Theory of Change in Ten Steps

Published on: 25th September 2023

Fergal O'Brien et al. examine how although social work in the UK was closely aligned to community development, it has drifted apart in recent decades as social work has been focused on individual risks and needs. However, Social Work and Community Development departments in Northern Ireland were approached to reintroduce community development principles and practices in social work training. This paper documents the development through the partnership of the university, health trusts and professional awarding body of a post-graduate diploma in community development approaches for professional social workers. This paper explores the four year programme delivery and the learnings between the two professions at strategic, technical and operational level.