Dictionary honours social work notables

The of contribution social work to society has been recognised by
the new 60-volume Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.

Among the 12,000 notables mentioned in the ODNB’s review of the
past 2,400 years of British history, social work is listed 212
times.

Modern entrants include Kenneth Brill (1911-1991), first general
secretary of the British Association of Social Workers; John Chant
(1938-1995), the director of Somerset social services who grew up
in its care, and is recalled for “probably being the most
influential social work leader of his generation”; and Barbara
Kahan (1920-2000), one of the first children’s officers, who
co-chaired the 1991 Pindown inquiry.

Also listed is Nick Hinton (1942-1997), who led many voluntary
agencies, lived up to his dictum that to effect change in the UK
one should wear a dark suit and think radical thoughts.

Contributors to the dictionary include Chris Davies, director of
Cardiff social services, Sir William Utting, former chief inspector
of social services and Terry Philpot, former Community
Care editor.