Training, research and
management
In dividing up these sections on this website it was actually
quite difficult to decide which books would fit into each section.
It’s rather like the ‘pigeon holes’ people often
find themselves being put in. We say this because this section
is a good example. Training, research and management are both
general ‘activities’ that go on in lots of professions
and skills areas – but they also have their own philosophies
and ‘borrow’ and ‘nick’ ideas from across
those boundaries. We know we do!
So, most of the books which Alan has been involved with in social
policy and youth work and even some of the environmental ones
have blurred boundaries. The majority of the books Alan has been
involved in writing are very practical – full of activities
that can be used in a very hands-on way. One day a book is used
by a youth worker, the next day by a trainer in the National Health
Service and at the weekend by the HR person in a national charity.
The same is equally true of those who provide, commission and
make use of research – at different times we are all providers
and purchasers of services. Alan has sometimes found certain professional
groupings more resistant to new ideas and using training activities
for teambuilding and developing skills. That’s why many
of the books he has compiled in this section are often best used
for a mixed audience where personal and professional boundaries
can be tested and hopefully enlarged. For instance, Alan has often
found himself working with professionals from education, social
work, youth and community services, police and health together
with tenants and an age range from 15 to 75 – quite a challenge
but it can often provide a very positive experience for participants.
 While
browsing through this section don’t forget that many of
the practical games and activities books in the youth
work section of this website, which have frequently been used
in staff and member training.
Finally here are a few links to organisations that Alan has worked
with in these areas of training, research and management.
Institute for Public Policy Research:
www.ippr.org/
Joseph Rowntree Foundation:
www.jrf.org.uk/
The Work Foundation (used to be the Industrial Society):
www.theworkfoundation.com/
The Training Zone:
www.trainingzone.co.uk
Centre for Housing Policy, University of York:
www.york.ac.uk/inst/chp/
Social Policy Department, London School of Economics:
www.lse.ac.uk/collections/socialPolicy/
Playing for Success:
www.playingforsuccessonline.org.uk/
Action for Children (formerly NCH):
www.actionforchildren.org.uk/
Save the Children:
www.savethechildren.org.uk/
Tim Pickles:
www.timpickles.com/ |
