Jan Duke: Professionalisation, education, and registration of social workers in Aotearoa New Zealand
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol37iss2id1245Keywords:
social work, Registration, regulation, Social Work Education, Jan DukeAbstract
INTRODUCTION: This article details the contribution made by Jan Duke to the development of social work in Aotearoa New Zealand, with particular emphasis on the development of education and professionalisation in preparation for mandatory registration.
METHOD: A life history method is used to provide one “story” of Jan’s contribution. Interviews were held with Jan, as well as with six other people who worked alongside Jan over time. Other historical documents have also been used to support this article.
FINDINGS: Jan made a significant contribution in her roles on both the Social Workers Registration Board and then later as a Deputy Registrar within the Secretariat. Participants describe Jan’s social work values, her knowledge of regulation, her commitment to working alongside Māori and her relationship skills as all being critical in moving the profession of social work towards mandatory registration.
CONCLUSIONS: Jan Duke has played a significant part in the history of social work in this country, particularly in holding the tensions between Crown regulation and professional advocacy on the pathway towards mandatory registration.
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