The internal/external debate: The tensions within social work supervision

INTRODUCTION: Supervision is crucial to social workers’ practice. Within the current managerial social services environment, the supervisor juggles organisational and professional accountabilities—organisational agendas often dominate practitioners’ reflection. In response, alternative types of supervision have emerged, one of which is external supervision.METHODS: This paper analyses qualitative discussions with key informants and supervisory dyads in community-based child welfare services regarding reflective practices in supervision. Internal and external supervision arrangements were discussed in depth relative to their impact on social work practice.FINDINGS: Analysis of discussions identified four themes: the significance of external supervision for building capacity, resilience and confidential reflective space; the role of internal supervision for managerial and organisational agendas; tensions associated with external supervision regarding funding and accountability; and important attributes of the supervisor in successful working relationships.CONCLUSIONS: External supervision is essential for professional competence but considerable inter-organisational variation exists in how this is utilised. Three key considerations emerged: accountabilities of external supervisor, supervisee and internal supervisor towards collaborative practice, evaluation and feedback; purchasing of external supervision; and the professional development of external supervisors. Further education connecting the importance of the supervisory relationship to realise critical thinking and practice development is essential for the future of social work.

Die teologiese debat: Die waarde of betekenis daarvan

The theological debate: Its value and significance With negotiation and debate being the buzz-words of our day, it is of some value to explore, even if only superficially, the structure and tendency of the theological debate in the history of the church. In the theological debate the cardinal issue is the Word of God which determines the word of man. In this light the theological debate can be distinguished as both an internal debate within the church arid an external debate with those outside the church. The substance of the debate is determined largely by the question of the content and significance of the Word of God Since the Word of God is an absolute norm, the theological debate tends to become a statement and, in many cases, does not develop iruo an exchange of ideas or points of view. The theological debate, with its apologetic, explanatory and didactic elements, is however a necessary element in church life. Within its limits it can be a stimulating expression of the faith of the church.

Japan: Law and Ministerial Order Relating to the Handling of Legal Business by Foreign Lawyers

On April 1, 1987, Japan's new system for regulation of activities of foreign lawyers came into effect. After considerable internal and external debate, Japan joined those other jurisdictions that have provided a regularized, limited professional status for foreign lawyers advising on foreign and international law. On May 21, the first three foreign lawyers gained approval from the Ministry of Justice. Meanwhile, in 1986–87, the District of Columbia, Michigan, Hawaii and California joined New York in permitting practice by foreign legal consultants. Similar rules are now pending in Texas as well. The California, District of Columbia and New York rules appear at I.L.M. page 977.