Inter-European social workers' mobility within a dynamic social work and immigration policy context: a case study of England. Issue 4 (3rd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hussein, Shereen
• Is Part Of: European journal of social work. Volume 23:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 566
• Page End: 579
• Publication Date: 2020-07-03
• Subjects: Transnational social work -- European union -- social work regulation -- social work reforms -- immigration policies -- Brexit; Social service -- Europe -- Periodicals; Social service -- Vocational guidance -- Europe -- Periodicals; 361.3209405
• DOI: 10.1080/13691457.2018.1539836
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-1457

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Social workers are increasingly globally mobile, pursuing employment opportunities that combine professional and lifestyle projects. Social work skills and practice are embedded in cultural, linguistic and nation-specific legislative competencies. The current article engages with the interplay of a fast-moving social work and immigration policy context and the role of inter-European social workers, using England as a case study of destination. Based on registration data of non-UK qualified social workers (2003–2017), a survey of 97 stakeholders from 27 European Union countries and focus group discussions, it investigates trends and challenges of transnational social workers (TSWs) in England. The findings highlight a dynamic process of social work education and immigration policy reforms during the past decade that was associated with a significant change in the volume and profile of TSWs registered to work in England. Data from European stakeholders further highlight two key findings: first, there is evidence of an increased role of inter-European social workers in most of Western European countries; second, the process of social work qualifications' recognition within Europe remains considerably variable. The implications of the findings are discussed within the context of continued inter-European policy and political changes.