Malcolm Payne

As social work emerged: 'social development' ideas in the early 20th century Social work history in 20 books

politicsswt.substack.com/p/as-social-...

Methods for managing the poor in the past... ...and links with official practices now

open.substack.com/pub/politics...

Social work was ready to move on from Perlman and problem-solving Social work history in 20 books

open.substack.com/pub/politics...

Interesting research on abuse of older people in Wales not being visible to social care and social work services; how hard it is to find a safe space for victims and help in troubled relationships.

dewischoice.org.uk/wp-content/u...

Community care was the right end for the asylums More on the Horton cluster of mental health asylums

politicsswt.substack.com/p/community-...

Can you trust your social worker? In social policing, it's not what you feel, its how the situation treats you

politicsswt.substack.com/p/can-you-tr...

Seeing the person: how coroners handle family photos and videos at inquests

Interesting legal comment on using photos and videos of the decreased person during an inquest, to see him or her as a person rather than a name.
www.hilldickinson.com/our-view/art...

Perlman's casework is about achieving 'here and now' goals, not 'cure' Social work history in 20 books

politicsswt.substack.com/p/perlmans-c...

'The largest cluster of mental hospitals in the world' About Horton and other asylums

politicsswt.substack.com/p/the-larges...

Perlman's problem-solving process Social work history in 20 books

politicsswt.substack.com/p/perlmans-p...

Interesting research on attitudes to ageing and older people and tech.
theageactionalliance.org/2026/02/16/r...

Housing security is central to family life, but... ...children can be protected

politicsswt.substack.com/p/housing-se...

Economic Output of Post State Pension Age Workforce Dwarfs Costs of Triple Lock Our new analysis shows the considerable, and growing, economic contribution made by older people working past state pension age.

What older people contribute to the economy...
ageing-better.org.uk/news/economi...

Perlman as the culmination of social casework Social work history in 20 books

politicsswt.substack.com/p/perlman-as...

1950s psychiatric social work: social as well as psychological

politicsswt.substack.com/p/1950s-psyc...

Liberty Protection Safeguards - where are we now? In October 2025, the UK Government confirmed that it will launch a fresh consultation into the Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) in 2026…

Useful legal info on Liberty Protection Standards. Looks as tho' the government is gearing up to implement this reform.
www.lexology.com/library/deta...

Protect the Freedom Pass London Councils, the organisation that represents London's 33 boroughs, is planning to review the Older Persons Freedom Pass. Any cuts or changes to the Freedom Pass will significantly impact many old...

I just took action with @theactionnetwork.bsky.social: Protect the Freedom Pass . Take action here: actionnetwork.org/forms/protec...

Arts activity is good for older people... ...and we need to validate it robustly

politicsswt.substack.com/p/arts-activ...

Half of those arrested in London may have undiagnosed ADHD | BPS New research finds that those with ADHD are overrepresented in London arrests, suggesting need for additional targeted support.

Check out this page: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...

Sky high cost of living forces demographic shift in UK flatshare economy | South West Londoner The UK flatshare economy is being redrawn by sky-rocketing rental prices, forcing a generational demographic shift on exactly who is renting.

Article shows that older people are becoming 'lodgers', renting rooms rather than living in their own property. Contains London stats.
www.swlondoner.co.uk/news/0402202...

Transitions in Later Life – Part 2: Driving cessation Losing the ability or choosing to stop driving can feel like losing independence and cause distress. By initiating early planning and developing new transit habits, older adults can stay mobile and co...

Useful research based info on driving cessation affecting older people.
www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/blog/detail/...

The community imagination: community work in mid-20th century social work and other movements Social work history in 20 books

politicsswt.substack.com/p/the-commun...

politicsswt.substack.com/p/psychiatri...

People with severe mental illness need end-of-life care... ...and to be involved with their carers in co-designing it

open.substack.com/pub/politics...

Non-directive practice: thinking through from community concern to community action Social work history in 20 books

open.substack.com/pub/politics...

Psychiatric social workers thinking about 1950s casework Positioning casework in British post-war social work

politicsswt.substack.com/p/psychiatri...

bsky.app/profile/socw...

Who asked for this? The curious case of Readiness for Professional Practice in England This article examines the plans for a proposed new framework for students who are studying to become social workers in England. The framework is called Rea

Social Work England pausing changes to education standards, including KSBs. As I argued below, these changes weren’t needed and risk damage. But pausing them now is another slap in the face for HEIs already planning, particularly around apprenticeships.
academic.oup.com/bjsw/article...

Grateful to @malcolmp25.bsky.social for this thoughtful write-up of our recent @socwkhistory.bsky.social event on networks in social work. Really enjoyed the conversation with @jthobu.bsky.social, Jane Tunstill, James Blewitt and everyone in attendance.

Misunderstanding social work Openness and and explanation is important

politicsswt.substack.com/p/misunderst...