This thesis is concerned with social work purpose and identity in international contexts. It explores the perspectives of social workers, social work academics and policy makers in the Philippines and of Filipino social workers who moved to England to undertake the ‘same’ job.

This thesis explores how Resilient Therapy (RT) a published approach to operationalizing the findings of resilience research was introduced to formal kinship carers who are looking after children who have experienced abuse and neglect. The RT approach is underpinned by four key principles and it has five domains that can be used by parents and professionals as an aide memoire to inform practice. The research examined the question: How can an RT approach be implemented in support of kinship care practice?

Seaside resorts’ fortunes have changed over the past half a century, and as a consequence many of the towns’ physical environments and inhabitants have altered. Many grew in population size through in-migration, particularly as a result of retirement, which took over from the holiday industry as a process that changed the socio-economic and cultural structures of these places. Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex is among those seaside towns that have undergone such changes, fuelled by exogenous forces but also influenced by key agencies actions that have been a catalyst for altering the physical environment which encouraged the in-migration of middle-life people and the retired. This thesis analyses the effect of these changes and the role key agencies have had. In particular, it argues the changing nature of retirement in-migration of ‘middle-lifers’ (aged 50-70), those approaching or entering retirement, has had a profound effect on the town. This thesis disputes conventional retirement migration theories identifying a new form of ‘lifestyle-affirming’ migration.

The aim of this research project is to critically investigate the intersection between british asylum policy and social care practice. The study evaluates normative frameworks present in the policy documents related to social care provision to asylum seekers and refugees, explores how front line social care workers' practice aligns with those policies, and looks into the consequences of their assessments and interventions on the lives of asylum seekers and refugees in England.