has already been described in this journal (Shield, 1998). This article now explains further progress in operationalising the concept of rehabilitation review within NHS respite care.
(1) User Participation in Setting and Regulating Standards for Social Care
Authors: Brand Don
Published: August 2011

In the first of two articles forming this Overview of progress in user participation in strategic affairs, the author considers the issues to be addressed in enabling users to be fully involved with the work of the General Social Care Council and the Care Standards Commission.
Evaluation of the Implementation of the Mental Health Review in Somerset: Results from the Baseline Data Collection
Authors: Gulliver Pauline , Peck Edward , Ramsay Rosemary , Towell David
Published: August 2011

The paper presents baseline results from the evaluation of the implementation of a joint commissioning and integrated service provision initiative in mental health services in England. Comparisons are made with published research, and key themes for the continuing evaluation are discussed. Finally, the paper reflects on some immediate challenges facing the new arrangements.
Joint Investment Plans: A Positive Move Forward
Authors: Jones Nigel
Published: August 2011

Joint investment plans (JIPs) are becoming an important mechanism for progressing the Government's modernisation agenda. Their emphasis on partnership working and greater transparency of resources and investment, which involves key agencies making decisions together, offers a potentially much stronger brew than previous attempts at joint planning. The Community Care Division of the Nuffield Institute for Health has been involved with the JIP process since its inception, and has undertaken an evaluation of the first round of JIPs for older people's services, as well as being involved in the development of the current Welfare to Work documents. This article draws on our experience from these two pieces of work.
Evidence‐Based Practice: Can This Help Joint Working?
Authors: Sweeney Kieran , Stead Jonathan , Cosford Liz
Published: August 2011

This article presents a qualitative analysis of three focus groups convened during a study day for health and social care professionals, which reveals a strong perception of a philosophical difference in approaches to professional practice. The prospect of health and social care professionals working more closely together is welcomed, and evidence‐based practice should be encouraged and financially supported. While established educational strategies can be deployed to respond to the conventional perceived barriers to working together, more innovative models are needed. The authors commend the model of Significant Event Auditing.
Using the NVQ system to Manage the Quality of Community Care. The Experience of Middle Managers in Local Authority Social Service Departments
Authors: Sargeant A.
Published: August 2011

This article describes research into the understanding and use of the system of National Vocational Qualifications by middle managers in local authority social services departments. It highlights the barriers that must be overcome if this system is to make a positive impact on the quality of care.
(1) The NHS Plan: What Does it Mean for Community Care?
Authors: Robinson Janice , Banks Penny , Greatley Angela , Stevenson Jan
Published: August 2011

The NHS Plan promises improvements in the National Health Service that could benefit many people with long‐term illness or disability. Some longstanding problems concerning the funding and provision of their care and support will remain unchanged. Moreover, there are dangers of new conflicts between the NHS and local government that may hinder the delivery of integrated services and health improvement strategies.
Getting Started: Early Research Findings on a Jointly Managed Community‐Based Rehabilitation Service in Bristol
Authors: Thomas Drew , Means Robin
Published: August 2011

This is an outline of findings from research aimed at identifying the emerging issues around the formation of a jointly managed and staffed community rehabilitation service in Bristol.
What Works in Community Care?
Authors: Lewis Janet
Published: August 2011

This article is based on a talk given to introduce a conference of this same title in Oxford in September 2000. It provides a personal, and deliberately challenging, view of the difficulties and current limitations of the concept of ‘evidence‐based’ approaches to community care.
Futures Planning for People with Learning Disabilities Living with Older Family Carers
Authors: Thompson David
Published: August 2011

People with learning disabilities are increasingly outliving their parents. To avoid traumatic and inappropriate transitions from the family home in later life, services need to improve their relationships with families. Practical examples are given of how families are being supported to face the future.
Social Rehabilitation: Concepts, Evidence and Practice
Authors: Mountain Gail
Published: August 2011

The current evidence to support rehabilitation commissioned and/or provided by social services gives some promising indications. However, it also reveals an urgent need for more and better information about what works best and for whom.