Social Work and Beyond

 ‘This is not just a book; it is a manifesto for change, a call to arms for those of us committed to the service of humanity, and a handbook for the social work social entrepreneur. I urge you to delve into its pages, for within them lies the blueprint for a future where social work and entrepreneurship walk hand in hand, creating pathways to a better world.’ – Vince Peart, Independent Social Worker and Content Editor for Social Work News ‘I found Social Work and Beyond an engaging and enjoyable read. It was inspiring to learn about the author’s journey to becoming a social worker; he shares with the reader some of the most intimate and challenging times in his life. It is a book therefore, which is very much written in the first person. Equally, I appreciate Buturo’s honesty in appraising the social work role today, both in terms of its rich rewards but also the huge demands it places on individuals, resulting sadly in many exiting the profession prematurely. ‘Buturo describes reaching a crossroads in his social work career and needing to decide his next steps. It is evident that his transition to “social work entrepreneur”, in terms of acquir ing supported accommodation for young peo ple and latterly a residential children’s home, was a return to his roots as a residential worker. Buturo makes some persuasive arguments about social workers running successful busi nesses as opposed to private equity companies, who have very different motives for acquiring residential children’s homes. ‘Finally, there are thousands of social workers often referred to as independent social workers who are responsible for running their own busi nesses. This requires a different skillset which Buturo discusses in his book. This may not be a career choice to suit all social workers, but it is something that needs to be recognised as an option in career progression and, essentially, how social workers can become ethical entre preneurs if this is the pathway they want to pursue. Social work and entrepreneurship need not be strange bedfellows if they accord with the values and principles of our profession.’ – Nushra Mansuri, Assistant Professor Academic, School of Psychological, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Coventry University ‘I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s an important useable contribution to our field and one I recommend as a must-read. It’s full of valuable insights and practical knowledge underpinned by a hope and optimism only a great social worker could bring. I wish I’d had this resource when I ventured into the “business” side of social work.’ – Dr Beverley Barnett-Jones MBE, Associate Director (Practice and Impact), Nuffield Foundation ‘Social Work and Beyond provides a really helpful and honest insight into the profession. Anyone who is thinking about branching out or chang ing direction would really benefit from Peter’s words of wisdom.’ – Sara Scholey, Senior Consultant for Children’s Transformation at Cumberland Council