The Routledge Handbook of Service User Involvement in Human Services Research and Education

"The first book on service user involvement in education and research that highlights its methodological and theoretical issues. It’s impressive in its scope with the presentation of case-studies from all over the globe. With its reflections on what works in practice, it is a significant contribution to the contemporary debate of co-working with service users in human services education and research."

Dr Kristel Driessens, Head Centre of Expertise ‘Strengths Based Social Work’, Karel de Grote Hogeschool, Antwerp, Belguim

"This book that locates service user involvement in a historical and political context. The theoretical discussions in the book are followed by case presentations from different nations where efforts to implement user involvement in education and/ or research are discussed. To say that service user involvement is a very important thing, and that it is necessary, is not the same as saying that it makes a difference-this book begins to provide the evidence of the impact it can make."

Ole Petter Askheim, Professor, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences

"As a ‘user’, lecturer, author and social debater, it feels ‘obvious’ that social colleges work actively with experiential knowledge in education, but as a ‘user-representative’, I know that it is unfortunately far from ‘obvious’. The challenge is to take notice of the very useful experience for people to learn from me as a human being, a not scientific experiment. The knowledge of how to make the most of user competence in a proven and dignified way is available and this book provides an excellent basis for taking the form of such an ambition."

Malin Widerlöv, User Lecturer

"Service User involvement has been central to the process of updating the Global Standards for Social Work Education and Training. The IFSW/IASSW global consultation has revealed that, despite some progress in Service User involvement in research and education, there is a dearth of relevant literature. This seminal collection of essays helps bridge such gap. The editors of this handbook have managed to collect, document and analyse unique examples of Service User involvement in education and research. Crucially, the book also provides a powerful contextualisation of the barriers service users have faced in academic and research contexts. The authors make a passionate case for the necessity of genuine and meaningful co-production of knowledge. This is an essential handbook for all academics, students, service users and activists interested in co-production and the creation of inclusive and empowering academic environments."

Vasilios Ioakimidis, Professor of Social Work- Head of Allied Health, Oral Health and Social Work, University of Essex. IFSW Global Commissioner- Interim Education Commission