Continuing education, registration and professional identity in New Zealand social work. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beddoe, Liz
• Is Part Of: International social work. Volume 58:Number 1(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 165
• Page End: 174
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Continuing education -- New Zealand -- professional identity -- registration -- social work; Social service -- Periodicals; Social problems -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Community development -- Periodicals; 361
• DOI: 10.1177/0020872812473139
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-8728

Abstract

This article draws on a study of New Zealand social workers' experiences of continuing professional education (CPE) during the first two years following the advent of limited statutory registration. A qualitative study demonstrates strong links between social workers' educational aspirations and beliefs about the status of the profession. Social workers in the study perceived continuing education in part as a tool to achieve greater professional standing for social work in contested spaces. At a time when registration legislation is likely to be strengthened, this article contributes to the somewhat neglected scholarship of continuing education in an increasingly regulated social work profession.