When:

22nd June 2006, 05:00PM

Where:

Demos

Professionals are more important than they have ever been.  We give them the licence to split up families and we send people to prison on their word.  However, there is a danger that professionalism is outgrowing its legitimacy.  Why are doctors able to deny people the right to die?  What gives judges the right to interpret human rights?  To resolve these questions, we need a new approach to professionals that casts them neither as selfless experts nor producer interests.

The essays in this collection seek to describe this approach, drawing examples from across the public sector and beyond.  They show how encounters between citizens and professionals can help them to build autonomy together.  In the process, they begin to outline an approach to service reform that combines a productive relationship with professionals with a strong emphasis on the rights of those they serve.

The launch will include a chance to hear from Richard Sennett on professionalism, followed by a panel discussion about the issues the collection raises. 

If you would like to attend, please email Alyssa.joye@demos.co.uk.
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