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Journal of Social Work
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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'

Hugh McLaughlin

University of Salford, England H.McLaughlin{at}salford.ac.uk

Alys Young

University of Manchester, England

Ros Hunt

University of Manchester, England

• 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.

Key Words: action research • deaf drivers and barriers • hard of hearing • organizational development • service users

Journal of Social Work, Vol. 7, No. 3, 288-306 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1468017307084072
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