As part of our ongoing Social Work centenary celebrations, we held four ‘In conversation with…’ events throughout the academic year. These were lively events where we sat down with an expert who is part of Social Work at Edinburgh’s past. After an initial discussion between the chair and our guest, the event was opened up to provide an opportunity for questions and answers, comment and informal discussion.
Viv Cree … in conversation with Wendy Paterson
This conversation took place at the beginning of the annual conference of the Scottish Organisation of Practice Teachers held on 29th November 2017. Wendy described first coming to Edinburgh University to study Social Studies in October 1963, aged just 19 years. She went on to talk about her long career in social work and social work education, and about her longstanding commitment to practice learning. After the conversation, Wendy was presented with the Nora Milnes award for services to social work education at The University of Edinburgh.
Ruth Forbes … in conversation with Judith Brearley
Our second event took place on Thursday 25th January 2018. This time, Ruth Forbes (then BSc programme director) interviewed Judith Brearley. They discussed Judith's time as a medical social worker, Senior Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, psychoanalytic psychotherapist and her ongoing practice as an organisational consultant. Judith was also presented with the Nora Milnes award for services to social work education at The University of Edinburgh.
Gary Clapton … in conversation with Jane Aldgate
The third 'in conversation with' event was held on 26th March 2018, when Professor Jane Aldgate spoke to Dr Gary Clapton. Jane is an alumna of Edinburgh and an expert in child and family welfare. She shared her experiences with an invited audience and talked about a variety of topics, including the development of social work in the UK and the Scottish Government's flagship policy, Getting It Right for Every Child. Jane was presented with the Nora Milnes award for services to social work education at The University of Edinburgh.
John Devaney … in conversation with Viv Cree
The final 'in conversation with' event was held on 26th September 2018. Professor John Devaney introduced Professor Viviene Cree, shortly before her retirement after 26 years on staff at The University of Edinburgh. Viv had been a student at Edinburgh - for her CQSW/Diploma in Social Work in the early 1980s and later for her PhD in Social Work, so there was lots to talk about! Viv has published 14 books on social work and social work education and very many journal articles and book chapters. Her contribution to the daily life of the department will be greatly missed, but she will continue in her new role as Emerita Professor. At the event, Viv gave Vivienne Triseliotis the Nora Milnes award for services to social work education, to mark her work at Edinburgh in the 1950s and 60s.