Whither welfare professionalism?

This paper outlines the major changes which have been imposed on welfare pr ofessionals during the 1980s and 1990s. It examines the key ways in which d octors, social works and teachers have been subjected to increased politica l as well as managerial controls over their areas of work. It explores the outcomes of the changes for welfare Professionals in terms of increased ext ernal scrutiny and control. In conclusion, it draws zip a provisional balan ce sheet of gains and losses resulting from the changes.