Partnership in social work education: a Northern Irish experience

Analyses the experience of partnership in social work education between the University of Ulster and external social work organizations between 1990‐1995. Using a historical perspective, considers key issues associated with this collaborative process, all of which are of fundamental relevance to managers in education. Draws on the author’s own experience as chairperson of the USSET Partnership for four years, making extensive use of documentary evidence such as minutes and policy statements, and consults widely with key personnel in other organizations within the partnership framework. Affords a glimpse of the troubled socio‐political Northern Irish context within which the partnership functions.