'Social Policy for Welfare Practice in Wales', edited by Dr Hefin Gwilym and Prof Charlotte Williams of Bangor University, examines twenty years of the Welsh Assembly, now the Senedd, and reflects on the social policy successes and challenges of the last two decades. The book will be officially launched at an online event on Monday 22 March hosted by Professor Iwan Davies, Vice Chancellor of Bangor University with special guest Rt Hon Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales.
'Social Policy for Welfare Practice in Wales' reflects on the social policy successes and challenges of the last two decades since Wales voted yes in the devolution referendum of 1997, critically examining the impact of devolution on welfare practice in Wales since then.
Areas explored include Wales' approach to tackling poverty and inequality, the rights of children and family services, public health and well-being, housing, language policy, climate change and social welfare, human rights and social and criminal justice.
Dr Hefin Gwilym, lecturer in social policy at Bangor University said,
"It felt timely to examine the undoubted achievements and challenges we face in terms of social policy as we approached twenty years since the creation of a Welsh Assembly. For this third edition, we work with leading academics in the field to critically examine the Welsh approach and provide a resource for students of social policy and social work as well as an updated resource for professionals working in social welfare and public sector management."
Professor Charlotte Williams, an Honorary Professor in the School of History, Philosophy and Social Sciences at Bangor emphasised,
"What's clear from examining the last twenty years in this way is that Wales has an imagination for innovative practice and for creating new policy ideas. Wales' social policy over the years has been of interest internationally, in some instances world-leading, but there is potential for more. We have the chance in the future to build a strong, inclusive and fair society for all the people living in this part of the world."
The Rt Hon Mark Drakeford, First Minister for Wales added,
"As someone who has written, read and taught from this volume, I know myself just how valuable it is. Along the way, the contributors to different editions read as a roll call of those who have been at the forefront of Welsh scholarship in the devolution era, and I'm delighted to welcome this latest edition."
Social Policy for Welfare Practice in Wales - Third Edition
Published by BASW/Venture Press
