A foundation for the future: The concept and implementation of joint training

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Abstract
Joint training between social work and nursing in mental handicap has begun to gain momentum in England. This development, however, has to be placed within the broader social policy context that has an increasingly direct impact upon the way in which all professinal carers, not just social workers, are trained. Various policy trends are outlined and the argument expressed that the experience of joint training in mental handicap provides one possible model for future cooperation in other areas of activity within social work and nursing. A brief overview of the development of joint training through the 19 80s is presented, identifying two distinct periods of activity 1982 to 1985 and 1986 to the present This is followed by results from a 1988 survey of joint training for unqualified staff in 26 social service and health agencies. Four issues are identified: determining priorities, use of open learning packages, selecting staff for training, and monitoring of courses. Issues such as these are not unique to joint training, but reflect the organisational and political pressures faced by any initiative. We emphasise the need for a genuine commitment to tackling obstacles if the potential benefits of joint training for both consumers and professionals are to be realised.

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