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Edging the change
action research with social workers and
deaf and hard of hearing service users to
achieve ‘best practice standards’

McLaughlin, H; Young, A; Hunt, R

Authors

H McLaughlin

A Young

R Hunt



Abstract

Summary: This article reports the findings of the Edge of Change Project which sought to enable specialist social services teams in three local authorities to improve services for Deaf and hard of hearing service
users in line with the Best Practice Standards. In particular we highlight the characteristics of the three areas: the projects they chose; a flavour of how they addressed the projects; and identify potential lessons for
those similarly seeking to improve services.
• Findings: In particular we identify potential glimpses for meaningful change including: change being based on underpinning values, partnership with service users, effective communication, ‘seed money’ creativity and a collegial style of management. The inhibitors of change
identified include: ‘keeping the day-job going’, underestimating the amount of time and resources required, staff changes, lack of technological support, and the need to be both looking in and out and the fact that external events can change everything. • Applications: The themes discussed are potentially generalizable and may be of help to those considering similar changes with specialist
teams

Citation

achieve ‘best practice standards’. Journal of Social Work, 7(3), 287-305. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468017307084072

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2007
Deposit Date Oct 28, 2009
Journal Journal of Social Work
Print ISSN 1468-0173
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 7
Issue 3
Pages 287-305
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/1468017307084072
Keywords action research deaf drivers and barriers hard of hearing
organizational development service users
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1468017307084072



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