The near global implementation of public sector and social welfare reform as a result of neoliberal economic reform has impacted on social work and social inequality. State strategies to reduce social Corresponding author: Gary Spolander, Charles Ward Building, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK. Email: g.spolander@coventry.ac.uk 524964I SW0010.1177/0020872814524964International Social WorkSpolander et al. research-article2014Article 302 International Social Work 57(4)and economic inequality are being challenged and rolled back. This article uses the reflections from a six-country EU-funded social work research collaboration to promote debate and compare global social work perspectives, to highlight the complexity of research, to explore implications for practice and the Global Agenda. It concludes by highlighting that global comparisons are complex, multifaceted and that political, cultural and economic context is critical to develop effective responses.

Whilst 50% of child protection workers across much of Europe and the affluent 'West' leave after 2 years, many stay and develop substantial professional careers. This paper discusses research in Italy, Sweden and England examining what factors explain 'remaining' for more than 3 years in this stressful job. Underpinned by a hermeneutic epistemology, qualitative interviews were undertaken and subject to an interpretative thematic analysis. The findings proved to be complex and multi-layered and this paper presents an overview of these. The theoretical framework for the project mainly drew on organizations and resilience, and the initial sections of the paper consider how formulations of resilience as contextual and relational can elucidate professional sustainability. Organisational issues are considered, including the impact of work management, of supervision and of allocation in different national contexts. The paper also focuses on the role of friendships and informal support at work. Threaded through these established themes are more, perhaps surprising, concepts: e.g. creativity, power, reflexive spaces and interpersonal relations as explanatory of remaining in child protection work.

An emerging global consciousness and rising attention given to international social work development has seen the recognition of comparative research within the profession. Understanding the functioning and organisation of social work within various country contexts is critical in order to formulate knowledge around its overall impact, successes and challenges, allowing social workers to learn from one another and build professional consolidation. The profession is mapped out in 10 countries, reflecting on its structure, identity and development. Although the profession is developing globally, it is also experiencing significant challenges. Key insights, conclusions and recommendations for future research are presented.

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ResumenCon la presente contribución se pretende abordar el tema de la práctica reflexiva en el ámbito del trabajo social. Las teorizaciones sobre la reflexividad, si bien numerosas y heterogéneas, pueden agruparse en torno a conceptos clave de «conocimiento» y «sociedad». Para pasar de la teoría de la reflexividad a la práctica de la reflexividad es necesario estructurar el propio análisis identificando objetivo, niveles y herramientas propias de un «trabajador social reflexivo» capaz de conectar, en un ciclo sin fin, experiencia, reflexión y acción. Es útil focalizar tal actividad en específicos eventos particularmente significativos, es decir en «eventos críticos», como por ejemplo los propios errores profesionales. Esta reflexión se puede llevar a cabo como momento de meditación con uno mismo, especialmente cuando es articulada a través de la utilización de «estructuras» reflexivas (consistentes en baterías de preguntas), pero aún más provechoso resulta ser el beneficio obtenido de una de las numerosas formas disponibles (analíticas o creativas) de escritura reflexiva. Existe además una dimensión colectiva de la reflexión que permite también prevenir situaciones de burnout y ampliar el propio «campo visual» en la práctica cotidiana.Palabras clave: Reflexividad, práctica reflexiva, eventos críticos, error, organizaciones de aprendizaje AbstractThis article explores the issue of reflective practice in social work. Theories on reflexivity are numerous and heterogeneous, but can be grouped around the key concepts of «knowl-edge» and «society.» To move from theory on reflexivity to practice of reflexivity it is necessary to structure our analysis by identifying the subject, levels and tools of a «reflective social worker» who is able to connect experience, reflection and action in an endless cycle. It is worthwhile to focus on an activity in specific and particularly significant events, in other words, on «critical events» such as professional errors. This reflection can be made as a moment of self-meditation, especially when it is articulated through the use of «frameworks» for reflection (consisting of sets of questions) however, the benefits can be increased by using one of the many available forms (analytical or creative) of reflective writing. There is also a collective dimension of reflection. This can also prevent burnout situations and expand our «vi-sion» on daily practice.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated socioeconomic crisis are posing unprecedented challenges both globally and locally, raising many unknowns and imposing difficult trade-offs. One of the side effects of this pandemic, with the ensuing physical distancing rules and quarantine, has been the condition of isolation that is affecting vulnerable populations disproportionately across the world. Against this background, one of the major tasks for social work is to keep up connections, find new ways to sustain relations and networks, and mitigate against inescapable feelings of loneliness and their consequences. Social workers themselves are affected personally and professionally by this crisis, facing new living and working conditions. They experience feelings of uncertainty, fear, and the risk of isolation. The aim of this paper is to present examples of practices intended to promote a sense of community, as such a shared emotion can support present and future social workers. These examples serve to underline how, now more than ever, a central challenge for social work is to strengthen the professional community, find ways to overcome isolation and 'to take care of those who care'.

DARSIG promises to be a useful mechanism for the purpose.